Very unique experience, worth going at the end of the day as there were less groups and we were able to enjoy a more quiet time admiring the glowworms.

Seriously exceeded expectations. Go into the day knowing it is tons of driving but scenery makes it worth it. The vehicle is very comfortable and the small group means great conversation. The entire day was well coordinated and punctual. If you have any appreciation for the wonders of nature the WaitImo glow worms and caves will knock your socks off. Such a fascinating life cycle. So impressed with the Māori cultural center and the beautiful artwork and craftsmanship. The explanations of the tradition and meaning added excellent context. The geysers and boiling mud are active and otherworldly. Our tour guide was Shawn who did an excellent job of accommodating the needs and preferences of our diverse group.

The caves are very interesting, I didn’t realize it was going to as deep as it was . It’s very professional and well run . It’s good for all ages and abilities.

On-line booking , short queue to redeem the tickets. Great experience, nice views, good guidance. I recommend everyone to visit.

Overpriced and underrated. Over 400 NZ dollars for a family ticket and we were in and out in less than an hour.. The boatman also had an off day. Glow worms were good. Cheddar caves is better value for money.

Well organised place at the end of a windy road. Assembled in non-slip shoes and thin jacket. Tour is arranged in 3 x 15 minute sections - caves, glow worms then boat ride. Tour guide keeps things moving and interesting. Seeing so many glow worms made the tour worth the $79. There’s a nice cafe and shop to browse afterwards.

Very detailed introduction to the experience. Glow worm experience itself a little short. Enjoyable boat ride. Can purchase a picture taken using green screen.

George our tour guide was captivating will his story telling, facts and humour. The tour is as much about the cave system as the glow worms. We were lucky enough to have an operatic singer on our tour who demonstrated the beautiful acoustics on the cathedral cave. Seeing the glow worms silk threads and their luminance in all their glory was magical.

The tour starts with a long spiral walk looking over a black deep hole in the ground! I am terrified of heights & was expecting to walk into a cave. I had to leave. Maybe this information was somewhere, but I certainly didn’t see it or I would never have signed up.

This was one of the worst tours I took in New Zealand, and it felt like a complete ripoff. For $80 per person, I expected an amazing experience, but what we got was a bunch of overhyped marketing and major disappointment. The tour was advertised as an hour-long experience, but it barely lasted 45 minutes. The guide spent over 35 minutes doing a pointless "show and dance," talking endlessly inside a cave where there were no glowworms at all. When we finally got onto the boat to see the glowworms, the entire ride lasted less than 10 minutes. To make things worse, we were not allowed to take photos or videos the whole time. Then, just as we were about to exit the cave, the guide suddenly said we could take pictures—but didn’t even stop the boat! We had about 15 seconds before we were rushed out, making it completely impossible to get any decent shots. This tour is nothing but an overpriced tourist trap. Save your money and find something else to do—there are far better places to visit in New Zealand than this overhyped waste of time.

Bit underwhelming to be honest and pricy for what you get . Caves nice but can be seen in minutes and boat trip was basically being dragged around a large dark pool. And I’m sorry but saying no photos because of its sacred area is a joke . It’s ok to put wedding and concerts , fill the place with mood lighting etc etc ??? Understand the work bit but caves themselves ? More likely makes you buy the photo they superimpose you on .

I visited Waitomo caves as part of a day trip that includes Hobbiton. The glow worms and the cave were beautiful and I highly recommend the tour. Such a unique place! Our guide Cody (sp?) was funny and had an incredible singing voice.

If you love limestone caves and cave formations, this is a *great* tour! But if you are here for glowworms, you are in the wrong cave because there aren't any! The pace was very relaxed, not rushed like Waitomo, and you can take as many photos as you like. There's a nice flight of stairs to enter the cave, but then you'll cool off. Of the caves I toured in Waitomo, this had the best formations, so I'd recommend it if you have the time.

This was the first cave tour we did upon arrival to the Waitomo region. It was cool, but not nearly as cool as other tours you can do in the area. We did the Aranui Tour, the Ruakuri Cave Abyss tour, and the Spellbound Tour... and I would recommend ALL of them. Each was interesting in unique. In comparison, Waitomo unwhelmed. You'll see more glowworms in Ruakuri or Spellbound, and the boat ride in Spellbound is much longer. If you are pressed for time and can only do one cave then this makes sense, but if you have 3 hours or so, I'd recommend Spellbound Cave Tour instead. If you have a thirst for adventure and 5+ hours, then DO NOT MISS the Abyss Tour in Ruakuri Cave!

I was recommended this place by a kiwi friend and it did not disappoint. The guide Steve was super pleasant and the caves are really interesting. Access is easy for all, and apart from a set of steep stairs at the beginning, everyone should be able to enjoy the talk about the history and the geology of the place. The Glowworm are something to behold, and the boat trip is quite spiritual and everyone recognises when to just be quiet and appreciate what they are seeing. It doesn’t take too long and is well worth booking in advance! We pitched up and had to return a few days later at the end of a day, as it was fully booked. There’s also beautiful waterfall and the natural bridge to see while you are up there, and a lovely little coffee shop on the edge of the road which does fab coffee and a decent muffin!!