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
1,062 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ace keep on singing!
matth asp2019,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Indescribable experience. I don’t want to even try to put it into words. Incredible scenery and nature. Our guide (Ace) was fun and secure. And he is a much better singer than he thinks, good tone, good volume, only lacks confidence (I’m in a choir so I know).
Proud to show Waitomo Caves to our overseas visitors
Passport28360820821,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Friendly warm greeting from the ticket young lady. Our guide, Ashton, was excellent, funny, informative, and took good care of us all. Beautiful trip on the boat viewing hundreds of glow worms
Worth it to see the glow worms.
granarygirl2016,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The set up felt a bit chaotic and disorganised. The cave tour is very short and in itself underwhelming if you have seen other ' famous' limestone caves BUT it is worth it to see the glow worms .
Best experience.
Adrienne E,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great place to see the flow worms. You need to be able to get in and out of a boat, though pretty stable, and climb stairs. You will have an awesome time and the guides are wonderful.
Really worth it tour!
Journey483562,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really special. Great tour guide! Timing was great! Cave is gorgeous!
An awesome experience
Lady F,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00"Visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves was absolutely exceptional. Our guide was truly wonderful, she sang a traditional Māori song that made the atmosphere feel even more special. The boat ride in the dark, with the glowworms lighting up the cave like a starry sky, was just fantastic. It's an experience I’d highly recommend to anyone!"
Glowworms boattour - Ashton did great!!
elisabethlS2974VR,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have been on a guided tour in the caves and it was SO beautiful!! Ashton, our guide, made the experience present, entertaining and enlightening. Although we had chosen the shorter 45-minute ride, we still experienced the caves, the cruise through the quiet and very moving and beautiful waters, where you could only hear yourself breathe. Great recommendation - and thanks for a great experience, Ash ✨
Our glowing review
Michael D,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Met all expectations. The guide and experience was wonderful. Highly recommend this activity. Very well done.
Disappointing, exorbitant price
jacky cleuziou,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00For us who had visited magnificent caves in the south-west of France it seems quite insignificant, by its size and content. The only poetic moment: the 10 minutes by boat and the spectacle of glow worms. Exorbitant price for the little to see. Since visits follow each other every 10 minutes in groups of about twenty people it is a real money pump and therefore they could still offer a guided tour in languages other than English in the morning and afternoon.
Absolutely breathtaking
Thomas Z,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The photos don't do it justice! The guides are amazing and have great knowledge! We would definitely like to come back and experience this again
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group