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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

star-4.5333 Reviews
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Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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From $36.36

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Safety measures
icon45 minutes  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Overview

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.
  • Discover New Zealand's famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided boat trip
  • Learn the science behind these mysterious glowing creatures, known as 'Arachnocampa luminosa'
  • Marvel at a virtual 'constellation' of glowworms above your head in the Glowworm Grotto
  • Explore this massive cave complex on foot, including a chance to visit Cathedral Cave
  • Hear about the geology and history of the caves from your guide
  • Once-in-a-lifetime experience
  • Great way to explore the unique natural beauty of New Zealand
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From $36.36

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Waitomo Caves , Waitomo Caves, Waitomo Caves, Waitomo District, Waikato Region, North Island
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Departure Point: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Dates: Daily

This activity will end right where it started.
Begin your visit at the Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre, picking one of the range of tour departure times that work best for your schedule. Then prepare to experience the magic of this unexpected subterranean adventure.

Start your glowworm experience by exploring the giant cave complex on foot, stopping to visit its ‘Cathedral Cave,’ a site renowned for its unique acoustics and striking cave features. Then step aboard your boat to continue your adventure.

You’ll silently cruise through the Glowworm Grotto, marveling at the star-like constellation of bioluminescent insects that seem to twinkle like an eerie blue version of the nighttime sky. Your guide will provide details about the insects themselves, known by their scientific name of Arachnocampa luminosa, and share insights into the geologic and historical background of the cave complex.

Leave the caves after your 45-minute underground journey, still marveling at the mysterious beauty of these surprising insects.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as the expert guides provide informative commentary on their historical and geological significance to the region. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveler. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 125 years of cultural and natural history. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its spectacular formations and acoustics. 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.
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Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Bring comfortable waking shoes and a warm jacket
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 23 travelers
  • OPERATED BY THL - Waitomo Caves Group
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "I understand that one person can ruin it for the whole group by taking flash photography, but GoPros should be allowed since they are not flash photos or you can take video quietly." See review
  • "It would be nice if the boat trip was a bit longer and if, when asked by the tour guide to have silence, the women could stop whispering in the boat." See review

Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
333 Reviews
5 stars
184
4 stars
86
3 stars
39
2 stars
14
1 star
10

Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 333 reviews
star-5
Brilliant ! Loved the...
Karen_B
, Aug 2022
Brilliant ! Loved the whole experience but especially the song sung by wii . This was very emotional . Well done
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star-5
Brilliant
Darryn_E
, Jul 2022
The whole experience was an absolute pleasure. From start to finish. I will be recommending Waitomo glow worms to everyone.
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star-5
Epic Cave experience.
Tracy_P
, Jun 2022
Our guide was the great grandson of the man who discovered the cave. It was amazing. He sang in the cathedral and I cried. The glow worms on the ceiling as we floated on a boat in silence was breathtaking. Highly recommend!!! One of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.
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star-3
The cave was fascinating...
Cheryl_M
, May 2022
The cave was fascinating however the gloworm part of the tour was very disappointing. I expected to see more glow worms
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
A must see
Gayle_L
, May 2022
The whole experience from start to finish. Glenn was an excellent guide and was very entertaining. We felt very safe and would recommend this to anyone
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star-5
Would definitely visit again
Alia_B
, May 2022
Such a treat - we were one of the last tours of the day and due to our small group were able to visit a cave that is usually closed to the public. It was stunningly beautiful. Great guide and wonderful all-around experience.
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star-5
Magical place
Sarah_C
, May 2022
What a beautiful and magical place! I am so glad we got to see this, the kids loved it and our tour guide was so lovely and knowledgeable, we will definitely be doing this tour again
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star-5
Excellent experience and guides. Thank you
shona_c
, Apr 2022
The guides and the boat ride. The glow worms were great too. Would highly recommend to new Zealand and overseas visitors
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Great experience
MaRowena_J
, Apr 2022
It was nice to see the glowworm Staff in the Cafe is a bit rude,actually racist. Embarrassed us in front of the people.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-3
Not a pleasant experience, rather stressful
Agustina_D
, Apr 2022
The guided tour was fine and the caves are nice. The big problem was the people who did the tour with us. Parents who would not stop murmuring nor keep their children quiet even though the guide insisted a lot on that. There was even a kid with lights on his shoes who would not stop making them go on, even in the boat where it’s supposed to be dark and quiet, ruining the experience for us. Parents completely useless. It ended up being stressful, not pleasant.
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star-4
Underground delight
Anne_A
, Jan 2022
Under ground in the boat photography gift book. The experience itself with three young grandchildren
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star-5
Enjoyable family outing
Leigh_B
, Jan 2022
Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable. Wonderful to be able to go inside the caves and the glow worms were amazing! Great activity.
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star-5
Experience of life
AjeshniPrasad
, Jan 2022
I really had a good time and experienced something new ...glow warms so cute and love the glow in dark
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star-5
Brilliant
Glynnis_B
, Jan 2022
Fantastic and guide was great. Managed some in group well who were challenged by the art of listening and quite
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star-5
Facility is very clean...
Stefamee_S
, Jan 2022
Facility is very clean and staff are very helpful. Tour guide Huia was amazing. The caves are a spectacle not to miss. Must do!
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star-4
Very good guided tour of the glowworm cave
Gerard_B
, Dec 2021
The guided tour of the cave and the glowworms was very interesting, we will keep a good memory of it and we thank our guide for his clear explanations.
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star-1
When can we use our tour tickets
Lyn_B
, May 2021
We couldn’t do the tour I tried contacting your company three times on Monday morning this week My husband ended up in hospital on the Sunday night he has been readmitted again back to Hamilton hospital but I have not had any joy making contact with your company about our purchased tickets I did get to speak to the tour guide who told me that she would cancel the booking but we would have to deal with you about it a refund or a deferred date. We will return to Wellington as soon as husband has been discharged I intend returning to do Hobbiton and if possible the Waitomo caves tours
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star-5
Unforgettable experience
Kasanita_V
, Apr 2021
What an incredible experience! The glowworm cave was just spectacular and coupled with the history (both scientific & Maori) we learned from our guide, Moi, made it an unforgettable experience! We’ve recommended the tour to family and friends and will continue to do so.
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star-5
Such an amazing experience
Amanda_S
, Apr 2021
This was such an amazing experience and the guide was really knowledgeable and fun. From going down into the cave to going on the boat was incredible.
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star-5
Such a wonder - the cave and the people!
AlexandraHarpley
, Mar 2021
The tour guide was fantastic! Really knowledgable and engaging - she had a great energy and wonderful story telling abilities. The cave itself was a real wonder, one of the most breathtaking things I’ve seen in New Zealand. Felt very grateful to be invited into this space to be able to enjoy it. Thanks to everyone that looks after the cave and opens it up to tourists.
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