Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
4.6/5(1,603)
Anna M
Ellen K
Mark L
Masoud M
Megan C
Susan B
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Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour featuring a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms.
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Walk through stunning limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the towering Cathedral chamber.
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Hear captivating stories and legends from expert guides descended from the Māori chief who first explored the caves.
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Upgrade to the 1.5-hour Ruakuri accessible cave tour or the full-day Waitomo tour from Auckland with transfers for a longer, richer experience.
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
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45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Gloworm Cave
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English-speaking guide of Maori descent
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Waitomo River boat ride
Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour (as per option selected)
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1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave
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English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Offbeat Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small-Group Guided Tour (as per option selected)
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3.5-hour guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave
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Exclusive access to a private cave system on a family farm
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Expert local guide
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Small group of up to 8 people
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Safety equipment & warm clothing
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Snack & hot drinks
From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Cave Guided Tour (as per option selected)
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45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Gloworm Cave
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Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
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English-speaking guide/driver
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Waitomo River boat ride
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Snacks & water
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You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 1,603 reviews4.6
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.
1.1K318772213
Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 35 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
AAnna M
CoupleVerified booking2 days ago5/5The 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!MMasoud M
CoupleVerified bookingLast week5/5The last time I visited the glowworm caves must have been 30 odd years ago. I am amazed how much you have improvement you have made to the place. It's truly wonderful. I congratulate you all for this achievement. Our guide was "Ocean" and we loved his commentary. He is very knowledgeable and extremely funny. Regards MasoudEEllen K
CoupleVerified booking2 days ago5/5This 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.MMark L
GroupVerified bookingLast week5/5The 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.LLydia B
CoupleVerified bookingYesterday5/5Great way to spend an hour in the central Waikato - very polished performance
Sail through an underground wonder on a tranquil boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms on a 45-minute tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave, guided by an expert guide and surrounded by the cave’s beauty.
Getting started
Your ticket includes a 45-minute guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Arrive 30-minutes earlier to check in and meet your group before following your guide into the cave.
What to expect
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Towering Kahikatea canopy: Kick off your adventure zipping between 100-year-old native trees, surrounded by sweeping views of Waitomo’s limestone hills.
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Building the thrill: Ease in with shorter, gentler lines before graduating to longer, faster rides, hitting speeds of up to 80 km/h.
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Stories of the land: Learn Māori legends and local history from guides whose knowledge and passion bring the landscape to life.
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Show-stopping finale: Conquer the 280m signature zipline, soaring over the Waitomo Caves with panoramic views you’ll never forget.
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Guided every step: Relax knowing expert guides handle your safety gear, offer tips, and capture the highlights along the way.
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After the ride: Return to base buzzing with adrenaline, ready to share epic photos and stories from your high-flying Waitomo adventure.
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What to bring
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Wear non-slip shoes as the cave floors are wet and slippery.
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Bring a warm jacket as the temperature of the cave can be cool.
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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
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Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
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Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
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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.
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- 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.
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Receive tickets on time, for the experience you've booked.
100% experience guarantee
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