The Waitomo Experience is located a short 10 minute drive from Waitomo Village.Boddies Road is a narrow, gravel road, so drive carefully.You will see a big Waitomo Experience sign with an arrow when you arrive.Please arrive 30 minutes early to check in for your tour.
Description
Explore Waitomo’s hidden glowworm cave on a private, premium adventure with The Waitomo Experience. As the exclusive operator of the breathtaking Okohua Glowworm Cave, we offer an intimate small group journey designed for those seeking a more private underground experience.
Float on tubes beneath thousands of glowworms, swim through clear underground passages, climb over ancient limestone formations, and wade through crystal pools to hidden waterfalls. A good baseline of fitness and confidence in water is required as our expert guides lead you through this adventurous journey, providing top of the line caving equipment and sharing their deep local knowledge along the way.
After emerging, enjoy a peaceful bush walk back to base before relaxing in a cedar hot tub overlooking native forest and rolling farmland. With a maximum of just six guests per tour, this eco-friendly experience delivers an intimate, adventurous, and unforgettable journey beneath Waitomo’s magical surface.
Tour Options
Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour
What's included
Included
Black water rafting ( Tubing )
Use of equipment (tubes, high quality wetsuits, boots, and helmets)
Cedar hot tub relaxation post tour
Snacks
Hot Showers
Highly trained guides
Amazing Glowworm displays
Photos & Videos
Not included
Towels
Socks
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
40 reviews
5
40
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
We cannot take any travelers under 45kg
Minimum age is 12 years old
We recommend that you feel comfortable in water
We cannot take anyone over 120kg
Children aged 12-16 must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or older
Maximum age is 67 years old
If you are over 67 years old and you are fit and capable of an adventurous activity, send us a message or email.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour take?
Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour lasts about 3h 30min.
How much does Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour cost?
Prices start at $154 per person for this Waitomo experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is The Waitomo Experience is located a short 10 minute drive from Waitomo Village. Boddies Road is a narrow, gravel road, so drive carefully. You will see a big Waitomo Experience sign with an arrow when you arrive. Please arrive 30 minutes early to check in for your tour. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 12-16 must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or older
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 40 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by The Waitomo Experience.
Reviews(40)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
B
beatrizrep
August 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Incredible experience
An absolute must! This was a full experience where we not only got to see LOADS of glow worms but we got a bit of adventure too.
Jamie was an incredible guide. Knowledgable, patient and super professional, she made us feel safe and confident every step of the way.
Spoiler (if you need one): You get to swim in (cold) water and float under a milky way of glow worms, you get to climb through the cave, you get to choose rather challenging and difficult paths if you feel confident enough and jump off to the water with floaties that you then use to float down the cave.
The hot pool at the end makes this a perfect ending to an incredible experience. The caves are really well taken advantage of in a very sustainable way ❤️.
Operator response
Thanks so much for the great review! Stoked to hear you enjoyed the mix of glowworms and adventure. Jaimie loved taking you through the cave, and we’re glad you finished it all off with a well-earned soak in the hot tubs!
I
I8374MGmichaelg
August 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Mike and Izzy
Myself and my partner thoroughly enjoyed this epic adventure and were guided by Jamie. She was a fantastic guide, extremely knowledgable, utterly professional and we had a great laugh. The cave itself was magical and will be something we will always remember.
Operator response
Thanks so much for the lovely review! We’re really glad you both had such a memorable time in the cave. Jaimie will be stoked to hear your kind words too!
T
Theflavorelevator
June 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!!
There’s a reason this experience has nothing less than 5 stars cause it truly lives up to the hype (and more). This was such a phenomenal experience for us as a group to explore caving and get closer to nature. John and his team are absolute professionals and he made sure that we were safe and well taken care off. Especially loved the hot drink break half way through the experience and loved learning about glowworms and cave formations. If you’re ever in New Zealand and looking for adventure, this has got to be on your list!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for the incredible review and for trusting us with your first caving adventure. It was a pleasure taking your group through the cave, and I’m glad you enjoyed the glowworms, cave formations, and that well-earned hot drink along the way!
C
Climber39077977322
June 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
The experience was absolutely fantastic. Would recommend to anyone.
Operator response
Thank you for the review! We're really glad you had a fantastic time with us, and we appreciate the recommendation.
A
Ariel_A
May 14, 2026 · via Viator
Once in a lifetime experience
This was the highlight of my northern island trip. The drive up alone was stunning, and the excursion was absolutely amazing. Really fun, adventure and the guide Jamie did a phenomenal job leading us through and making the experience unforgettable. Gorgeous views at the end while warming up in the hot tub was an awesome way to end the day. Definitely worth the money to book a private tour with them.
Operator response
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We’re really happy to hear the experience was a highlight of your North Island trip. Jaimie will love hearing your kind words. Thanks again for joining us!
F
Fiona_C
May 7, 2026 · via Viator
So much more than Glowworm caves!
More than expected with this experience, not just floating around. Climbing through the caves was an amazing activity! Jamie was very good with explaining and working with all our different levels of fitness and anxieties.
Operator response
Thanks so much for the great review! Jaimie will really appreciate your kind words as well. Great to hear she helped everyone feel comfortable and supported throughout the tour!
W
wgechter
May 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best tour we took in over 20 excursions.
This was amazing. You hike, you climb, you swim, you crawl, you tube all to get down the cave. We hiked and tubed a few places in the dark. We all got a turn to lead and time to explore areas of the cave. Plus we learned. The amount of natural glowworms is unreal and it was truly beautiful. You'll be cold in May but not as cold as you think, they give you gear. Jamie, our guide, did a great job with everyone and was so friendly and respectful. You must book this!!!!
Operator response
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We’re really glad you enjoyed the full adventure side of the experience, climbing, swimming, crawling, tubing, and exploring the cave in the dark. Great to hear Jaimie helped make everyone feel comfortable and supported along the way. Thanks again for joining us and for the recommendation!
4
419maureenp
April 27, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Nerves disappeared.
I was so nervous driving to the start of the tour. But the staff were reassuring and confident. Once I got down that ladder, all nerves disappeared. Christina was a great guide. It was as if she had memorised the placement of every rock in those caves. It was an awesome experience.
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thanks so much for the lovely review! We’re really glad the team helped you feel comfortable and confident before heading into the cave. Kristyna will really appreciate your kind words. Awesome to hear the nerves disappeared once the adventure got started and that you had such a memorable experience with us!
T
Tiago_Rio_de_Janeiro
April 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
Amazing experience! Truly challenging. Staff was outstanding, unfortunately I came in a bit late but they still managed to get me in. Congrats to all involved!
Operator response
Thanks so much for the great review! We’re really glad you enjoyed the adventure and appreciated the more challenging side of the experience. Happy we could still get you on the tour, and awesome to hear the team helped make it such a positive experience. Thanks again for joining us!
B
BrookeEastland
March 31, 2026 · via Viator
The best cave tour
10 out of 10 experience. We had such a fun time climbing and swimming our way through the cave and seeing so many glow worms. The group size is small and personable and well worth the money. If you’re thinking about booking, do it. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Operator response
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We’re really glad you enjoyed the climbing, swimming, and exploring through the cave, and getting to see so many glowworms along the way. Great to hear the small group experience made it feel more personal as well. We really appreciate the recommendation and are stoked you had such a fun adventure with us!
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