Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

45 minutes • Admission Included

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

4.33

1,025 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

640

200

104

Great view of cave and glow worms
Daryl G,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Good mix of touring through mature cave with stalagmites and stalactites along with seeing the glow worms. Great examples of how the glow worms system works to catch bugs and create the lights.
a bit dissapointing
960christ,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
it is a very short experience, you did not get to see much. I should advice go for the 1.5 hour Ruakuri cave, there you may also make pictures.
Awesome Glow Worm Waitomo Cave Tour
G7691NPteresal,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Steve was a wonderful guide for this tour and he has a beautiful voice when testing the acoustics of the cave. He was knowledgeable, funny and kind. He is a 10 out of 10. The tour was great and we saw thousands of glow worms in the cave.
aprehensive at first but great from start to finish
753maryo,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
great experience ,guide was informative and entertaining . For some one who does not like going into caves it was grand big open caves no tight spaces
Fairy and grandiose cave ...
jeanlouisv181,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Passing here to visit with my son these famous caves, it was really magical, dazzling setting it reminds me of our caves of Périgord Noir in Dordogne ( France ). It's a shame when you can't film, but I understand. Small boat tour inside and a super friendly guide. Always fairytale. Bravo for the ride u
Out of the world .
Ankur K,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
What an experience . The glow worm caves will blow your mind away . The stalagmites and stalactites formation were also very good .
Beautiful place, awesome...
Srey K,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Beautiful place, awesome experience for kids. Feel like we were in the Jurassic movie where dinosaurs lives there. Awesome 💓
caves
smit b,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
best out of all my experience so everyone can go and enjoy the waitamo caves experience i loving it.
Twinkling glow worms light up the cave!
20kathyg,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Seeing the twinkling glowworms in the cave was a thrilling and unique spectacle. Knowing that the proceeds go to the Maori family who discovered the cave was satisfying. Once in a lifetime event in the natural world should not to be missed. Inspired awe in our Creator’s artistry.
Magical boat ride under a glowing ceiling.
781kathrynz,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I liked the fact that the caves were family owned and the daughter who'd grown up there was our guide. Please note, the parking lot has a steep walk up to the cave entrance, where there are some stairs, and there were stairs inside the cave, but it was manageable for my husband and me who are both in our 70s. They do have a drop-off/handicapped parking lot closer to the entrance. I think there are other tours in the area with fewer inclines and steps, but the timing didn't work for our schedule. May want to consider the times tours are available prior to planning your full itinerary. However, seeing the glow worms on the boat ride was magical, and I'd go again.