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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour | 45 minutes

812 Reviews | Waitomo
Likely To Sell Out
From $45.78 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (15-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (4-14) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Waitomo Glowworm Cave (24/25)
2 Adults x $46.11
$92.22
Approx Total
$92.22
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.

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Local guide
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Overview

Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above on this 45-minute, small 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.

Meeting points

Waitomo Caves, New Zealand, NZ

Departure Point: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Dates: Daily

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • 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.

    45 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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

Free Cancellation

September 11100% refund
September 12No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.3

812 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    505
  • 4 stars
    165
  • 3 stars
    83
  • 2 stars
    32
  • 1 star
    27

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 505 reviews with 5 stars

Recommend the unique experience!

Published on Mar, 2025

I visited Waitomo caves as part of a day trip that includes Hobbiton. The glow worms and the cave were beautiful and I highly recommend the tour. Such a unique place! Our guide Cody (sp?) was funny and had an incredible singing voice.

Glow worms galore

Published on Feb, 2025

Well worth the trip and so many thousands of glow worms! The short boat trip was definitely a highlight. The guide was very knowledgeable. If you are going on to the Ruakuri Caves down the road have your refreshments at Waitomo as the cafe/food is great and there is very little at RuaKuri although it’s fantastic for a visit so don’t miss it!

An Unforgettable Experience

Published on Feb, 2025

It’s a must see. A natural wonder, unique because of the glow worms. Very well organised. Lani our guide was fabulous - such confidence, a great storyteller. Very impressed.

The team were very...

Published on Feb, 2025

The team were very friendly and the guide knew his stuff which made it very interesting. The history of the caves was fascinating

Amazing trip in the heart of New Zealand!

Published on Feb, 2025

We were so blessed to enjoy the most amazing time at the Waitomo Caves! Seeing the Glo worms in person was priceless! Our guide was so kind and professional and shared great information about these amazing little creatures!! The entire experience is one we will remember forever!!! A definite must do for anyone visiting New Zealand!!!

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