Combos

Combo: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Tickets + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Guide explaining geothermal feature at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand.

Visitors walking on a boardwalk at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, surrounded by geothermal landscape.

Visitors admire glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.

Walkway through illuminated Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.

Open today

8:30am - 4:30pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

4.5/5

(1,116)

Nicholas

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The tour guide knew a lot of interesting information about the glow worms. It would have been good when we arrived for there to be a sign for those with online tickets to know where to go and for the cafes music to not be so loud as a woman came and spoke about the history and it was hard to hear her over the heavy music which also wasn't loved by our young daughter as it was metal. We all had to talk loudly to hear each other. Other than that, we enjoyed ourselves. It was interesting and very beautiful.

Amelie

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour is absolutely magical. Gliding silently through the cave while thousands of glowworms light up the ceiling like a star-filled sky is an unforgettable experience. The calm, darkness, and gentle reflections on the water create a sense of awe you don’t get anywhere else. It’s beautifully run, respectfully guided, and worth every minute, one of those moments that truly stays with you long after it ends. We highly recommend it.✨

Jennifer

Mar 2026

Verified booking

The tour was excellent. The guide was friendly, professional and knew her subject. She had the right mix of humour and authority to make everyone feel welcome, relaxed and safe. I had arthritis and limited mobility, so found the stairs hard and was slow. The guide was helpful and supportive in directing me to the stairs and boat. In all a very exciting and pleasant experience. Thank you for making it possible for a slow moving old lady .

Martyn

Feb 2026

Verified booking

An excellent self-guided tour starting with the Lady Knox Geyser experience which involved the seeding of a volcanic cone to cause a small geyser eruption. A beautiful waiata sung by the Maori presenter started the show before the climax of the show. The stroll through the largest and most colourful volcanic area in the Taupo volcanic area was awesome. Signage was excellent, very informative, the tracks and wooden pathways well maintained.

Alexander

Feb 2026

Verified booking

The Waitomo Caves are nothing short of spectacular, unbelievable to see the thousands of tiny glowworms shimmering from the cave roof top and the amazing limestone formations. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the caves and Maori culture his presentation was both educational and fun. This is a must see for anyone visiting New Zealand.

Rachael

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The caves, the glow worms, the intimacy and lovely commentary from the tour guide. My only suggestion would be that your tour guides understand the meaning of the Maori songs they're singing. When I asked the lovely youg lady what the songmeant, she didn't know. Not critisism. Just a suggestions. Thanks for a wonderful experience.

See New Zealand’s natural wonders in one seamless plan — magical glowworm caves paired with vibrant geothermal landscapes.

Wander through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour, see limestone formations, and enjoy a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing glowworms.

Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with access to scenic walking trails, vibrant mineral pools, and the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Entry to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Access to Lady Knox Geyser presentation

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Gloworm Cave

English-speaking guide of Maori descent

Waitomo River boat ride

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

1,116 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 33 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Jennifer
Mar 2026
Verified booking
The tour was excellent. The guide was friendly, professional and knew her subject. She had the right mix of humour and authority to make everyone feel welcome, relaxed and safe. I had arthritis and limited mobility, so found the stairs hard and was slow. The guide was helpful and supportive in directing me to the stairs and boat. In all a very exciting and pleasant experience. Thank you for making it possible for a slow moving old lady .
Tristen
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Our guide Corey was awesome!! Great guide who knows his info and knows how to work with people from all over the world. Very funny guy too!! Much appreciated. The site was also amazing! Great place and people
Maja
Mar 2026
Verified booking
i love the tour hide who was genuinely passionate about his job and caves. i love whole experience from hearing about caves and how they existe and fun facts about glow warms
Rachel
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Tour guide was amazing and very good. Loved the tour especially the peaceful ride in the boat.
Jennifer
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Great tour and lovely tour guide. Magnificent scenery . We really enjoyed it it.

Experience New Zealand’s natural wonders in one combo — magical glowworm caves and vibrant geothermal landscapes.

Getting started

Your combo ticket includes entry to Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Simply present your mobile ticket at each attraction for entry.

What to expect

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Scenic geothermal park: Enjoy entry to one of New Zealand’s most colorful geothermal landscapes and explore at your own pace.

Famous geothermal sights: Walk marked trails past bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and vibrant mineral formations like the Champagne Pool and Devil’s Bath.

Lady Knox Geyser eruption: See the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, one of the park’s most famous geothermal highlights.

Easy walking trails: Follow well-marked paths with viewing points and information panels explaining the geothermal features.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Guided cave tour: Explore the famous limestone caves with a knowledgeable guide and learn about the cave’s formation, geology, and history.

Glowworm grotto: Marvel at thousands of tiny glowworms lighting up the cavern ceiling on a serene boat ride.

Stalactites and stalagmites: Walk through chambers filled with impressive limestone formations.

Cultural and natural insights: Learn about Māori legends associated with the caves and the unique ecosystem of the area.

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm	last entry 3:00pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm	last entry 3:00pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm	last entry 3:00pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm	last entry 3:00pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm	last entry 3:00pm
Saturday	8:30am - 4:30pm	last entry 3:00pm
Sunday	8:30am - 4:30pm	last entry 3:00pm

What to bring

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Wear non-slip shoes as the cave floors are wet and slippery.

Bring a warm jacket as the temperature of the cave can be cool.

When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Bring your camera, sunscreen, rain poncho, hat, sunglasses, and ID.

What’s not allowed

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Drones and smoking are not allowed inside the park.

Do not touch thermal water, steam vents, or leave marked paths.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.

Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

This experience is suitable for guests with reasonable mobility, with well-maintained paths and sturdy handrails throughout. However, it is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams/strollers.

Additional information

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Facilities: Parking, toilets near the visitor centre, gift shop, cafe.

The opening hours at Wai-o-Tapu are from 8:30am - 4:30pm, with the last entry at 3pm.

Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

This is an active geothermal area, meaning the ground and water often reach boiling temperatures. Do not wander outside of designated areas

Wai-O-Tapu is a cashless on site, all major credit cards and EFTPOS are accepted.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.