Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave Experience - Small Group Tour From Auckland
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Get the most out of your visit with a package to explore more than just one unforgettable cave at Waitomo in this small group day tour from Auckland. Visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a must-do experience, with the Arachnocampa Luminosa species of glowworm only found in New Zealand. This most popular combo combines the famous Waitomo glowworm cave with a walking tour of the stunning Ruakuri Cave providing an ultimate Waitomo caving experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
Easy and good fitness level required.
This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave so bring your camera to click the best shots.
No backpacks or large bags allowed in cave due to delicate formations.
Please do not touch the formation in the cave as it discoloured easily, please help us protect our cave.
You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.
What‘s Included
Leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature
Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
Complimentary refreshments and water on board
Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
Admission to fully guided 45 minutes experience Waitomo Glow Worm Cave
Luxurious temperature controlled transportation
Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the the iconic Glow-worm Caves
Admission to fully guided 90 minutes experience Waitomo Ruakuri Cave
Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
Experience top best North Island destinations in one day on an all-encompassing tour
Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Go deeper into the story as you descend the dramatic spiral entrance
Discover Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour as you explore Ruakuri Cave
Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
Marvel at unique rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glow-worms
Be captivated by the thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat
A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head!
Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Waitomo Ruakuri Cave (SMG)
Pickup included
Reviews
41 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10 Tour!
L1815MLchristinah,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour with our guide Karthik was very informative and truly special! He is very knowledgeable and knows exactly how to present information in an engaging and accessible way. In addition to the wonderful cave tours, we also had the opportunity (after asking) to take a spontaneous trip to a local zoo, where we saw kiwi birds for the first time. Overall an amazing experience!! Can absolutely recommend.
Definitely Recommend This Tour
P5981QHsophiem,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was well worth it. Our tour guide Karthik was very informative, focused on keeping everyone safe and even spontaneously fulfilled our extra wish to see some Kiwis. Thank you for a great day!
Wonderful tour small group tour of the caves.
Wander603270,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thought this tour was excellent. Our guide Karthik was engaging and knowledgeable. The caves were stunning. A full day but totally worth the drive. We would highly recommend this to friends.
Waitomo caves and glow worm boat ride.
kurtissk79,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour and guide! The glow worm caves and boat ride were exceptional. Highly recommend! Our guide Marty was a wonderful guide. Very friendly, organized, and knowledgable.
Enjoyed both caves. Marty was a fun and reliable driver. Beautiful scenery on the trip there and back.
Lori J,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed both caves. Marty was a fun and reliable driver. Trip to and from Auckland was very scenic. The cave tours were different.
Tour of the caves were...
Justin P,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Tour of the caves were great! Knowing what we know now would have just went with a larger group tour as it is more to drive you to and from the city and between the caves. Tour noted we would not get back until 7; we were back in Auckland by 4:00 pm.
Best memories
Culture34539044972,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such a fun memory! The guide was friendly and had a great time! Thank you very much.
A great tour and guide
R7840HPjacobb,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip! Everything went as planned and Mary was a great guide— very friendly and fun to talk with! Would highly recommend this to others!
Very enjoyable, informative and pleasant experience.
Compass13453070769,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mary was very engaging and informative pointing out places of interest and some history behind it which made the drive more interesting.
Marty was AMAZING!!!
Ben W,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marty was an absolute joy to spend the day with. Such a knowledgeable host, incredibly friendly and very accommodating. We had many questions and asked for local recommendations on all sorts of things and he was happy to give us advice and made many suggestions we hadn’t thought of.
From NZ$475.00
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