Waitomo Caves Tours and Activities

Come visit a New Zealand attraction that’s sure to have you ‘glowing’ during this 45-minute small-group guided boat ride through the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Glide by boat through this underground complex, enjoying a light show put on by the millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above. As an added bonus, many of the trip guides are of Maori descent, adding unique historical context to your visit.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are among the most visited attractions of New Zealand’s North Island and Ruakuri Cave is the longest of the underground caves. Explore the magnificent cave on this 75-minute guided walking tour and marvel at the unique rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glittering glowworms.

Go Waitomo black-water rafting (cave tubing) for a memorable adventure in the Waitomo Caves. Choose a 3-hour Labyrinth experience that takes you floating underground on an inner tube, including a small waterfall jump. Or upgrade to the 5-hour Black Abyss for an exhilarating abseil (rappel) down limestone walls; instruction and equipment included. The resident glowworms, stalactites and stalagmites will amaze you! Finish with a hot shower, soup and bagel.

Visit a pair of New Zealand's must-see attractions with this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit Holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a Kiwi-style lunch. In the afternoon, explore Maori myths and history on a boat ride through mesmerizing caves lit by thousands of glowworms, and finish with a drive through some of the North Island’s most majestic scenery.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves rank among the most popular sites of interest in New Zealand. On this tour, visit both sites in one day—see the home of Bilbo Baggins and explore Waitomo’s subterranean caverns—and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour—limited to 12 people.

Cover plenty of ground in one day by combining several North Island highlights: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and Rotorua. Ride a boat through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to see these radiant lights. Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you find the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the home of Bilbo Baggins from ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Enjoy lunch at Te Puia, home to Pohutu Geyser. You can start and finish your tour in either Auckland or Rotorua, traveling one-way or round-trip.

Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Rotorua that can be customized to your interests. Choose a walking tour of the glowworm caves, enjoy independent time in Waitomo, or splash through the caverns on an adventurous rafting or caving tour. Next, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set to explore hobbit holes and sip a hobbit-themed brew at the Green Dragon Inn. This full-day tour includes pickup at selected locations in Rotorua, with drop-off in Rotorua or Auckland.

This small-group tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves provides express service with air-conditioned transport from Auckland. A guide explains the phenomenon of glowworm formations inside the caverns. Afterward, ride on a flat-bottom boat and glide along the Waitomo River while you gaze silently at the glowworms. Get an early start from your hotel and have free time to spend in the afternoon.

Explore one of the North Island’s most impressive natural wonders and see the national symbol of New Zealand on this shore excursion from Tauranga. Walk through the caves to see stalagmites and stalactites before boarding a small boat to the incredible Waitomo Caves, filled with glittering glow-worms. Then visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House to learn more about the native birds. Port pickup and drop-off is included.

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and native culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous tour takes in both sites in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites at the famous Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua attractions including the Government Gardens and Lake Rotorua.

Experience two of New Zealand's top attractions in one day. Travel on a small-group tour from Rotorua to Waitomo Glowworm Caves where an official guide explains the natural features. Then explore the Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Visit Bilbo’s hobbit hole and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Experience the thrill of black-water rafting and caving in a safe yet challenging environment. Choose among several exhilarating underground adventures at Waitomo Caves. Accompanied by an expert guide, you can go cave tubing among glowworms, rappel down into the labyrinth, or do both. Prepare for a one-of-a-kind tour with an option to suit any adventurous spirit. Travel round-trip from either Auckland or Rotorua, with hotel pickup available.

Make the most of your trip from Rotorua to Auckland with a tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a fascinating network of flooded caverns lit by bioluminescent glowworms. You’ll travel by comfortable minibus from your hotel in Rotorua to your centrally-located Auckland hotel, pausing in Waitomo for a boat tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This 6-hour tour includes all transport and entrance fees, and it’s limited to 15 people for a more personal experience.

Combine three of New Zealand’s most popular attractions on this 2-day tour from Auckland. Step into Middle Earth on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set from 'Lord of the Rings,' explore the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, and cruise through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This great-value tour includes hotel pickup, some meals, and overnight accommodation in Rotorua.

Take in two of New Zealand’s top attractions in one day on this Rotorua and Waitomo Caves day trip from Auckland. Visit Rotorua with a guide and take in key sites including Te Puia and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. After lunch, admire fine views over Lake Rotorua on route to the famous Waitomo Caves. During your boat ride, gain insight into the caves’ geological significance and marvel at the luminescent glow worms illuminating the dark caves. Upgrade to include the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to your small-group tour.

Spend the day exploring the Waitomo Glowworm caves on this excursion from Auckland. With round-trip transportation provided, you'll have no need to rent a car or puzzle over directions. This must-see attraction is an easy day trip with a thoughtfully-curated itinerary and lots of in-depth commentary from your guide about the biology and behavior of one of New Zealand's most famous natural phenomena.

Combo Tours of Waitomo, Aranui, and Ruakuri Cave. A small group tour/activity maximum of 6 people ensures personalised experience. Please bring your cameras ready for taking photos in Aranui and Ruakuri Caves. Taking photos in Waitomo Cave is not permitted. Includes: Attraction Tickets Included Pick up and drop off from Auckland central Friendly Driver. Experienced Tour Guide in the Activities Hotel pick up is offered (inner city hotels only) Airport Pick-Up is offered (outside Butterfly's Creek) Travel in comfort of air conditioned private van. Free Wifi on private deluxe van. Supplementary of drinks and snacks on board. Private Transportation. Duration: 11 to 12 hours (approximately) Additional Informations: Confirmation will be received at time of booking. Travelling children must be accompanied by adults. Cancellation Policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 48 hours in advance prior to departure of the tour/activity.

With this tour you will visit New Zealand’s two of the most sought after, iconic and famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Our tours are designed for your comfort and experience and we are flexible with time, so more stops for pictures or coffee break along the way.

The day tour is the easy way to visit the Waitomo Caves from Auckland. Save yourself the hassle of self-driving the 2.5-hour trip on a small-group guided tour. Admire the glowworms, stalagmites, and stalactites of the glowworm cave, go on an underground boat ride, walk through Cathedral Cave, and learn all about the history and geology of the natural marvel.

Be immersed in two stellar attractions with this one day tour from Auckland. Be astounded by the movie magic of the detailed Hobbiton set and then enter the sparkles and shadows of the Waitomo cave system. Guided at both attractions, all you have to do is to take it all in and enjoy the wonder.

Benefit from personalized attention and a flexible itinerary on this private tour to Waitomo Caves. Your dedicated guide will lead you around the caves, home to thousands of glowworms. Learn about the glowworms biology and behavior through your guide's commentary, then explore the scenic reserve's free walking tracks, lush green hills, and pristine rivers.

This is the most adventurous experience! If you have a “go big or go home” mantra then this Black Water Rafting tour is a must-do! A fun challenge! Experiences are all the more memorable when you push yourself out of your comfort zone or do something you have never done before. This tour definitely touches on all those aspects!​

Experience the magnificent Aranui Cave, along with glow worm cave set within a natural forest reserve in Waitomo. Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. Explore the ancient cave formations, high chambers and huge stalactites and stalagmites. Discover serenity in the most delicate and intimate of the main caves in Waitomo. Get off the beaten track & discover one of Waitomo's best-kept secrets. Aranui Cave is a magical, mystical place that is steeped in Maori myth and legend.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glow Worm Cave on this full-day tour from Auckland. Experience an important Middle-earth and ‘Lord of the Rings’ location on the guided tour of Hobbiton, and sip a refreshment at The Green Dragon Inn. Afterward, take in the twinkling light of glow worms at Waitomo. Ensure your admission to two of New Zealand’s top destinations by booking this tour in advance.