Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waitomo Caves: Hours, Address, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Reviews: 4/5
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.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
9 within 5 kms

Huhu Cafe
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The Tomo Bar & Eatery
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0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • New Zealand

Waitomo General Store
388
0.5 km$ • Quick Bites • Bar • Cafe

The Ice Cream Truck
10
0.4 km$

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Cafe
23
19 m$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Fast food

Long Black Cafe
34
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe

Morepork Pizzeria & Cafe
82
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Cafe

Cafe at Waitomo Adventures
10
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • New Zealand
Attractions
9 within 10 kms

Caveworld
454
0.5 kmCaverns & Caves

Footwhistle Glowworm Cave
71
0.4 kmCaverns & Caves

Waitomo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
87
0.5 kmVisitor Centres

Waitomo Caves Museum
2
0.5 kmSpeciality Museums • Natural History Museums

Ruakuri Cave
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Ruakuri Walk
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2.2 kmHiking Trails

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Caverns & Caves
Opapaka Pa Walk
1
3.2 kmScenic Walking Areas

Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm
32
Farms
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Popular mentions
4.0
5,465 reviews
Excellent
2,800
Very good
1,611
Average
639
Poor
255
Terrible
160
Liz_Mo1982
Auckland Central, New Zealand80 contributions
It is short tour (~50 mins) through relatively short length of cave. The main cave is lit up with lights meaning you can see all the stalagtites really well.
The tour guide was a descendant of the first Māori family that did tours through the cave. Tour was informative and the guide was great.
The cathedral is really impressive high ceiling part of cave. The boat ride itself was very short of not much more than 5 minutes and no where near as many glow worms as expected may see based on promo pictures of the cave. As a New Zealander should definitely see this cave once but I wouldn’t go again.
I did the ruakuri cave also which i preferred and would recommend over the waitomo cave tour if you could only do one.
The tour guide was a descendant of the first Māori family that did tours through the cave. Tour was informative and the guide was great.
The cathedral is really impressive high ceiling part of cave. The boat ride itself was very short of not much more than 5 minutes and no where near as many glow worms as expected may see based on promo pictures of the cave. As a New Zealander should definitely see this cave once but I wouldn’t go again.
I did the ruakuri cave also which i preferred and would recommend over the waitomo cave tour if you could only do one.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
shazza1985
Waipawa, New Zealand49 contributions
It’s a shame the caves have to be so commercial. The concrete pathways, barriers and lights really ruin the “caving” experience. The cave itself is great, but we would prefer something more rustic and natural, we wouldn’t go back.
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shelley M
Albany, New Zealand434 contributions
Apr. 2022
The car park is down a steep hill but there was plenty of spaces available but the small kids had trouble walking up the steep hill to get to the path for entry. Great set up with the walkway going under the road which makes it safe. Looks really well set up and bathrooms were clean. Elderly would struggle getting to the entrance.
I think I was underwhelmed as I had done a glow worm cave in the south island, but the tour was really well done, the tour guide was a young man was friendly and funny. The stairs are easy to manage, but trying to keep two small children silent was hard as they wanted to say wow and count the stairs etc which made it a bit annoying trying to keep them silent. The cathedral cave part was really nice and i really enjoyed that part. The boat ride for me was boring as there were not many gloworms at all. I was expecting a lot more, but thats because of the caves in Charleston which had set a very high benchmark. I guess Waitomo has other caves which deliver a better experience, but I wouldnt do the basic one again.
The small cafe afterwards is a nice spot on a sunny day for a coffee or ice-cream.
Felt the price was expensive for what we got to see.
I think I was underwhelmed as I had done a glow worm cave in the south island, but the tour was really well done, the tour guide was a young man was friendly and funny. The stairs are easy to manage, but trying to keep two small children silent was hard as they wanted to say wow and count the stairs etc which made it a bit annoying trying to keep them silent. The cathedral cave part was really nice and i really enjoyed that part. The boat ride for me was boring as there were not many gloworms at all. I was expecting a lot more, but thats because of the caves in Charleston which had set a very high benchmark. I guess Waitomo has other caves which deliver a better experience, but I wouldnt do the basic one again.
The small cafe afterwards is a nice spot on a sunny day for a coffee or ice-cream.
Felt the price was expensive for what we got to see.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Debi W
Auckland, New Zealand14 contributions
Apr. 2022
The glowworms are amazing and watching them from the silence of the boat gliding along in the dark with only the sound of dripping water was like being in a fantasy movie.
Our guide was really informative and kept us amused. He told us how territorial the glowworms are and showed us some dead ones - I was surprised how big they are.
Walking through the caves, up and down stairs, it was warm enough that I didn't require a sweatshirt although they say the temperature is usually 16 C.
It was well worth the price and the trip. The entrance is about 3 minutes drive past the I-site building and they recommend you arrive half an hour early especially in busy times.
Our guide was really informative and kept us amused. He told us how territorial the glowworms are and showed us some dead ones - I was surprised how big they are.
Walking through the caves, up and down stairs, it was warm enough that I didn't require a sweatshirt although they say the temperature is usually 16 C.
It was well worth the price and the trip. The entrance is about 3 minutes drive past the I-site building and they recommend you arrive half an hour early especially in busy times.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Panav
Lower Hutt, New Zealand15 contributions
It was a great experience, one of the best activities in New Zealand. Our guides Alistar and Kit were amazing. They were really informative, helpful, fun and professional.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JennyForbes
30 contributions
We went on the 1 hour guided tour of the Waitomo caves. Our guide Glen was interesting to listen to with lots of facts and stories. Really enjoyed it.
Written 13 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michelle W
Auckland, New Zealand111 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Couples
We were lucky enough to be on a tour with only a few other people and got a great talk from our guide. A magical place to visit.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Claire A
1 contribution
Mar. 2022
We bought gift vouchers online for a family member to enjoy the experience only to find that in the small print the voucher could only be redeemed in the gift shop. Poorly advertised and very disappointing as the value was enough for a family of 4 to enjoy a trip. Far too much money to spend in an average gift shop. This left a very bitter taste.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KiwiExplorers
Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand40 contributions
Dec. 2021
Amazing limestone structures and views of glow worms. For the budget or time conscious, this tour takes about 45 minutes and is was the cheapest cave to explore. For us personally, the highlight of this tour was our guide. The informative commentary he provided about the geology of the caves was fascinating and he also had an extensive knowledge of the cultural significance and history as well. He also ensured everybody had viewing opportunities. Check out the combo's available for entry to the other caves too. We have also seen the Ruakuri Cave and would highly recommend that too.
Written 1 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Patrick W
Auckland Central, New Zealand32 contributions
Jan. 2022 • Family
Our host Richard and facilities were great. Awesome to see the caves underground and learning about the glow worms, and the history of the caves. Thought it would be an hour long but it was rather quick at 45mins. Do wish parents would keep their toddlers quiet, as we are told to be as quiet as possible in the caves
Written 1 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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 Zealand26 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
KL39 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
KL39 contributions
Thank you and hope to ask if the prices purchasing when on site and online price are the same ?
yusynnl
48 contributions
How many pax can fit in a boat? I have 9 pax here, can 9 of us in a boat? We have a tide schedule.
Pauline Puratan... G
Hamilton, New Zealand40 contributions
Yes you will all be able to fit in the boat. It can hold about 15 people. The entire tour will take about an hour and the tours run at set times.
Fuzzgibbon
50 contributions
Keen for tubes and wetsuits! What’s the best company to book through? We are going in September can we expect to need a booking in advance?
joaniebinedinburgh
Edinburgh516 contributions
Hi my husband and son went through the legendary black water rafting company and they seemed really good. Only annoying thing was I booked in advance. but if I’d waited until we got there then the tourist leaflets had a 10% discount, but don’t know how busy it would be in November. You don’t want to miss out.
Is it suitable for someone with limited mobility?
CaneloLeche
Australia275 contributions
Hi Im not 100% sure as there are a few steps down to the boat so depends on disability. Im sure if you rang them they would be happy to help. The staff seemed lovely. Hope you get to see it
Cherry B
Buckingham, UK44 contributions
We would like to do the Black Water rafting. Are shoes provided for going in the water and what’s the smallest adult size (I’m UK size 2!)
TravelAngler725
Seoul, South Korea343 contributions
Shoes are provided but I have no idea what the smallest size would be.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- We recommend booking Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 84 Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour (From AU$50.64)
- Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour (From AU$138.13)
- 75-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo (From AU$72.75)
- Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland (From AU$267.04)
- Waitomo Glowworms Cave Express Tour (From AU$325.98)
- Hotels near Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- (0.57 km) Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
- (0.59 km) Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
- (0.48 km) Kiwi Paka
- (0.95 km) Abseil Breakfast Inn
- (1.69 km) YHA Waitomo Juno Hall Backpackers
- Restaurants near Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- (0.02 km) Waitomo Glowworm Caves Cafe
- (0.62 km) Huhu Cafe
- (0.43 km) Curly's Bar
- (0.36 km) The Ice Cream Truck
- (0.42 km) The Tomo Bar & Eatery
- Attractions near Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- (0.23 km) Waitomo Caves Zipline Park
- (0.45 km) Caveworld
- (0.55 km) Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours
- (0.44 km) Footwhistle Glowworm Cave
- (0.89 km) Waitomo Adventures