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
1,103 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour - Cory did a...
Josine W,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great tour - Cory did a great job. Make sure you can go up and down stairs, are not afraid of the dark and are able to sit down and get up in a boat. Follow directions - DO NOT TOUCH THE ROCKS AND KEEP YOUR VOICE LOW.
Glowworms are cool
thetartanpassport,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Had a good experience here and I cannot fault our tour guide (so sorry I’ve forgotten her name) who I think was new to the job but was lovely. The boat trip at the end through the glowworm caves was nice, if not a bit repetitive with the spinning, but it was kind of ruined by fellow visitors who obviously did not listen when our guide said we all had to be completely silent. I enjoyed seeing the glowworms though. It’s maybe worth visiting here if you’re combining it with something else (we visited here as part of a day trip to Hobbiton).
Family-friendly, unique experience.
henrycX2265AY,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lovely, compact tour with a short walk through the caves with an expert guide, eventually reaching the lazy river for an amazing float through the Glowworms. Very family-friendly.
It is a slow and quiet...
Wendy H,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a slow and quiet experience. Relax and soak up the atmosphere and the amazing glow worms. No photos and no talking gives you time to really absorb the beauty
Great adventure
SimonM P,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was very good be wairy some areas are a bit slippery It went quicker than we expected surprise surprise they take a few pictures of you for a fee
Captivating experience
James W,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Cave is somewhat difficult to navigate due to darkness and multiple steps. Guide was both informative and entertaining.
Must absolutely do
Theo R,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best experience when in New Zealand’s north island. The guide was knowledgeable and the caves amazing.
Surfing
fbv3844,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Very mixed on this visit where only the last 10 minutes in the dark and with the appearance of glow worms are interesting , pity that the photos are forbidden because at the exit they sell you these same photos with yours (taken before entry) inlaid. Regarding the stalactites and stalagmites, quite ordinary, nothing comparable with the choranche caves in the Alpine Vercors
Awesome
Melody M,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very special but can’t take photos …. Understandably. Staff are lovely the worms are welcoming 🤣 must do!
Poor value for money
Nicola D,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Most of the tour of 45 mins is walking through caves learning about them. Last 10 mins is the boat ride viewing the glow worms which is partly spinning in a circle so ride is a minimal part of the tour. Poor value for money
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group