7 hour(s)
English
Included
Explore the magical Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Glide silently on a flat-bottom boat under thousands of glowing worms
Scenic drive through South Auckland and the Waikato region
Photo stops at picturesque locations
€ 144.04
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
Select your preferred date and time from the calendar above.
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Experience the magical Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour with Auckland & Beyond Tours, where you’ll witness thousands of tiny glowing creatures, “Arachnocampa Luminoso,” lighting up the Waitomo Grotto. The journey begins with a pick-up from Auckland CBD, followed by a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive through South Auckland into the Waikato region. Along the way, enjoy photo stops at picturesque locations. On arrival, you’ll have around 30 minutes to explore the gift shop or grab a snack at the Waitomo Homestead before your guided cave tour.
The 45-minute guided tour takes you through the fascinating Glowworm Cave, where your guide explains the history of the cave, the unique glowing worms, and the spectacular rock formations inside. The highlight of the experience is a tranquil flat-bottom boat ride along the Waitomo River, gliding silently under the sparkling glow of thousands of worms. After the tour, you’ll return to Auckland CBD, enjoying more scenic views along the way, making this a truly memorable half-day adventure.
Pick up from Auckland CBD
Snacks & water
Admission & Guided tour of Waitomo Caves & a boat ride
Drive Back to Auckland CBD
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Comfortable walking Shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Camera
Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the cave
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Keep personal essentials
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Great set up. Interesting guides. Large cafe and gift shop. Parking down a huge slope! We did walking and boat tour to see the glow worms. Loved it but had manage so many stairs in the almost dark.
We did the combination of the walking tour and boat tour and I’d definitely suggest doing the walking tour at least, as it allows for photos. Our tour guide Jetta was fantastic - her knowledge of the history of the caves was so interesting. There are tons of experiences you can take advantage of at the caves and I think it’s definitely worth the trip!
This is by far one of the best and most unique excursions that we have done during our various travels. The guides were all very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the tour. We were a little nervous about the water being too cold but you are in so many layers, including an optional fleece under your wetsuit, that you dont even notice! Definitely a must do while on the North Island.
Fantastic experience, great activity to do with the whole family, the cave and the river are beyond expectations and all the scenery walks around are something everyone should do at least once. Guides were super friendly and knowledgeable the place is super clean and they have everything to make it a lifetime experience. Thank you.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a tour group, and I wanted to share my experience. While it may be a bit of a journey from downtown Auckland, the adventure truly felt worthwhile. Before entering the cave, a photographer captures special moments for souvenirs. They do this because photography inside the cave is not permitted, primarily to protect the delicate habitat of the glowworms. It also helps support the local economy through tourism. I have to admit, the photos can sometimes be a little cheesy, but there’s no pressure to buy them. Once inside the cave, our guide warmly explained the importance of not touching the rock formations, as this could harm the unique ecosystem surrounding the glowworms. When the lights went off, the sight was nothing short of magical—glowworms twinkled like stars above us, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The walk was about 800 meters, so wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is essential, especially since the ground can be quite slippery. At the end of the tour, we boarded a boat to exit the cave, and we were kindly reminded to keep our voices low to preserve the peaceful ambiance. As we emerged from the cave, a gift shop awaited us, which was a nice way to wrap up the visit. I found a lovely Christmas ornament there, and the prices were quite reasonable. Additionally, you can retrieve the photo taken before the tour, which is a nice touch. Overall, I found the experience to be quite fascinating and uplifting, connecting with such a unique aspect of nature.
