Combos

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

4.6/5(1,187)

Xiaoling D

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Walking into the caves feels like stepping into another world. The air is cool and fresh, the silence is soft, and every turn reveals something stunning: towering limestone formations, delicate stalactites hanging like natural chandeliers, and smooth, sculpted rock that tells thousands of years of stories. Our guide was so friendly, knowledgeable and funny — they shared fascinating little facts about the cave’s history, the geology, and the glowworms, making the whole tour feel personal and engaging, not just a scripted speech. Then comes the boat ride… and wow. Just… wow. 🤩 We glided silently into the darkness, the boat drifting gently on the underground river, no engine noise, just the soft sound of water. When we looked up — gasp! Thousands of tiny, twinkling glowworms lit up the cave ceiling like a starry night sky, a galaxy of little blue-green lights right above our heads. It was quiet, peaceful, and utterly breathtaking — no photos can truly capture how magical it felt. Everyone on the boat was whispering in awe, it felt like a secret world only we got to see. 10/10 — absolutely worth every penny and every minute of the drive. It’s not just a tour — it’s a memory you’ll talk about for years. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, do not miss this little slice of New Zealand magic! ✨

Anna M

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The huge cathedral cave with its air of reverence and outstanding stalagtites and stalagtites awes, while floating gently beneath a firmament of glow worms beguiles. Our competent guide was not intrisuve, and the high numbers of visitors were well handled so that the caves did not feel crowded or touristy. Can't recommend this highly enough!

Ellen K

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

This the second time I've done the tour. My first visit was in 2017. I think it only got better. Our guide was terrific. Very friendly, personable and knowledgable. I brought someone who had never been there. She loved it as well.

Larissa R

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

I haven't been since 2004, it was as good a tour this time, and the absolute awe of the caves and glow "maggots", is still stunning today, and Corey was amazing. Hopefully next visit won't be so far in the future!

Donna M

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

Group Age range 13-63 and everybody rated it 5 out of 5. I do think we had the best guide - Steven was absolute entertainment. History, humor and a moving waiata in the cathedral. Its a must for everyone.

Mark L

Group

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The commentary from the guide, Ashton, was very informative and entertaining. He also gave us a lovely rendition of a famous New Zealand song, Po Kare Kare Ana. Well worth the visit.

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.

1,187 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 31 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Xiaoling D
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Walking into the caves feels like stepping into another world. The air is cool and fresh, the silence is soft, and every turn reveals something stunning: towering limestone formations, delicate stalactites hanging like natural chandeliers, and smooth, sculpted rock that tells thousands of years of stories. Our guide was so friendly, knowledgeable and funny — they shared fascinating little facts about the cave’s history, the geology, and the glowworms, making the whole tour feel personal and engaging, not just a scripted speech. Then comes the boat ride… and wow. Just… wow. 🤩 We glided silently into the darkness, the boat drifting gently on the underground river, no engine noise, just the soft sound of water. When we looked up — gasp! Thousands of tiny, twinkling glowworms lit up the cave ceiling like a starry night sky, a galaxy of little blue-green lights right above our heads. It was quiet, peaceful, and utterly breathtaking — no photos can truly capture how magical it felt. Everyone on the boat was whispering in awe, it felt like a secret world only we got to see. 10/10 — absolutely worth every penny and every minute of the drive. It’s not just a tour — it’s a memory you’ll talk about for years. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, do not miss this little slice of New Zealand magic! ✨
Peter J
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
The guide, Steven, was very knowledgeable and hilariously funny. The tour is well worth the entry fee, the glowworm boat tour was incredible
Tollaire C
Family
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The entire iodine group from the "Les Lucioles" website
Anna M
Couple
Verified booking
Jul 2026
The huge cathedral cave with its air of reverence and outstanding stalagtites and stalagtites awes, while floating gently beneath a firmament of glow worms beguiles. Our competent guide was not intrisuve, and the high numbers of visitors were well handled so that the caves did not feel crowded or touristy. Can't recommend this highly enough!
Ellen K
Couple
Verified booking
Jul 2026
This the second time I've done the tour. My first visit was in 2017. I think it only got better. Our guide was terrific. Very friendly, personable and knowledgable. I brought someone who had never been there. She loved it as well.

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.

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.