Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
Transfers included
Hotel pickup
-
Take a full-day guided tour from Auckland to see the Waitomo Glowworm Cave and enjoy a scenic drive through lush Waikato countryside.
-
Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave with an expert guide, see limestone formations, then cruise on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms.
-
Your guide will provide commentary throughout the tour, explaining the cave formations and the lifecycle of the glowworms.
-
Take 30 minutes to explore the Gift Shop or enjoy refreshments at Waitomo Homestead before or after your tour.
-
Upgrade your Waitomo Glowworm Cave adventure with a Hobbiton Movie Set tour, complete with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
-
-
45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Gloworm Cave
-
Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
-
English-speaking guide/driver
-
Waitomo River boat ride
-
2.5-hour guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set (as per option selected)
-
Complimentary beverage at Green Dragon Inn (as per option selected)
-
Snacks & water
-
- TOTAL DURATION7 hoursTimelineMap
Start pointAuckland CBD
Passes By
Waikato
1. Waitomo Glowworm Caves
End pointAuckland CBD
Your ending point would be same as your start point
You can cancel these tickets up to 3 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 12 reviews4.7
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.
84000What our guests say
Tao
Jul 2025Verified booking4/5
Kristin
Jan 2025Verified booking5/5
Yonatan
Dec 2024Verified booking4/5
Francisca
Jul 2024Verified booking5/5
Roxana
May 2024Verified booking5/5
Experience Waitomo Glowworm Cave on a full-day tour from Auckland. Explore caves, glide beneath thousands of glowworms, and enjoy scenic drives with insights from expert guides.
Getting started
Your adventure begins with morning pickup from your Auckland CBD hotel. Board your vehicle for a scenic 2.5-hour drive through South Auckland into the Waikato region, with a stop for photos and short breaks along the way.
What to expect
-
Scenic drive & photo stops: Travel through rolling farmland, rivers, and lush countryside with opportunities for memorable photos.
-
Waitomo Homestead stop: Arrive at Waitomo and enjoy around 30 minutes to shop at the gift shop or grab a drink/snack before your cave tour.
-
Guided Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour: Step inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave for a 1-hour guided tour. Learn about the cave’s history, limestone formations, and the life cycle of the bioluminescent Arachnocampa Luminosa glowworms.
-
Magical boat ride: Glide silently along the underground river in a flat-bottom boat beneath thousands of glowing glowworms illuminating the grotto in blue-green light.
-
Return to Auckland: After your cave experience, relax on the scenic drive back to your hotel.
-
What to bring
-
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).
What's not allowed
-
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
- 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.
-
-
Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
-
Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID during the pick-up.
Hotel Transfers
-
This ticket includes hotel pickups and drop-offs.
-
In the next step of booking, please specify the name and address of your hotel.
-
This is applicable to all hotels in Auckland CBD.
-
On the day of your tour, please arrive at your hotel lobby 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.
-
If your hotel does not have a lobby, please wait at the entrance of your hotel.
-
Similar experiences you'd love
Top things to do in Waitomo
Nearby cities to explore
