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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

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Overview

Available languages

English

45 minutes

Mobile ticket

Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above on this 45-minute, small 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‘s Included

Local guide

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

What To Expect

1

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.

45 minutes • Admission Included

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Waitomo Glowworm Cave 25/26

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.

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

4.33

915 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

572
179
94
36
34
  • Glow worms in the dark

    Michelle Z,

    Sep 8, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The glow worms are definitely worth seeing. It was a cool experience to see the glow worms in the boat. The cave part of the tour seemed to be mostly filler.

  • Excellent tour guides,...

    Sara W,

    Sep 8, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Excellent tour guides, definitely got the wow factor when you see the glowworms, nice cafe to finish off the experience

  • Magical

    Brianna A,

    Sep 6, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Perfect length and amount of information without it being boring. A beautiful and serene experience. The boat portion is magical and like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. Excellent value for money.

  • Interesting tour of the...

    Patricia M,

    Aug 26, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    Interesting tour of the caves & the guide was entertaining and keen to interact / answer our questions. Definitely wear sensible flat shoes; it is slippery and there are a few staircases. We enjoyed the tour.

  • The tour was great. Our...

    Grace G,

    Aug 18, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The tour was great. Our guide was also amazing even sang us a Māori song. Only thing was a member of our groups baby was crying during the boat ride which was supposed to be a peaceful and tranquil experience. This is not the company’s fault but it may be useful to put a sign that says something like infants under one year old are advised to remain with parents on land. This is just my experience.

From NZ$79.00

4.33
915 reviews
Check availability

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