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
WGC 01 October 2026-30 Sept27
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
1,159 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Magical Experience
janel765,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The glow worm tunnel was an absolute must on our Honeymoon Bucketlist whilst road tripping in our Jucy Camper. Because we were travelling up from the South Island and were unsure of time frames, we foolishly didnt book tickets before arriving and missed out on tickets the day we arrived. Thankfully we had the flexibility being in a camper and got a ticket for the next day and took the opportunity to explore the nearby Kiwi Park and Hamilton. I bring this up only to suggest to other travellers to ensure you get tickets to avoid disappointment if you do have a stricter timeline. The parking was plentiful, however there is a bit of a walk on incline up to the centre, so if you arent physically fit, it is recommended you get dropped up the top and have the driver park for you. The overall experience was great from the get go. Our guides were funny and informative and we enjoyed some history whilst walking through the ancient cave system. When we reached the boats, the dark cave lit up by the glow worms was ethereal and nothing short of magic. You absolutely need to include this experience whilst travelling to New Zealand as it was an amazing thing to behold and wont be forgotten.
Amazing and serene. Excellent.
Chris K,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ash was such a great guide and a modest (though very good) singer. The caves were very impressive and Ash’s stories were very funny. The glow worms were amazing and the boat ride was so serene. We had a lot of fun. A great day.
Enjoyable!
Leilah Hillman,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience and enjoyable activity to do when in Waitomo. AJ was a stellar guide and calm demeaning was welcoming. Excellent information provided!
Excellent experience!
gisele s,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience with a knowledgeable guide. It was really good from start to finish. Very informative.
Amazing
748kyliem,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Loved our guide and his knowledge.
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.
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group