Tours/Waitomo/Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Viator · group up to 23 pax

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

4.3(1,211)Waitomo1 hour
VIATOR4.6(456)TRIPADVISOR4.2(755)

Description

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.

Tour 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.
WGC 01 October 2026-30 Sept27

Itinerary

Admission included45 min

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.

Highlights

Local guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)

What's included

Included
Local guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Not included
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Traveller Ratings

4.3
1,211 reviews
5
764
4
237
3
116
2
54
1
40

Important Information

  • 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

Reviews(1,211)

L
Leanne_S
August 16, 2026
Spectacular sight

Absolutely amazing, what a wonderful tour and very well organised. The sight of the worms glowing whilst sitting in the boat in absolute darkness is a sensation to the senses.

B
Becky_M
August 16, 2026
Short but interesting

Although the boat part of the trip is quite short (10 minutes?) we walked through the cave and saw beautiful formations along with the glow worms. I believe they should not allow young babies, as one cried/screamed on our entire experience, which almost ruined it for us.

A
Ashlee_G
August 15, 2026
Was an amazing experience...

Was an amazing experience Danny was our guide absolutely loved it I recommend it, you can’t take any photos inside the cave

R
Rebecca_B
August 14, 2026
This was a really cool...

This was a really cool tour with an interesting history and overall beautiful experience seeing the glow worms

A
abdullaaN3571DD
August 10, 2026
Trip to cave

Not worth the time we drive from Auckland to it … nothing interesting… it’s new to us … but was not worth it at all

S
samantha_M
August 9, 2026
Waitomo Glowworm Cave

The tour guide was amazing (Ashta, not sure how to write). I felt as having the stars within arms reach. I’d like to come back to see the others caves :)

S
SajinGeorge_A
August 2, 2026
A Beautiful Must try Experience

It was an amazing experience. Being able to see how the glowworms live and how the people take care of them as well. Definitely a must try for everyone who can go to see them.

J
James_M
July 26, 2026
Amazing!

Amazing experience! Our guide was so good (can’t remember his name unfortunately). Would recommend this to everyone.

S
Sien_D
July 17, 2026
Recommended

An interesting trip through the cave with a beautiful view of glow worms. An ideal way to discover the cave in a peaceful way

R
rward354
July 17, 2026
Lovely way to spend an hour, the trip in is sooooo picturesque

Lovely morning, the caves are magical and with the twinkling bugs, even better, it's a quiet experience and the guides are great

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