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
1,017 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Magical boat ride under a glowing ceiling.
781kathrynz,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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.
Great trip - would recommend
genuinemum,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00So glad we took the time to do this. Good parking opposite (steepish climb back up hill). You don’t need special shoes ((trainers fin) or clothing for this trip (although there’s the odd drip from ceiling - maybe more when it’s raining). You go down steps slowly to acclimatise eyes and allow you to see the glow worms. Short boat trip but it’s amazing to see the glow worms & good explanation of how everything was formed. Would definitely recommend.
Waitomo
kenzob278,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience would recommend. amazing guild cup of tea
Nice Tour
debbieweiss333,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Booking process was very easy and flexible. People at the Caves were friendly and helpful. Our guide was knowledgeable. I understand the need to not contaminate the glowworms and their habitat, but I had hoped for a longer, more detailed experience.
Well organized visit...
Mie V,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized visit to the cave and the shiny worms. First a walk through the caves and then staring up in silence from a small boat.
Disappointing with dominant guides
cu0re0408,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Disappointing. The guides are very dominant and simply tell what they are telling. This has nothing to do with a guided boat tour. You walk through slippery stalactite caves with little opportunity to hold on. Don't think about looking for a foothold anywhere. The guide will louden up and kick you out. In the end you could sit in a boat for a few minutes and was taken 10 meters to the exit. You could see some lights. Photography not allowed.
Wonderful experience
Kendra W,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well worth the visit. The boat ride was a highlight and the guide we had was very welcoming and informative.
Buried stars
Desiree F,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful cave with star-like Grlüwmchen colonies. It's a short tour but you won't see anything like that again so quickly! Definitely pays off!
Great Experience
L14RH,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had a lovely time on the standard 45 minute tour. Our tour guide, Rhea, was great. She was fun and interesting without talking for too long. We walked through the caves stopping at various points throughout and finished with a short boat trip. It was great seeing the glowworms and this is certainly the best way to do it if you are short on time. I would recommend booking in advance if you want a specific date or time as it does get booked up.
A wonderful experience
Elna G,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It is a very interesting and fun experience. The guide also had a very nice story and the trip by boat was beautiful
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group