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
1,071 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful
Vanessa S,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! We loved the cave with the glowworms. Especially my son (four years old) really enjoyed it!
Don’t go
Martin G,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The tour guide had no enthusiasm, the groups were so close together you had to wait for the group in front to double back past you. At each stop point you were given some information, lights switched off and back on too quickly. The boat journey was pathetic. They squeezed us all onto the boat. At this point we were told to be quiet as it disturbed the gloworms!!! We could hear the group in front being disembarked and asking questions. We then had to wait for the empty boat to come back past us to the start point. All in the tour lasted 30 minutes but a good 50% was waiting for other groups. Very disappointing and expensive.
Glowworm Caves and Boat Tour
dougcW3994UH,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awe inspiring experience walking through the caves, hearing their history, and then the magical boat ride beneath the light of the glow worms.
Dangerous boat ride.
Trip09878426644,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The tour went great until the boat ride. The guide was young but great with the group during the walking part. However, when we got to the boat it was clear he was inexperienced and not briefed on safety. The boat guide before ours made a comment to him before going out that it was ‘dangerously dark’ out on the water but he took us out anyway. It had been raining heavily so the water level was high and we got stuck and disoriented. It was a very scary experience.
Wonderful experience 🙂
451josiem,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience which we are glad we did. Our guide was very knowledgeable and humorous.
Beautiful experience!
Lindsey G,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mesmerising experience- the caves are beautiful and seeing the glow worms was magical. Our guide Zeppelin was so brilliant, knowledgeable and funny! I'd highly recommend Waitomo- such a unique and special place. I have visited several times and it never disappoints- this time was my 7 year old daughter's first trip, she was nervous in the darkness of the caves but was really cheered up by Zeppelin pointing out rocks that looked like some of her favourite characters, like E.T and Spongebob- a fabulous guide. Once in the boat my daughter was in awe of the bioluminesence produced by the glow worms and has told everyone all about her special trip. Thanks for making lasting memories for us Waitomo, we'll be back again for sure :)
Very cool experience
geraldo334,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was very knowledgeable and the experience was wonderful. Tummy was his nickname. During the walk in the caves he explained how they were formed, their history and how the glow worms live. Then the boat ride showed the light show.
Lovely experience for visitors from overseas
Passport28360820821,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely setting, exciting boat ride almost like looking at the stars. Lovely guide, Ashton, looked after us all, entertained and informed us.
Glow worms and caves
Cathy F,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Limestone caves were amazing! Guide was very knowledgeable. Not really impressed with the glow worms...were they real????
Great caves never mind the gloworms
Jennyb2508,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour started outside the cave, where the knowledgable guide shared information on the rock formation etc. As well as seeing a mass of glowworms on the ceiling when travelling through the dark in a boat, we initially saw an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites whilst walking to the boat. The caves themselves are impressive even if they hadn’t had the glowworms. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group