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8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, what are the best cave and glowworm tours in waitomo.

By now, you probably know about the marvels that hide beneath the rolling farmland of Waitomo. The Waitomo caves are among some of the most popular attractions in New Zealand, but many travellers only discover just how many glowworm cave tours there are once they get to Waitomo, by which point, you’re already booked onto the first cave tour you came across. There are five different companies taking you into the caves of Waitomo to either do some caving, walking or floating in a raft, boat or even a rubber tube. Don’t get stuck with taking the first cave tour you hear about- there are many options to suit a range of budgets, ages, abilities and personalities.

So, pick the best Waitomo experience for you with this list of the best Waitomo cave tours. Plus, while you’re here, you might want to plan the rest of your trip starting with The Complete Guide to Waitomo .

1. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

Combine the adrenaline adventure that New Zealand is famous for with the majesty of the Waitomo caves networks on a cave tour with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. Go cave tubing complete with underground waterfall jumps on the three-hour Black Labyrinth tour or go all out on the five-hour Black Abyss tour with abseiling, waterfall climbing, ziplining and more. Both options give you the opportunity to see small clusters of glowworms, as well as a few interesting limestone formations along the way. All in all, this activity is all about adventure. See how the tours compare in What is the Best Black Water Rafting Tour in New Zealand? or head to Viator and Tripadvisor to book your tour.

Location: 585 Waitomo Caves Road

2. Cave World Waitomo

Escape the crowds of Waitomo’s more popular caves on a small-group experience with Cave World Waitomo. This 1h15min walking tour ventures through native bush and waterfalls to the breathtaking Footwhistle Cave. The cave scenery is dimly lit, just enough for you to admire the stunning limestone formations and glowworm displays. The tour concludes with a traditional New Zealand kawakawa tea in native forest surroundings. Learn more about Cave World Waitomo on Viator and Tripadvisor .

Location: 23 Waitomo Village Road

3. Ruakuri Cave

One of the most accessible cave tours in Waitomo, the Ruakuri Cave is not only suitable for all ages but is also wheelchair and stroller accessible. After delving down a spiral walkway, the 1h25mins experience takes you through tunnels to various chambres displaying some of the most impressive stalactite formations in Waitomo. You’ll have the opportunity to see small glowworm displays glowing on the ceilings, as well as close-up. The tour is a good option to enjoy a comprehensive glowworm cave experience without getting wet. Learn more about Ruakuri Cave on Viator or Tripadvisor .

Location: Tumutumu Road

4. Glowing Adventures

See the Waitomo caves exactly as nature intended on the glowworms cave tours with Glowing Adventures. There are no concrete floors, no walkways or artificial lighting in this cave network on a family farm giving you an authentic caving experience. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t magnificent features to behold, in fact, it’s quite the opposite with what looks like limestone waterfalls frozen in time, stalactites and, of course, beautiful displays of glowworms. Groups are limited to six people, while private tours and even photography tours are available. Find out more about the different tours available on Viator and Tripadvisor . Plus, we list this experience in the 9 Luxury Activities in Waitomo .

Location: 1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti

5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Easily the most popular cave tour in Waitomo, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is affordable, quick and has one of the best glowworm displays in the country. Delve into a giant limestone chamber known as Cathedral Cave where you’ll experience the amazing acoustics, before getting a quick chance to marvel at some of the glowworms close up. The highlight of the 30 to 45-minute trip, however, is the gentle float in a boat underneath one of the largest known displays of glowworms in New Zealand – just magical! See Viator and Tripadvisor for more details on the tour.

Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road

6. Waitomo Adventures

Offering the largest array of adventure activities in Waitomo, Waitomo Adventures is the perfect option for travellers who want to get into the true New Zealand spirit of adventure. Six different tour options allow you to experience some or all of Waitomo Adventures’ underground challenges among giant caverns, such as a 100m (328ft) free-hanging abseil, waterfall abseils, gentle ziplines, tubing (also known as black water rafting), climbing, scrambling and more. The caves are full of dramatic stalactites, as well as clusters of glowworms to admire. On-site is also the children’s activity the Troll Cave, a cafe and a day spa. Find out more about the Troll Cave in the 10 Things to Do in Waitomo with Kids .

Location: 1227 Waitomo Valley Road

7. Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

One of the best-value cave tours in Waitomo, Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tours offers an incredible 3h15min experience seeing breathtaking glowworm displays and admiring awe-striking limestone formations. Their combined glowworm and cave tour takes you to two separate caves, starting with the Spellbound Cave where you’ll gently float on a raft down an underground river with a galaxy of glowworms above your head. Next, it’s the Spirit Cave with stalactites, tomo and sinkholes, as well as the chance to see the remains of the long-extinct moa. Tours to see just the Spellbound Cave, as well as private tours, are also available.

Location: 15 Waitomo Village Road (in the general store)

8. Aranui Cave

Last, but by no means least, the Aranui Cave is an intimate cave experience that offers something a little different from glowworms. With no running stream through the cave, you’ll instead find intriguing creatures like the giant native insect, the weta. You’ll follow the boardwalks to narrow chambers awash in magnificent limestone features, long stalactites and even various shades of colour. This cave tour is definitely a must for those more interested in seeing spectacular cave landscapes than glowworms.

Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road.

More About Tours in Waitomo

• 8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples
• 15 Free Things to Do in Waitomo
• 10 Waitomo Must-Dos

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
• Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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THE 10 BEST Waitomo Caves Walking Tours

Walking tours in waitomo caves.

• Film & TV Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland

2. Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

3. Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland

4. Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

5. Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

6. Waitomo & Hobbiton Guided Tour departing Auckland

7. 75-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo

8. Waitomo - Eco Adventure Glowworm Cave Tour - Off the Beaten Track

9. Private Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours

10. Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)

11. 3-Hour Private Photography Tour in Waitomo Caves

12. 1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo

13. Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Small Group Tour from Auckland

14. 5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Tour

15. Rotorua and Waitomo

16. Sanctuary Mountain (Mt Maungatautari) & Waitomo Luxury Day tour from Auckland

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Ziplining Forest Experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua

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Hamilton Gardens Private Highlights Tour

Timber Trail - Ongarue to Pureora Shuttle 2 Day Ride

Romantic tour in Hamilton

The best of Hamilton walking tour

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Taupo Self-Guided Audio Tour

Timber Trail - Ongarue to Piropiro Shuttle 1 Day Ride

What travellers are saying.

• Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
• Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland
• Waitomo & Hobbiton Guided Tour departing Auckland
• Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waikato

By Tourism Holdings Limited

• Black Water Rafting
• Hobbit filming locations

2 hours 40 mins from Auckland

2 hours from Rotorua

1 hour from Hamilton

Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The area's name comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole).

The easiest way to see the Waitomo Caves is with a walking or boat tour. If you’re into adventure, try the unique experience of Black Water Rafting - you'll crawl, swim and float through the caves on a rubber tube. Or you could abseil or zip-line through the darkness. However you choose to explore Waitomo Caves, you're bound to agree they're a wonder of nature.

There is as much to see and experience above ground as there is below.

Enjoy good cafes and walks as well as natural wonders including the beautiful Marokopa Falls and limestone Mangapohue Natural bridge. A walkway beginning near the Waitomo Museum of Caves leads through farmland where you'll see fascinating rock forms.

For a quirky insight into rural New Zealand life, take in one of the local farm shows, or go exploring on a guided horse trek. If you'd like to visit some New Zealand’s rarest birds, including our national icon, the kiwi, head to Otorohanga Kiwi House in Otorohanga .

Nearby, the town of Piopio offers guided tours of the Denize Bluffs, a filming location seen on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and further south the  Pureora forest provides some great short and long hikes suitable for all levels as well as the Timber Trail.

Explore Waitomo Caves

Find things to do, find places to stay, find a multi-day tour.

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Kate Abroad

Best Waitomo Caves Tours to Book in 2024

Discover the best Waitomo Caves tours in 2023, choosing from a range of options from walking, rafting or caving.

Waitomo Caves is one of the most famous natural attractions in New Zealand .

These limestone caves filled with thousands of glowworms offer a unique and enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

The Waitomo Caves are found in the central Waikato region of the North Island , around 1.5 hour’s drive south of Hamilton and 2.5 hours from Auckland.

The Waitomo area is very beautiful, with lots of farmland and rolling green hills. Make sure to allow time for the other things to do in Waitomo before or after your caves tour.

Most visitors to the Waitomo Caves choose one of the walking tours. This is a popular way to see the caves in a short time and without getting wet, but there’s a lot more that can only be seen on the more adventurous tours.

Whilst visiting the caves, you will see limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and glowworms.

You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for the weta, one of our native insects, which is essentially a giant cockroach, you won’t want to get too close!

Which is the best way to see the Waitomo Caves though? The answer to this entirely depends on your budget, timeframe and personal preferences.

Keep reading to compare the different Waitomo Caves tour options and help you pick the best choice for you.

Best Overall Waitomo Caves Tour

The Glowworm Cave 3-Hour Guided Eco-Tour is the perfect balance of relaxed sightseeing and adventure. There is no rafting or caving so you stay dry and it’s suitable for almost all visitors. You also get to go beyond the main tourist-filled caves to privately-owned caves where you can see the glowworms better.

Waitomo Caves Boat and Walking Tours

Glowworm caves guided tour by boat.

This tour is the most popular Waitomo Caves experience. It’s short and sweet and you don’t get dirty or wet, plus it’s easily accessible for most visitors.

If you haven’t got a lot of time or you’re not into adventure experiences then this is the tour for you. You’ll still see stalactities, stalagmites and glowworms but stay on the well-maintained paths.

The best part is gliding through the aptly named Glowworm Cave in a boat and witnessing the thousands of tiny bioluminescent creatures illuminating the surroundings. It’s like stepping into a magical fairyland! Make sure to look up and admire the starry sky created by these remarkable little creatures.

The tour lasts one hour and leaves from the caves visitor centre.

You’ll need warm clothes for this tour as it’s especially chilly on the underground waterways.

The Ruakuri Cave Exploration

The Ruakuri Cave is the longest cave in Waitomo but has the advantage of being slightly less crowded than the Cathedral Cave. It’s a great option for those who want to be a bit off the beaten track but aren;t up for a full-on caving expedition.

Known as the “Den of Dogs,” this cave boasts stunning limestone formations, hidden waterfalls, and an underground river. Knowledgeable caving guides will accompany you, sharing insights about the cave’s geology, history, and its significance to the local Maori culture.

It’s a super cool experience to descend into the darkness via the spiral entrance, and witness nature’s astonishing handiwork but the best part of this tour is the insight that the local guides offer, many of them have family histories in the area going back generations.

The tour lasts 1.5 hours and leaves from the Ruakuri Information Centre.

Glowworm Cave Guided Eco-Tour

The Glowworm Cave 3-Hour Guided Eco-Tour is the perfect balance of relaxed sightseeing and adventure. It’s a small-group trip with expert local guides so no crowds or mass-tourism vibes. There is no rafting or caving so you stay dry and it’s suitable for almost all visitors. But you do a fair bit of walking so bring some sturdy shoes. The best part of this tour, and why I’ve rated it number one, is that you get to explore the privately-owned caves without any other tourists or any manmade paths and lighting which means you can see the glowworms way better.

This tour last 3 hours and departs from Down To Earth Tours’ HQ outside of Te Kuiti.

You don’t need to bring any wet gear but your clothes are likely to get dirty so it’s worth bringing a change for afterwards. Showers, tea, coffee and snacks are on offer afterwards.

Waitomo Caves Rafting and Caving Tours

Black abyss ultimate caving experience.

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, embark on the Black Abyss Caving tour. This tour isn’t cheap but they’re not kidding when they say it’s the ultimate Waitomo experience. You can explore areas of the caves that aren’t accessible on any other trip.

This thrilling expedition combines abseiling, climbing, and caving as you descend into the depths of the caves. Traverse vertical shafts, witness subterranean waterfalls, and immerse yourself in a breathtaking natural spectacle.

You’ll need to be fully mobile for this tour and have a basic level of fitness, so it’s not suitable for young kids or older travellers – or the claustrophobic!

There is also a 35m abseil on the trip so you’ll need to be ok with heights.

However, with skilled guides leading the way, you’ll conquer your fears, push your boundaries, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I did this tour on a birthday trip and absolutely loved every moment!

The tour starts from the Waitomo Homestead, just outside the village and lasts 5 hours.

You’ll need to bring togs (kiwi for swimsuit), a towel and a warm change of clothes while torches, wetsuits, helmets and boots are provided. The tour company provides a hot lunch afterwards with soup and bagels to warm back up!

Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, a Waitomo Black Water Rafting Adventure is a must-try. Equipped with wetsuits, helmets, and rubber tubes, you’ll jump into subterranean rivers and embark on a unique water adventure.

This tour explores the Ruakuri Cave on an exhilarating underground adventure that involves climbing, black water tubing, floating, and leaping over cascading underground waterfalls.

Get ready to see the caves from a whole new perspective!

The tour starts from the Waitomo Homestead, just outside the village and lasts 3 hours.

You’ll need to bring togs (kiwi for swimsuit), a towel and a warm change of clothes while wetsuits, helmets and boots are provided. The tour company also has hot showers and snacks to help you warm up afterwards, you might even get a Milo!

Waitomo Caves Tours From Auckland

If you’re short on time, you might want to visit the Waitomo Caves on a day trip from Auckland. The drive is only 2-2.5 hours so it’s very doable, some tours even combine the caves with other Waikato attractions like Hobbiton.

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

See two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions in one day with this tour from Auckland.

You’ll explore the Glowworm and Cathedral Caves at Waitomo including the boat cruise with a local guide covering that portion of the trip.

There is also the official Hobbiton tour included and a drink at the hobbit pub. Although lunch (which is included) is at The Homestead in Waitomo.

This trip is great for enjoying all the beautiful Waikato scenery as you drive along the Waikato River past the sacred mountain at Taupiri.

While I’d always recommend spending a few days staying in and exploring the Waikato, this tour is a great option if your itinerary doesn’t allow that. Plus if you don’t have your own transport, getting to Waitomo Caves can be tricky and this bus tour solves that problem for you.

The tour lasts 11 hours and includes pickup and drop-off at Auckland hotels.

Hobbiton, Rotorua & Waitomo Caves Day Trip

This tour is insanely packed making for a looong day but if you are really squeezed on time then this could be a good option for you.

It covers all the big attractions in the upper North Island in one go, with the Waitomo Caves plus Hobbiton plus the geothermal geysers of Rotorua. Expect to spend a lot of time in the bus getting from A to B. However, there is some free time in each location for you to epxlore.

The Waitomo part of the tour essentially covers all of the same things as the first tour on this list, with a short walk through the caves and a boat ride to see the glowworms.

The tour lasts 13 hours and includes hotel pick up and drop off in central Auckland.

You don’t need to bring anything special for this trip, just have decent walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet at the caves. Lunch is included but morning and afternoon tea is not.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Waitomo Caves

It’s possible to visit a small portion of the Waitomo Caves independently but most of the caves can only be accessed through guided tours.

Wear comfortable clothing and decent walking shoes and be aware that anything you wear may get a bit wet, especially your shoes. It’s a good idea to bring a jacket as it gets cold underground in the caves.

Absolutely! Waitomo Caves is surrounded by beautiful countryside, cute small towns like Cambridge and other attractions like the Otorohanga kiwi sanctuary.

In Short: Choosing a Waitomo Caves Tour

The Waitomo Caves are like this whole separate underground world full of amazing phenomena like limestone carvings and glowworms.

Whether you’re marvelling at the ethereal glowworms from a boat, exploring stunning limestone formations on foot, or pushing your limits on thrilling escapades in an inner tube, the Waitomo Caves promise an unforgettable experience.

More North Island Travel Guides:

If you’re planning a trip to the Waitomo Caves, you might also be interested in these guides for the surrounding area:

• Best Day Trips from Hamilton
• Guide to Hot Air Ballooning in Hamilton (a must-do if you can)
• Waikato Road Trips
• Must-Visit North Island Beaches

Happy travelling!

New Zealand Travel Resources

• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Pre-book your tickets to attractions on Klook
• Find awesome day tours on Viator
• Compare prices on cars and campervans for your NZ road trip at RentalCars.com
• Sort your New Zealand dollars with a Wise currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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THE 10 BEST Waitomo Caves Tours & Excursions

Waitomo caves tours.

• Movie & TV Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland

2. Hobbiton & Waitomo Small Group Tour - EX Auckland

3. Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

4. Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland

5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

6. Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

7. Waitomo & Hobbiton Guided Tour departing Auckland

8. 75-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo

9. Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland -Smaller Groups

10. From Auckland: Waitomo Caves and Kiwi House Small Group Tour

11. Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

12. Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience - Small Group Tour from Auckland

13. Waitomo - Eco Adventure Glowworm Cave Tour - Off the Beaten Track

14. Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves - Start or Finish Auckland or Rotorua

15. Private Waitomo Caves Tour - Auckland Tour House

16. Private Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours

17. Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)

18. 3-Hour Private Photography Tour in Waitomo Caves

19. Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird

20. 2 Day Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Tour from Auckland

21. Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave Experience - Small Group Tour From Auckland

22. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Waitomo Caves and The Kiwi House

23. 1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo

24. Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Small Group Tour from Auckland

25. 5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Tour

26. Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland

27. Hobbiton Movie Set tour & Bluespring & Glowworm Cave day tour

28. Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour

29. Waitomo Glowworm Caves In a Private Small Group Tour-Auckland.

30. Private 3 Days Tour From Auckland: Hobbiton, Hamilton, Rotorua & Waitomo Caves

What travelers are saying.

• Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
• Hobbiton & Waitomo Small Group Tour - EX Auckland
• Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland
• Waitomo & Hobbiton Guided Tour departing Auckland
• Down to Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
• Waitomo Adventures
• The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
• Kiwi Cave Rafting
• Headfirst Travel - Waitomo Wanderer
• Waitomo Caves Ziplines

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour with Optional Ruakuri Cave Tour

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• Mobile ticket

Discover a moment of magic under the luminescent light in Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Explore an ancient world hidden away in New Zealand's unique, natural beauty.

Enjoy a slow-paced 45-minute tour through 250 meters of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, exploring the ancient dual-level system.

Witness tiny creatures creating a celestial galaxy in the Glowworm Grotto with their radiant luminescence.

Walk through the upper chamber of the 30-million-year-old cave system, then sail through the lower level encountering glowworms and the Cathedral.

Discover the cave's history, features, and legends with Maori chief descendants, who bring it to life through storytelling.

Care to explore more of this glowing haven? Opt for the 1.5-hour Ruakuri Caves tour, the longest underground walking experience available in this cave system.

Did you know? Glowworms found in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves are a unique species, and cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

Maori descendant expert tour guide

Small group tour

45-minute tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves (optional)

Boat ride along Waitomo River (optional)

Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto (optional)

Extended 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Ruakuri Cave (optional)

Exclusive access to deeper and untouched areas of the cave (optional)

Access to Holdens Cavern, the Drum Passage, the Pretties & the Ghost Passage (optional)

Up close views of glowworms, stalagmites & stalactites (optional)

Entry & exit through the grand spiral staircase (optional)

Note: The inclusions may vary depending on the package you select during the next step of your booking.

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ratings & Reviews

Your experience, explore the waitomo glowworm caves.

Join this 45-minute guided tour of one of New Zealand's best natural attractions. See the ancient limestone formations and the tiny glowworms lighting up the caves.

Your guide, a Maori descendant, will narrate legends and stories, enhancing your understanding of the caves' sacredness in Maori culture. Explore a 30-million-year-old landscape, learning about the glowworms' unique biology and their bioluminescence. The tour covers 2 levels of the caves: the dry upper level, showcasing delicate cave formations, and the lower level, featuring stream passages and the majestic Cathedral, the cave's tallest chamber.

Marvel at upper chamber carvings

Before setting sail, explore the upper chamber of the caves by foot. Here, you'll witness limestone formations, carved over millennia into stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate columns. Walking in the upper chamber offers a chance to appreciate the artistic mastery of nature in sculpting these delicate structures.

Sail through the Glowworm Grotto

The tour's highlight is a slow-paced boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto. As you glide along the water, you will see thousands of glowworms shining their blue-green light on the cave ceiling. Experience a magical atmosphere as you witness a galaxy of tiny living lights. These glowworms, known as Archanocampa Luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and make the Waitomo Glowworm Caves a must-see attraction.

Know before you go

What's not allowed.

• Photography is permitted in designated areas of the Ruakuri Caves. However, in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, photography is strictly prohibited.

Accessibility

• Ruakuri Caves are accessible for wheelchair users, in contrast to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves which are accessible to those with reasonable mobility.

Additional information

• It's recommended to wear a warm jacket along with comfortable shoes.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

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• Waitomo Attractions
• Waitomo Caves
• Ruakuri Cave

Book Aranui Cave Tickets in Waitomo

Aranui Cave Guided Tour

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Explore the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's caves – the Aranui Cave on a 1-hour walking tour.
• With the help of a guide, experience the beautiful scenic beauty inside of caves and learn more about the native culture.
• Take a scenic stroll through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve leading to the hidden entrance of Aranui Cave.
• Witness the native cave wetas, a unique sight in this dark, dry haven. The cave houses little life beyond its entrance with no water flowing through it.
• Get a glimpse of the long, narrow chambers of the Waitomo cave and Aranui's high chambers, adorned with white, pink, and brown stalactites.
• 1-hour guided walking tour in Aranui Cave
• Expert guide
• Access to Ruakuri Scenic Reserve
• Photography and video are permitted inside the cave.
• It's recommended to wear a warm jacket along with comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
• This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
• The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Top things to do in Waitomo

Learn About the Amazing Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand

W hen you hear a name like Waitomo Glowworm Caves, how can you not be interested? It sounds too good to be true, but it’s real. The Waitomo caves, at least most of them, are filled with beautiful lights as a result of hundreds of glowworms living in the dark.

If you want to learn more about these caves, how to visit them, and what to expect when you go, keep reading below.

Where Are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Caves are located in Waitomo. This is on the North Island of New Zealand . The name comes from the Maori people, with wai meaning water and tomo meaning hole or shaft.

Depending on how you plan to travel, it’s not terribly far from Auckland, New Zealand. It’s about three-and-a-half hours by bus, or two-and-a-half hours by car.

What Are the Waitomo Caves?

A total of three caves make up this attraction. These are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave, and Aranui Cave. Each cave is a little different.

The Aranui cave is dry and doesn’t have any glowworms. However, the sparkling stones and multi-colored stalactites and stalagmites are sure to leave behind an impression.

Then there is the Ruakuri Cave. This is the largest cave in the area, big enough to easily be wheelchair accessible. There’s a mix of limestone formations and stunning crystals. Part of the cave has water in it, allowing you a close look at the glowworms.

Finally, there is the most popular cave. This is the Glowworm Caves. You’ll get to walk around some of the larger caves. Then, you’ll get to take a boat through an area filled with glowworms. You and the rest of the people on the tour get to watch the glowworms and their lights reflecting off of the cave walls in silence.

Check out a couple of different tour options. Some places offer a visit to multiple caves or even other places nearby for one decent price. There are a few other attractions around the area, so it’s best to take advantage and see as many of them as you can while you’re in the area.

Life in the Waitomo Caves

Despite being a popular cave, you can find quite a bit of wildlife in the caves. Most of them are insects, such as giant crickets and albino cave ants. The giant crickets are known as Weta , and they are actually quite large, though thankfully flightless. They’re about the size of a pocket lighter and are some of the heaviest insects in the world.

There is also a wide range of fungi that make its home on the walls of the cave. One such example is a fungus known as cave flower, distantly related to Pleurotus .

However, the most popular species in the cave is the glowworm that the cave is named after. The glowworm is Arachnocampa luminosa , which roughly means “glowing spider-worm.”

Their common name is simply glowworm, but they are sometimes referred to as New Zealand Gloworm because they are endemic to the country. In the Māori language, they are known as Titiwai , which refers to the glowing light they project into the water.

These glowworms seen in the cave make up the larval and imago stages. In both of these stages, the glowworm emits blue-green bioluminescence . They turn into a type of gnat when fully grown.

In addition to being found in the Waitomo Caves, they are found in some botanical gardens in the area, such as Wellington Botanical Gardens.

Because of the heavy foot traffic due to visitors, there aren’t many other animals in the cave.

Other Things to Do in the Area

If you want a little adrenaline after that serene sight, there’s the perfect place nearby. Go black water rafting is the ultimate adventure. You get to go tubing in the dark caves, jump off of waterfalls, and see glowworms. Still not enough? There are also options for ziplining through the dark caves, going caving, and climbing up waterfalls.

If you want to see more animals, the Kiwi House in Otorohanga is only about a 15-minute drive from Waitomo. It houses all sorts of native birds including the grey teal, tui, kea, North Island kaka, little spotted kiwi , and New Zealand falcon.

There’s also the Timber Trail , which is roughly a 20-minute drive from Waitomo. The area offers 54 miles of trails that wander through an ancient forest. Depending on what trail you take, you may even find a few bridges to cross. With so many miles of trails, you could easily spend a week just in the park. There are also plenty of bike trails in the park if you’re looking for more than a walk.

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The post Learn About the Amazing Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand appeared first on A-Z Animals .

Ruakuri Cave

Discover the wonder of Ruakuri Cave

See glowworms right up close in this magical cave. journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, marvel at the limestone formations and crystal tapestries in this uniquely sustainable experience (this is a solar powered cave)..

Ruakuri Cave is an experience that must be seen to be believed. Offering a captivating blend of the most compelling subterranean experiences (including glowworms), it will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Begin the tour by journeying down through the spectacular, man-made spiral entrance, marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries while listening to the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls. If you want to see glowworms up-close and personal and learn about their fascinating life, then this is the tour for you. Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave, and we also offer photography tours .

Major features of the Ruakuri Cave tour include; Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden who first opened the cave to the public, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage.

With clever and innovative design, Ruakuri Cave has full wheelchair and pushchair access and both the cave and its visitor centre is proudly powered by 100% renewable energy.

Compare all experiences  to find the right tour for you.

Please note - you will need your own transport to get to the Ruakuri Cave. Please note - wheelchair/stroller width must not exceed 65cm.

Backpacks are not premitted 

Wheelchair Access

Photography

NZD$107 Adult

NZD$41 Child

NZD$260 Family (2A+2C)

NZD$39 Extra Child (Family Pass)

Check out our combo deals to enjoy Ruakuri Cave alongside our other caves for a great price.

Top Cave Combo  - Ruakuri Cave + Aranui Cave

Most Popular Combo  - Ruakuri Cave + Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Essential Information

• Ruakuri Visitor Centre, Tumutumu Road, Waitomo
• 0800 456 922
• Open daily - Pre-Booking is essential
• Tours depart from 10am with the last tour at 3.30pm. Additional tours maybe available over summer period.
• [email protected]

Departure Information

Current departure times: Open daily 10am - 3.30pm Pre-bookings are essential - please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tours depart from 10am (last tour at 3.30pm) from the Ruakuri Visitor Centre on Tumutumu Road .

You must have your own transport for this tour (the Ruakuri Visitors Centre is located a short drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Visitors Centre). Wheelchair/stroller width must not exceed 65cm.

Backpacks aren't permitted inside the cave

Allow 1.5 hours.

It is essential to check-in 30 minutes prior to tour departure - you will need to continue on from the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

Failure to check in on time will result in missing your tour's departure and forfeiting your tickets.

Preparation

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Wear a warm jacket
• Bring your camera

Ruakuri Cave is accessible to everyone and is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible (wheelchair/pushchair width must not exceed 65cm). If you require a wheelchair, please contact us prior to your tour.

Photography and video are permitted in selected areas of the cave.

You must check   in 30 minutes prior to your tour departure .

  Please note:  The Ruakuri Cave Visitor Centre is a cashless site. We strongly advise booking your tour online, and make sure you bring a contactless method of payment (credit card, apple pay etc) for on site.

 Please note: large backpacks aren't premitted inside the cave

Yes, pre-booking is essential to avoid missing out, especially over the summer months. Plus it's easy, just select your preferred date and time, and pre-pay for your tickets online.

Check-in for Ruakuri Cave tours is at the Ruakuri Visitor Centre, located on Tumutumu Road, follow the signs. The Ruakuri Visitor Centre is a short drive from the main Glow Worm Caves. Toilets are available at the visitor centre.

You must check in at the Ruakuri Visitor Centre at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour departure. If you're late or miss your departure time, your ticket will be non-refundable and fortified.

All you will need are comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket.

Yes, there are, you can even grab a selfie with them!

Yes, Ruakuri if full accessible allowing for both wheelchairs and push chairs to enjoy the tour. However, due to our narrow passageways, the wheelchair or stroller must not exceed 65cm.

Under 4-year-olds go free but must be booked to secure a place on tour.

No, children over the age of 14 will need to be booked as an adult. Proof of age may be required.

Two adults and two children.