Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been guided since 1889 and occupy a high place in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. Stare in wonder at the thousands of illuminating glowworms above as you glide silently by boat through the glowworm grotto. Many of our current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Top ways to experience Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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Best nearby
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9 within 5 kms
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9 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- fernanda-LRHSao Paulo, SP37 contributionsBeautiful on but front desk attendets rudeIt is a beautiful experience. But the front desk attenders and manager are really rude and inflexible.tour guide is really good. Important to improve this front desk staff. Recommend to arrive 20 min earlier.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 January 2023
- Joe B1 contributionWasted timeNature is so wonderful. However, this tour was a bit overrated experience. Tour was ok jokes by our guide, so of korny. Visiting the food court, birds eating customers leftovers, I think is not sanitary way to impress customers. Gift shop not so impressive. I respect what nature has gifted us, but overall this experience was just so so.Visited January 2023Travelled soloWritten 14 January 2023
- Antoine LStrasbourg, France3 contributionsTourist catcherYou spend more time visiting the cave than seeing the blue lights. The boat ride is only 5 minutes and you can't take any photos! Really lame! Head for the free caves which are much better. Really to be avoided.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 September 2023
- Kathleen SEngland, United Kingdom19 contributionsThis would be very romantic without the massesWe enjoyed our time down there. It is a small cave, nothing much to it, but mysterious lightning, a good guide and a short boat ride can create a memorable experience. Especially when one never seen glowing stars underground. Just watch out they don't drop on your head! Please stay quiet on the boat ride. They take one group after another and if you are talking then you ruin the experience for the ones already in the boat trying to marvel at the starry caves. Unfortunately it is such a tiny lake, I wish it went on for longer. Very romantic.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 October 2023
- KJDLeander, Texas6 contributionsCliff notes version of caves and glowwormsNot as authentic or immersive as Ruaturi Caves out of the combo cave purchase. More suitable for those who want a shorter cliff notes version of the caves or who have never visited one before. Or for those who are much older or much younger, due to the shorter tour duration. The boat ride is the highlight for most people. However if you have a fear of water or drowning, then being on a boat, in the dark, and with no life jacket will suddenly hit you. The boat felt unsteady. However Most people seemed to enjoy both the shorter, introductory experience... and the boat ride in the darkness. However read your group and decide what best suits them. Two caves or one, longer or shorter, authentic or superficial. This tour just seemed silly after the incredible Ruaturi visit.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 November 2023
- Michal1500Warsaw, Poland78 contributionsSmaller and shorter than expected.The glowworms were an interesting sight and quite unique. However, the viewing was the focus of the tour only for the last ~10 minutes, when we entered a boat and travelled through a dark cave tunnel. The remaining ~30 minutes of the tour before that was around the history of cave’s exploration, the limestone formations and the glowworms’ biological characteristics. If that sounds interesting - then the ticket price may be worth it; but if you come mainly to see the glowworms - it may be disappointing.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
5,690 reviews
Excellent
2,938
Very good
1,649
Average
668
Poor
265
Terrible
170
flo220
New York City, NY331 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Great our of a truly unique place. Tour guide was excellent and gave us an overview of the history and culture of the cave. Then we walked through stalactite and stalagmite cave to the highlight -- a rowboat tour of the cave where we saw hundreds of glow worms above us. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sanji
Europe196 contributions
On the paper this tour looks good. You need to pre book as most tours are sold out. On the booking site, you are buying for NZD 75 a “world-famous boat tour” with a picture of a 6-7 people in a boat. The tour is supposed to last 70 minutes.
We were asked to “check-in” 30 minutes in advance at least. In fact they just make you wait ensure you are on time, there is nothing to do there.
The tour was for about 20 persons (as you could see on the booking page)… but they take 2 groups together! We ended up with 40 people and spent most of the tour waiting for the other people. The guide did his best to fill the time… as the boat tour lasted 6 MINUTES! In fact as soon as the boat moves, you can see the exit of the cave. This is simply a rip-off.
I would recommend spending your money elsewhere.
We were asked to “check-in” 30 minutes in advance at least. In fact they just make you wait ensure you are on time, there is nothing to do there.
The tour was for about 20 persons (as you could see on the booking page)… but they take 2 groups together! We ended up with 40 people and spent most of the tour waiting for the other people. The guide did his best to fill the time… as the boat tour lasted 6 MINUTES! In fact as soon as the boat moves, you can see the exit of the cave. This is simply a rip-off.
I would recommend spending your money elsewhere.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michal1500
Warsaw, Poland78 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
The glowworms were an interesting sight and quite unique. However, the viewing was the focus of the tour only for the last ~10 minutes, when we entered a boat and travelled through a dark cave tunnel. The remaining ~30 minutes of the tour before that was around the history of cave’s exploration, the limestone formations and the glowworms’ biological characteristics. If that sounds interesting - then the ticket price may be worth it; but if you come mainly to see the glowworms - it may be disappointing.
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heafod
Sevenoaks, UK174 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Magical. You are only allowed to take photos right at the end of the tour. To take good photos you need to know what you're doing with the low light and moving boat platform.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timjstark
Milwaukee, WI687 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
I was not expecting much from this experience, but it was a pleasant surprise as the guide (a person whose name I forgot), was very focused on the science behind what we saw and he did not treat it as a touristy thing. Our small van took us up to an overlook where we hiked down to the entrance pausing only once a small stream with multiple eels that we could observe and even feed. Once inside (outfitted with lighted helmets), the bio luminescence of the worms was quite stunning. Our guide's narration was engaging and factual as we hiked further into the cave where we climbed into a small boat in almost total darkness. As he guided us (using overhead ropes), it felt as though we were floating in space with little sense of space or time. It was truly a cool experience...better than expected!
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie Lee
Reading, PA3 contributions
This was one of my favorite experiences on our trip. There was a nice hike through the water and then a decent amount of tubing. I was nervous about jumping off the waterfall, but we did a practice round and it was very easy and even fun! I only wish they would have shared how to make the tube more comfortable (sink your butt far into the tube) because my back hurt for the first half. Once I figured it out, everything was awesome.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarAway45321270583
2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Our tour lasted approx 50minutes. Was a good experience. Wish the tour guide had expanded more on the discovery of the caves. Great cafe and gift shop. The 15 minute video in the theatre wasn't working when we were :(
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ToujoursLaRoute
Paris, France1,176 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
I visited quite a number of caves and never saw something similar. It could be just another cave, with the various figures (only a matter of imagination), with the same calcarous formations etc...but these worms transform the place is something really special. Surely it worth doing this visit.
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellie H
Kent, UK29 contributions
We loved our experience here and think it will be the highlight of our trip. The staff were very friendly, engaging and were happy to answer any questions and made the trip exciting! We did the 5 hour black abyss tour and although it was very cold it was 100% worth it! We would recommend this as a must do if you love a bit of an adventure. The glow worms were amazing to see whilst tubing through the cave
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KJD
Leander, TX6 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Not as authentic or immersive as Ruaturi Caves out of the combo cave purchase. More suitable for those who want a shorter cliff notes version of the caves or who have never visited one before. Or for those who are much older or much younger, due to the shorter tour duration.
The boat ride is the highlight for most people. However if you have a fear of water or drowning, then being on a boat, in the dark, and with no life jacket will suddenly hit you. The boat felt unsteady. However Most people seemed to enjoy both the shorter, introductory experience... and the boat ride in the darkness.
However read your group and decide what best suits them. Two caves or one, longer or shorter, authentic or superficial. This tour just seemed silly after the incredible Ruaturi visit.
The boat ride is the highlight for most people. However if you have a fear of water or drowning, then being on a boat, in the dark, and with no life jacket will suddenly hit you. The boat felt unsteady. However Most people seemed to enjoy both the shorter, introductory experience... and the boat ride in the darkness.
However read your group and decide what best suits them. Two caves or one, longer or shorter, authentic or superficial. This tour just seemed silly after the incredible Ruaturi visit.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hyuke91
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Hi! We are traveling in Nov and looking at the caves, We will have 2 Adults and a 18 month old. Wondering if the Ruakuri Cave is the best option given we can take a stoller as its wheelchair friendly? I really want to do the Waitomo caves but considerate that silence is needed for best experience for us and others and you never know with a 1 year old, or would this still be an option for us? thanks!
Al-Shumba
Bedfordshire, UK495 contributions
Yes you can take a stroller and the acoustics in the main cavern are great, the toddler will add to the singing. They will ge fine on the boat as well.
freesparrow
Marysville, Washington59 contributions
What is the cost for 1 senior, one adult, and 1 fifteen-year-old?
Russell C
Whitianga, New Zealand417 contributions
Pay to look online as are several tours. 1 adult for boat trip is $61 and I think a child $28. But cost go up if do others.
Rosi Hoffmann
Murnau, Germany17 contributions
Hallo - ich möchte wissen, ob man dann wenigstens Fotos der Höhle kaufen kann, wenn man sie schon nicht fotografieren kann! Man muss ja selber nicht drauf sein - man hat es ja im Kopf - aber für ein Fotobuch wäre ein Foto schon sehr schön. Danke an alle, die mir antworten! Ich hoffe, dass wir 2022 dorthin reisen können - bleibt gesund - Rosi
Aaron
5 contributions
Anyone bought the photo code from Waitomo Glowworm Cave with 25NZ dollars and finally found out that to download the photos you still need to pay more online??
DavidCoyle69
Titirangi, New Zealand29 contributions
Sorry man. I didn’t buy the photo code.
Trayeling Tan
Singapore, Singapore42 contributions
Hi, how many days in advance should I buy the tickets for a family of 10 paxes and travelling in Nov/Dec 2020?
George
Braintree, UK65 contributions
I saw people booking family tickets to the caves on the day. I personally booked online a couple of days beforehand and picked the ticket up on the day.
It all depends on how busy it happens to be when you intend to visit and how risky you’re feeling.
Discover39996459432
Auckland, New Zealand
We are group of 6, 4 adults 2 children do need to book?
Discover_Waitomo
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand19 contributions
Kia Ora,
Sorry for the delayed response. Yes we do recommend a booking as we are in our busiest period and their may not be any available spaces on the tours. Please note to make a booking we require full payment.
Nga mihi
Discover39996459432
Auckland, New Zealand
How much for adults and how much for child?
Discover_Waitomo
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand19 contributions
Kia Ora,
Adults are $55 ,child is $25 and a family pass which is 2 adults + 1 or 2 children $136.
Nga mihi,
AnniceC2013
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia73 contributions
Hi,
Can we purchase the family package and also add on the lunch optios while we are onsite ? We are not sure the time of arriving and do not wish to book online yet to avoid any disappointment...
Thank you
AnniceC2013
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia73 contributions
Thank you and hope to ask if the prices purchasing when on site and online price are the same ?
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Claim your listingWaitomo Glowworm Caves: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour (From AU$71.29)
- Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour (From AU$170.14)
- 75-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo (From AU$101.71)
- Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland (From AU$351.68)
- 1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo (From AU$57.98)
- Hotels near Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- (0.57 km) Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
- (0.59 km) Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
- (0.48 km) The Waitomo Village Chalets - Home Of Kiwipaka
- (0.95 km) Abseil Inn
- (1.69 km) YHA Waitomo Juno Hall Backpackers
- Restaurants near Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- (0.02 km) Waitomo
- (0.62 km) Huhu Cafe
- (0.42 km) The Tomo Bar & Eatery
- (0.36 km) The Ice Cream Truck
- (0.43 km) Curly's Bar
- Attractions near Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- (0.23 km) Waitomo Caves Ziplines
- (0.45 km) Caveworld
- (0.44 km) Footwhistle Glowworm Cave
- (0.89 km) Waitomo Adventures
- (0.47 km) Waitomo Caves isite Visitor Information Centre