Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above on this 45-minute group guided tour, as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Many of the current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original, iconic New Zealand attraction.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Bring comfortable waking shoes and a warm jacket
You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs .
Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability
No photography allowed
Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as the expert guides provide informative commentary on their historical and geological significance to the region. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveler. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 125 years of cultural and natural history. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its spectacular formations and acoustics. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
What‘s Included
Local guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour: Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above, as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Reviews
1,154 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Glowworm
Hemant B,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a very wonderful experience in the cave. The tour guide was very friendly and helpful. There was ample parking.
99%
Vacationer778844,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was too good. Arrangement was great. We enjoyed the trip it was worth going
Magical Caves, Slightly Overhyped Glowworms
Louisa R,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The caves were easily one of the most unique experiences we’ve had so far—full of incredible history and natural beauty. The glowworms aren’t quite as dense as the marketing images suggest, but the experience is still stunning and well worth the drive from Auckland.
Excellent tour
Jackie S,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was well organised and Tummy our tour guide was brilliant.. the caves were great and the glowworms amazing to see!! Great day out for all ages.
Fantasy and reality" A fascinating mute!
Miguemex,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This has been one of the most fascinating experiences I have ever had, having said the above throughout the word. You descend in the caves and there in the bowels of the earth where darkness reigns and when you reach an underground river you board a boat, and soon a large vault of work of the whim of nature extends, when you look towards it, you contemplate what can be concepted as constellations, that which "celestial vault" marvel your environment, are work of bioluminescence of the endemic larvae, are fantasy and reality: A surreal world in the depths of the earth! Enjoy Witomo Cves because: LIFE...is a JOURNEY! Suggestions: - The contemplation experience is imbued in your memory and NOT in the photographs of the phone or camera so I recommend to buy postcards in the souvenir shop of site, it will be the option to keep in material image the experience. - Another option is the photography kit they offer.
Great experience with kids.
Reuben N,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great and Amazing for a 4 year old. And even for me. i feel it was like staring at the cosmos in a cave. Definitely a worthwhile visit
Jacob
Janice W,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jacob was fun. He spun some good yarns. Tried to get groups together in the boat when he could. Very polite.
Amazing but maybe just a little overhyped
Dhruva G,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Alright so it’s definitely a fun experience but it’s quite overhyped. The glow worms don’t quite look like what’s in the promotional pictures and the brochures. But it’s still quite a sight to see. Once you’re actually in the boat, you’re left wishing that the experience lasted a little longer. But all things said and done, I’d still recommend it if you’re an hour’s drive from Waitomo and haven’t seen the glow worms at all. Our guide was very knowledgeable, funny and friendly which made the experience more worthwhile!
Not worth it.
Delaney P,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Beautiful, but definitely not worth it. Very expensive (around $165 for two people) for what it is, and even though it is a 45 minute tour, it is just standing (or sitting) in one of 3 rooms (2 of which have no gloworms). The boat tour (10 minutes) is the best part, and very nice, but it is just rowing around in circles in the same small room. Definitely better options for cheaper in the area. It is no wonder why they forbid you from taking photos... The gift shop was not great - gloworm keychains for $41.90 is a bit excessive. The tour guide, was great though!
Wonderful tour to see glowworms for the first time
rochelleforster,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This touristy tour is well worth it. Glow worms are endemic to NZ (and maybe Australia but we did not see them there) . Waitomo is about 2 hours from Auckland so we drove there and stayed overnight, booking tour for the following morning. We walked down to stalagmite/stalagmite cave. Then took a boat in the pitch dark, piloted by hand by a local to see glowworms on cave ceiling. In the silence, it felt very mystical and wondrous. (this is 1 of 3 places we know of to see glowworms in NZ and the only area in the north island; there is 1 tourist spot in south island; also the glow worm dell in hokitiki, where we walked 5 minutes into the forest). The tour area is very organized and there is a cafe there for a snack afterwards.
From NZ$81.00
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