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
1,085 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great experience
glenn p,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00On the whole we had a good experience but the staff turned that into a fantastic experience.
Waitomo Caves
traceybU2816LB,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was amazing, very informative with a great sense of humour. Spectacular stalactites and the glow worms were incredible. Very enjoyable.
Poor value for money and certainly not a 45min tour you pay for.
MarkM2548,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Very disappointing and a rip off. Paid for the 45 min tour and booked for 5:10. After 10min check and safety briefing we walked through the caves. Stopped twice before going on the boat. The glow worms were great to see, but the only highlight. Walked through the shop and under the tunnel to the campervan. Sat down and it was 5:42! The tour lasted 25-30mins max! Not much of a car experience (which was a shame) and could have been more informative on the glow worms. Even a museum would have been nice. Unfortunately this was about collecting money and not about a great unique experience. Would not recommend and suggest going elsewhere to see glow worms and there are certainly better caves to be seen.
Great!!! I would definitely recommend this tour.
Abbas R,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An awesome experience & very informative. The tour guide was nice & friendly & answered all the questions.
Bubba was awesome! DO the tour!!
Mehlmane4,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience!! Very much worth doing the tour to see the 100s of glow worms and learning the history and biology. Our guide, Bubba was hilarious and so knowledgeable. The free caves you can walk were good to do as well, but it was well worth paying for this tour!!! You cannot take photos, so get them on the other cave walk.
Beautiful Experience
Cindy W,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was excellent- so many interesting stories and he engaged with the group. The boat ride was wonderful and it did not feel like an assembly line to me. I know some reviews state others felt rushed. I did not. I thought it flowed beautifully and was efficient giving each group their dedicated time.
Worth it!
James S,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great place to visit. It includes a cave tour, the history, the boat tour in the dark looking at the glowworms.
A Must To Do
Peggy H,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guide (sorry I don’t remember his name). Beautiful walk down to the Limestone Caves before taking our little non-powered boat on the underground river to see the Glow Warms. Definitely a must to do.
Glow worm fantastic !
Andrew D,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Book later in the day and avoid the coaches. Our guide ‘cup of tea’ was entertaining and well informed
Glowworms okay but short boat ride
Robert G,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The facility is quite nice and laid out well. The glowworms performed as advertised. The disappointing aspect was that we only viewed one cave where there was an abundance of glowworms. It was a short boat ride.
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group