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Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a Guided Tour in Waitomo, Waikato
On this 45-minute group guided tour, you’ll glide silently by boat beneath thousands of magical glowworms in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, an original, iconic New Zealand attraction guided since the late 1880s; many guides are descendants of the Māori chief who originally explored the cave and will share the remarkable history of the area as you float through the subterranean wonder in Waitomo Caves, Waikato.
About this activity in Waitomo Caves
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Glide silently by boat beneath thousands of luminous glowworms on the iconic Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour - a signature Waikato experience.
- Learn local history from guides descended from the Maori chief who first explored these caves, adding cultural depth to your visit.
- Enjoy an intimate, 45-minute guided group tour through one of New Zealand’s original subterranean attractions, guided since the late 1880s.
- Experience a unique, family-friendly outing - suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels - in the heart of the Waitomo region.
Important Information
- Arrive prepared: check in at least 30 minutes before departure and allow time for orientation; late or missed tours are non-refundable due to limited capacity.
- No photography is permitted inside the caves to protect the glowworms and preserve the experience; souvenir photos are available to purchase afterward.
- Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; the tour involves stairs and is not suitable for those with difficulty navigating them - wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a warm jacket.
- The tour includes a local guide and GST; bring a sense of wonder and be ready to listen to rich stories about the area from experienced guides.
Meeting Point
Check in at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre on the day of your tour at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure; follow staff directions on arrival for group assembly.
Includes
- A knowledgeable local guide leads the experience in Waitomo Caves, Waikato to help you make the most of your visit.
- Prices shown include GST (goods and Services tax) so you won’t be surprised by additional tax at checkout.
Excludes
- Souvenir photos are not included in the ticket price; you can purchase them separately if you want a memento.
Other
- Infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the experience.
- This activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, making it accessible for most travellers.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket to stay comfortable while exploring the caves and the surrounding area.
- You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs - arrive early to avoid delays.
- 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 is allowed during the experience.
- Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
The caves that you could traverse in the boat were a little limited due to the rain that New Zealand has been having recently. Not a big issue as there was more time to hear about the caves and the formations. The big attraction is the boat trip into the caves with ceilings covered in the blue glow worms. It is like looking at a spectacular starry sky.
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Summary:
Beautiful underground adventure at Waitomo Glowworm Caves! Our 45-minutes tour culminating in a serene boat ride beneath a canopy of thousands of twinkling glowworms—like sailing under a starry sky. Informative guides shared fascinating geology tales.
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Summary:
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour is magical! Drifting through the dark, illuminated by thousands of glowing worms, feels otherworldly. The knowledgeable guide shared fascinating history and geology. The cave's beauty and serene boat ride were unforgettable. A must-do in New Zealand,
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Plan Your Visit to Waitomo Caves, Waikato: Caving, Tours, Glowworms
Discover Waitomo Caves in Waikato with guided cave tours, glowworm boat rides and black‑water rafting-top activities that make this destination a must for adventure, tours and nature lovers. You’ll find family‑friendly sightseeing, workshops and romantic caving experiences bookable through Varoom, so you can easily pair stays with the Events and activities that matter in the area. Whether you’re organizing a group outing, a nature‑wildlife excursion or an adrenaline‑packed event, the region delivers unforgettable underground scenery and glowworm viewing that define the location.
Know more about Waitomo Caves
You glide silently by boat beneath thousands of magical glowworms on a 45-minute group guided tour, experiencing the original, iconic New Zealand attraction while guides-many descendants of the Māori chief who first explored the cave-share the remarkable local history.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket for the cave environment to make your guided sightseeing and Outdoor & Nature experience more comfortable throughout the 45-minute boat journey.
The tour is not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs; otherwise it is described as suitable for all physical fitness levels, but you should factor stair access when planning your visit.
Yes - the guided boat tour is Group-Friendly and suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap, making it a memorable family-friendly nature and Tours & Sightseeing experience in the region.
No photography is allowed inside the cave, but souvenir photos are available to purchase afterward so you can still take home a memento of your glowworm experience.
You must check in 30 minutes before departure; due to limited capacity and high demand, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour your ticket(s) are forfeited and new bookings will incur the full tour cost subject to availability.
