We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

39 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
+64 7 878 8227
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #13 of 16 attractions in Waitomo Caves
Type: Caverns/ Caves
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, White-water rafting
Owner description: The world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves amaze with thousands of magical glowworms that sparkle above, as you glide through the cave by boat. Enjoy the... more » Owner description: The world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves amaze with thousands of magical glowworms that sparkle above, as you glide through the cave by boat. Enjoy the ornate cave decorations and sculptures that have developed over thousands of years. To book, ring 0800 456 922. « less
Write a Review

479 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    226
    139
    64
    32
    18
Date Rating
Brisbane
Top Contributor
122 reviews 122 reviews
37 attraction reviews
Reviews in 88 cities Reviews in 88 cities
68 helpful votes 68 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

My wife and I visited NZ for our honeymoon 40 years ago and we remember visiting the Caves then. The main entrance is new but the caves entrance and the marvelous cave formations remain the glorious same. The glow worms area seems smaller somehow, but that could be just memory. The cave tour and the boat ride are well worth... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

This tour would have been better if our guide had have been interested in what she was doing. She really didn't want to be there. It wasn't bad for us as we had already done other caves and didn't need to hear the info about glow worms or the formations but if you actually wanted to know about the cave... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Chrissles for Waitomo Caves
Hannover, Germany
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

I was looking forward to see something different I haven't seen before, glow-worms in a cave. However people who don't understand English at all or just don't bother in understanding signs (no flash/no cameras) switched on their lights at the bloody iPhones and made an area which supposed to be dark for a reason as bright as a day and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Pirongia, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Just the thrill of being underground and see the rock formations was enough of a thrill. The boat ride was a highlight for bot the kids and parents. The guide was amazing and had such a wealth of knowledge - totally awesome.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Mumbai (Bombay), India
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

I totally loved the place... the combination of darkness and slight light of the glow worms, looked like the stars shining on a dark night... i really wish it was a longer visit and i could explore more. It was a new experience for me and an exciting one and it was memorable as i was on honeymoon, with the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Te Aroha, New Zealand
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

This is always a good activity to do but it is getting expensive now whic makes it a once in a blue moon activity.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Townsville, Australia
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Bit on the expensive side. But a wonderful experience to see the glow worms, Kids loved it. watch out for the wasps if staying to eat. there are lots, very annoying.

Was this review helpful? Yes
PA
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

This cave is very developed and rather small and therefore I was disappointed as I like an experience that's a little more intense or raw. It would be very good, however, for families or those with mild disabilities, as there are a lot of stairs. There were tons of glowworms and it was cool to be in the boat in... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by debePa for Waitomo Caves
Sausalito, CA
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

We looked at the pictures online and decided to try this attraction in person. It is fabulous, although the life style of the glowworm is extremely undesireable. We thought it one of the best attractions in New Zealand.

Was this review helpful? Yes
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

I did a combo tour if ruakiri caves and the glow worm caves. The guide for the ruakiri caves was excellent and the work they have done to create the underground walkways is amazing. The rock formations and caves were fantastic supported by the very knowledgeable and witty guide. The glow worm caves were breathtaking - sitting in complete dark... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Waitomo Glowworm Caves also viewed

Waitomo Caves, North Island
 
Waitomo Caves, North Island
 

Been to Waitomo Glowworm Caves? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Waitomo Glowworm Caves, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing