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Top things to do in Waitomo

Experience the best of Waitomo Caves

Journey through New Zealand's Waitomo Caves. See enchanting glowworms on a guided tour. Book now for subterranean magic.
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Slide 1 of 8, Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

45 mins - 7 hrs

  • Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour featuring a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms.

  • Walk through stunning limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the towering Cathedral chamber.

  • Hear captivating stories and legends from expert guides descended from the Māori chief who first explored the caves.

  • Upgrade to the 1.5-hour Ruakuri accessible cave tour or the full-day Waitomo tour from Auckland with transfers for a longer, richer experience.

More details

  • Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour featuring a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms.

  • Walk through stunning limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the towering Cathedral chamber.

  • Hear captivating stories and legends from expert guides descended from the Māori chief who first explored the caves.

  • Upgrade to the 1.5-hour Ruakuri accessible cave tour or the full-day Waitomo tour from Auckland with transfers for a longer, richer experience.

from
NZ$85
Slide 1 of 13, Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.
Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience

3 hrs - 5 hrs

  • Join a 3-hour black water rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave, combining underground tubing, small waterfall jumps, and magical glowworm displays.

  • Float beneath a glittering glowworm ceiling, weave through limestone passages, and take the plunge off low, safe waterfalls.

  • Learn about Maori myths, the glowworm’s unique life cycle, and caving techniques from your knowledgeable guide during the journey.

  • Pause mid-tour for complimentary snacks, then return to The Base for a hot shower after an unforgettable glowworm-lit rafting journey.

  • Opt for the 5-hour black water rafting tour for a bigger challenge, featuring added thrills like abseiling, ziplining, and scaling underground waterfalls.

More details

  • Join a 3-hour black water rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave, combining underground tubing, small waterfall jumps, and magical glowworm displays.

  • Float beneath a glittering glowworm ceiling, weave through limestone passages, and take the plunge off low, safe waterfalls.

  • Learn about Maori myths, the glowworm’s unique life cycle, and caving techniques from your knowledgeable guide during the journey.

  • Pause mid-tour for complimentary snacks, then return to The Base for a hot shower after an unforgettable glowworm-lit rafting journey.

  • Opt for the 5-hour black water rafting tour for a bigger challenge, featuring added thrills like abseiling, ziplining, and scaling underground waterfalls.

from
NZ$199
Slide 1 of 7, Glowworms illuminating Waitomo Caves with a silhouetted person on a guided tour.
Glowworms illuminating Waitomo Caves with a silhouetted person on a guided tour.

Off the Beaten Track – Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

3 hrs

  • Small-group adventure with private access to family-owned cave, away from crowds, led by local guide.

  • Equipped with helmet, headlamp, gumboots, and clothing; explore limestone passages and glowworm chambers.

  • Walk through shallow streams, climb rocks/boulders, see stalactites/stalagmites and glowworm displays.

  • Finish with complimentary photos, tea/coffee/biscuits; supports native forest restoration and predator control.

More details

  • Small-group adventure with private access to family-owned cave, away from crowds, led by local guide.

  • Equipped with helmet, headlamp, gumboots, and clothing; explore limestone passages and glowworm chambers.

  • Walk through shallow streams, climb rocks/boulders, see stalactites/stalagmites and glowworm displays.

  • Finish with complimentary photos, tea/coffee/biscuits; supports native forest restoration and predator control.

from
NZ$219
Slide 1 of 11, Person walking through illuminated Ruakuri Cave tunnel, New Zealand.
Person walking through illuminated Ruakuri Cave tunnel, New Zealand.

Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

1 hr 30 mins

  • Join a 1.5-hour tour of Ruakuri Cave, exploring impressive rock formations and the magical glow of thousands of glowworms.

  • Stroll through wheelchair-friendly routes featuring beautiful limestone formations, underground rivers, and iconic sites such as The Drum Passage and The Pretties.

  • Listen to engaging Māori legends and fascinating facts shared by guides descended from the original Māori explorers of the cave.

More details

  • Join a 1.5-hour tour of Ruakuri Cave, exploring impressive rock formations and the magical glow of thousands of glowworms.

  • Stroll through wheelchair-friendly routes featuring beautiful limestone formations, underground rivers, and iconic sites such as The Drum Passage and The Pretties.

  • Listen to engaging Māori legends and fascinating facts shared by guides descended from the original Māori explorers of the cave.

from
NZ$122
Slide 1 of 9, Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves, observing glowworms illuminating the cave walls.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves, observing glowworms illuminating the cave walls.

Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

45 mins - 1 hr 30 mins

  • Explore the magical Ruakuri Cave and Waitomo Glowworm Caves with expert local guides and save 3% when you book both together.

  • Journey through Ruakuri Cave’s twisting passages, crystal-lined walls, and flowing streams on a 1.5-hour guided tour with just 14 people.

  • Glide silently on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling, on a 45-minute tour led by a local Māori guide.

More details

  • Explore the magical Ruakuri Cave and Waitomo Glowworm Caves with expert local guides and save 3% when you book both together.

  • Journey through Ruakuri Cave’s twisting passages, crystal-lined walls, and flowing streams on a 1.5-hour guided tour with just 14 people.

  • Glide silently on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling, on a 45-minute tour led by a local Māori guide.

from
NZ$207
Slide 1 of 15, Person exploring Okohua Glowworm Cave in Waitomo, surrounded by unique rock formations.
Person exploring Okohua Glowworm Cave in Waitomo, surrounded by unique rock formations.

The Waitomo Experience : Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour

3 hrs 30 mins
1 more

  • Enjoy an intimate Okohua Glowworm Cave adventure with black water rafting and expert-guided exploration.

  • See limestone chambers and glowworm-lit passages on a 3.5-hour small-group tour limited to just 6 people.

  • Float through underground rivers on a black water rafting experience and learn about cave geology and glowworms from your guide.

  • Warm up in the cedar hot tub after your adventure and take home memories of a unique Waitomo cave experience.

More details

  • Enjoy an intimate Okohua Glowworm Cave adventure with black water rafting and expert-guided exploration.

  • See limestone chambers and glowworm-lit passages on a 3.5-hour small-group tour limited to just 6 people.

  • Float through underground rivers on a black water rafting experience and learn about cave geology and glowworms from your guide.

  • Warm up in the cedar hot tub after your adventure and take home memories of a unique Waitomo cave experience.

from
NZ$269
Slide 1 of 9, Family exploring illuminated Aranui Cave on guided tour, New Zealand.
Family exploring illuminated Aranui Cave on guided tour, New Zealand.

Aranui Cave Guided Tour

1 hr

  • Take a 1-hour guided tour of Aranui Cave, featuring fragile limestone formations and deep-rooted Māori stories.

  • Explore quiet, narrow passages filled with beautiful stalactites in shades of pink, brown, and white.

  • Listen to your knowledgeable guide share Māori myths and the story of Ruruku Aranui, the cave’s discoverer.

More details

  • Take a 1-hour guided tour of Aranui Cave, featuring fragile limestone formations and deep-rooted Māori stories.

  • Explore quiet, narrow passages filled with beautiful stalactites in shades of pink, brown, and white.

  • Listen to your knowledgeable guide share Māori myths and the story of Ruruku Aranui, the cave’s discoverer.

from
NZ$85
Slide 1 of 14, Guide instructing participants on safety gear for ziplining in Waitomo.
Guide instructing participants on safety gear for ziplining in Waitomo.

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

5 hrs

  • Go on a 5-hour black water rafting adventure at Ruakarui Cave, complete with abseiling, ziplining, tubing, and glowworms.

  • Abseil 35m into the cave, zipline through glowworm tunnels, and tube along fast-flowing underground waters.

  • Your expert guide will provide instructions, safety tips, and fascinating insights on the cave’s formations and glowworms.

  • Take a short break to enjoy a snack, then finish your adventure with a warm shower and comforting soup after an unforgettable multi-activity experience.

More details

  • Go on a 5-hour black water rafting adventure at Ruakarui Cave, complete with abseiling, ziplining, tubing, and glowworms.

  • Abseil 35m into the cave, zipline through glowworm tunnels, and tube along fast-flowing underground waters.

  • Your expert guide will provide instructions, safety tips, and fascinating insights on the cave’s formations and glowworms.

  • Take a short break to enjoy a snack, then finish your adventure with a warm shower and comforting soup after an unforgettable multi-activity experience.

from
NZ$332
Slide 1 of 9, Family taking a selfie at Hobbiton Movie Set entrance, Auckland tour.
Family taking a selfie at Hobbiton Movie Set entrance, Auckland tour.

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glowworms Caves Signature Guided Tour

12 hrs
3 more

  • Experience the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a full-day tour from Auckland with an expert guide for company.

  • Explore Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and other film locations on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, ending with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

  • Take a guided walk through ancient caves and enjoy a serene boat ride under thousands of luminescent glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

  • Opt for a private tour to explore at your own pace, or join a shared tour with lunch for a relaxed, all-in-one day without worrying about meals.

More details

  • Experience the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a full-day tour from Auckland with an expert guide for company.

  • Explore Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and other film locations on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, ending with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

  • Take a guided walk through ancient caves and enjoy a serene boat ride under thousands of luminescent glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

  • Opt for a private tour to explore at your own pace, or join a shared tour with lunch for a relaxed, all-in-one day without worrying about meals.

from Original priceNZ$450
NZ$405

10% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as cave floors can be damp and uneven.

Bring a light jacket; temperatures inside the caves are cool year-round.

Photography is restricted in some areas to protect the glowworms. Check guidelines before your visit.

If you’re prone to claustrophobia, let your guide know so they can offer support or alternative routes.

Check accessibility options in advance if you have mobility needs, as some tours involve stairs or narrow passages.

If you're based in Auckland, opt for a guided Waitomo day tour with convenient transfers. Enhance your experience by exploring Rotorua and Te Puia's geothermal valleys or discovering the enchanting Hobbiton sets.

Similar things to do in Waitomo

About Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Caves offer everything from glowworm-lit boat rides and cave walks to dramatic limestone formations and underground adventures. Ideal for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

AddressWaitomo Caves, New Zealand
Year opened1889
Founded byTane Tinorau and Fred Mace
Visitors per year400000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The glowworms in Waitomo Glowworm Cave are unique to New Zealand and are scientifically known as Arachnocampa luminosa.

The caves were first explored by local Maori Chief Tane Tinorau and English surveyor Fred Mace in 1887.

Waitomo’s name comes from the Maori words 'wai' (water) and 'tomo' (hole or shaft), reflecting the caves’ watery passages.

Beyond the well-known caves, Waitomo area has hundreds of caves. Only around 10 of which are open for exploration, each with their own unique experience.

Glowworms glow not only for tourists but mainly to attract other insects. Their bioluminescence, created by their tails, lures insects to their sticky lines. They also use the glow to attract mates.

While there are paid tours, there are also opportunities to see glowworms for free. The Ruakuri Bushwalk at night allows visitors to spot glowworms along the trail using torches.

Why visit Waitomo Caves?

Glowworm grotto

Look at thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceilings, creating a magical, star-like display unique to New Zealand.

Limestone formations

Explore impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and sculpted chambers formed over millions of years, showcasing nature’s artistry.

Underground boat ride

Enjoy expert-led tours that reveal the caves’ fascinating geology, history, and the science behind the glowworms’ bioluminescence.

Adventure activities

Experience thrilling adventures like black water rafting and abseiling for a unique perspective of Ruakuri Caves’ hidden depths.

Rich Maori heritage

Learn about the cultural significance of the caves to the local Maori people, adding depth and meaning to your visit.

Plan your visit

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre Entrance

The main entrance to the Waitomo Caves is through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre, located on Waitomo Village Road. The entrance is clearly signposted and features a modern, accessible building. Wheelchair access is available to the Visitor Centre and the first part of the cave tour, with ramps and accessible restrooms provided. Please note that some cave sections may have steps or uneven surfaces, so check accessibility details when booking.

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What our guests say

Megan C

New Zealand
Couple
May 2026
Every gazing moment was W🤩W, for me it was like a moonlit night, shining through the dense canopy of tree tops while floating around inside a cave 'with so much history' ❤️ out of respect for the iwi and the glow worms 🐛 no photo's 📱📸 while visiting the cave, however you can take pics exiting the cave, absolutely beautiful tour guide, he explained the history 👌🏽❤️ answered Q and explained the 'dos and don'ts' all said professionally and with love 'Ka pai u Sasha' Totally recommend 👌🏽 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Tyarna O

Australia
Couple
May 2026
The caves were beautiful, our guide T've was very informative and funny, and we had a great time! Lots of history and fun facts, a very cool experience.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Tania R

Australia
Group
Last week
Absolutely amazing experience and our guide Bubba was the best. He made the experience captivating. Thoroughly recommend it.

Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Abigail C

New Zealand
Couple
3 weeks ago
We had a new tour guide who was on his first week. You could tell at the start he was nervous but really grew into it as the tour progressed. He was so sweet and interactive with the children and even handled the situation of a special needs individual needing a little bit more space and time

Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Michael F

Australia
Couple
Sep 2026
Ash was a fantastic guide who gave us so much interesting information about the cave delivered with constant humour. We felt safe the entire time we were in the cave and Ash was constantly monitoring our safety as we traversed the more difficult areas of the cave. The entire experience was so much better than a commercialised venue. There were no gimmicks just real life caving resulting in a spectacular Glowworm display. The facilities at the office were clean and everything we needed was supplied. Thanks Ash for your enthusiasm, entertainment and professionalism. Michael and Dena. Busselton Western Australia.

Off the Beaten Track – Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

Adina K

Israel
Solo
Sep 2026
I really enjoyed thw amazing guides Ollie and aria they really made the experience so much more fun then it already was. I loved how we got 2 experience everything. From chiling out and seeing thw glow warms 2 climbing up a waterfall and sliding down a slide. The guides made us feel very comfortable and safe 2 do what we felt comfortable about and not 2 do what we didn't want 2. Thank you very much for this wonderful experience. Worth every penny

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

Wayne H

New Zealand
Group
May 2026
You really have to do cave tour that was highlight of our day. Absolutely gorgeous. How lucky are we to live in a beautiful country , tour guide was absolutely great.

Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

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