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
1,118 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
well worth a visit
RAY W,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00good guide good tour a lot of cave walking but not so much of worm watching the overnight chalets were good
Fun for All !
B1172AEandrewb,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide was excellent for explaining all of the educational aspects and made things fun with humour and breaking the ice techniques.
Quick, neat, informative....
Matthew S,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Quick, neat, informative. The glowworms were very cool. Tiny boat ride was fun. Guide was funny and nice
Magical experience
Will B,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mere was amazing! A wonderful start to the day, we did the 8am and would recommend as seemed quieter as the first of the day.
Liked the glowworms and boat ride at the end
SusanC4948,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this and the Ruakuri Cave tours about 6 weeks out. They say to checkin in 30 mins earlier which we did and that was fine. They actually allowed us to start 10 mins earlier (we did book quite early morning tours as we stayed at Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge which I recommend). We then followed with the Ruakuri Cave tour (see seperate review) and I followed their advice to book for 30 mins earlier than the next tour so I allowed an hour which wasn't needed. I was told the 30 mins between tours (what ever the booking system allowed you) was sufficient and we didn't need to count travelling time. The tour is informative and tells you a lot about glowworms. Some interesting history of the Maori and Europeans who started this enterprise. I really liked the boat ride at the end. Very ethereal, so quiet. Photos are only allowed in the very last section (which does include some glowworms) but you can buy your digital photos with various background which I did (photo junkie that I am).
A great family experience
Lucy S,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organised! Get there in good time and there is a brilliant shop and cafe to spend your time in before your tour. Tour guide was so informative and really helpful around the caves and getting us into the boat. We went with two children (8&10) and was a great experience for them!
Interesting stop
readingteach627,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was an interesting stop on our recent trip to New Zealand. The cave tour was interesting. Note that you are NOT allowed to take photos inside the cave. There is a coffee bar and nice gift shop on site.
Excellent
Hayley H,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So beautiful! Stay quiet in the caves so others can enjoy a truly magical experience! Getting in the boat and silently steering under the amazing starry glow-worms was the best. Ace, our guide, was funny, an excellent singer and informative.
Danny did an excellent...
Coy B,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Danny did an excellent job. The glow worms were amazing. Very quiet and peaceful in the cave. Well worth the cost
Excellent experience
Andrew J,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience and a very easy company to communicate with. A must do if in the area. Wasn't and fun, good value too.
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group