Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour | 45 minutes

812 Reviews | Waitomo
Likely To Sell Out
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (15-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (4-14) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Waitomo Glowworm Cave (24/25)
2 Adults x $46.11
$92.22
Approx Total
$92.22
Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour: Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above, as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Local guide
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Overview

Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above on this 45-minute, small group guided tour, as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Many of the current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original, iconic New Zealand attraction.

Meeting points

Waitomo Caves, New Zealand, NZ

Departure Point: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Dates: Daily

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • 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.

    45 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Bring comfortable waking shoes and a warm jacket
  • You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs .
  • Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability
  • No photography allowed
  • Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

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.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.3

812 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    505
  • 4 stars
    165
  • 3 stars
    83
  • 2 stars
    32
  • 1 star
    27

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 505 reviews with 5 stars

Recommend the unique experience!

Published on Mar, 2025

I visited Waitomo caves as part of a day trip that includes Hobbiton. The glow worms and the cave were beautiful and I highly recommend the tour. Such a unique place! Our guide Cody (sp?) was funny and had an incredible singing voice.

Glow worms galore

Published on Feb, 2025

Well worth the trip and so many thousands of glow worms! The short boat trip was definitely a highlight. The guide was very knowledgeable. If you are going on to the Ruakuri Caves down the road have your refreshments at Waitomo as the cafe/food is great and there is very little at RuaKuri although it’s fantastic for a visit so don’t miss it!

An Unforgettable Experience

Published on Feb, 2025

It’s a must see. A natural wonder, unique because of the glow worms. Very well organised. Lani our guide was fabulous - such confidence, a great storyteller. Very impressed.

The team were very...

Published on Feb, 2025

The team were very friendly and the guide knew his stuff which made it very interesting. The history of the caves was fascinating

Amazing trip in the heart of New Zealand!

Published on Feb, 2025

We were so blessed to enjoy the most amazing time at the Waitomo Caves! Seeing the Glo worms in person was priceless! Our guide was so kind and professional and shared great information about these amazing little creatures!! The entire experience is one we will remember forever!!! A definite must do for anyone visiting New Zealand!!!

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Likely To Sell Out
3930P3
time

45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
812
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip ...
Likely To Sell Out
37991P3
time

11 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,943
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tou ...
56760P1
time

13 hours

time Free Cancellation
830
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour fro ...
3910GS16H_GS11H
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
681
Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour ...
56760P5
time

13 hours

time Free Cancellation
469
Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from ...
14795P4
time

13 hours

time Free Cancellation
66
Premium Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small G ...
56760P22
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
36
Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave Exp ...
168163P9
time

11 hours

time Free Cancellation
25
Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience - Small ...
168163P8
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
25
Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Small Group Tou ...
56760P31
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
24
Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glo ...
35014P38
time

10 hours

time Free Cancellation
17
Waitomo Caves Private Driver for Tour
60562P6
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
13
[Stevong] Hobbiton Movie Set tour & Glow ...
74366P4
time

12 hours to 13 hours

time Non Refundable
11
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Waitomo - Eco Adventure Glowworm Cave To ...
Likely To Sell Out
24439P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
334
75-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waito ...
3930P7
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
93
1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitom ...
3930P8
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
23
Waitomo E-bike ride including enchanting ...
470456P1
time

2 hours to 4 hours

time Free Cancellation
1
Caves to Kiwis E-Bike Rental
New On TravelOne
470456P3
time

3 hours to 4 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Bike Rental in Waitomo Caves
New On TravelOne
470456P2
time

3 hours to 5 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo C ...
3930WAIGLOW
time

3 hours to 5 hours

time Free Cancellation
274
Recently Viewed
Snorkel, Breakfast, Buffet, Drinks, Xel- ...
118403P14
time

10 hours

time Free Cancellation
17
Falling in Love Quest Experience in New ...
107194P286
time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
1
Experience a Hands On Reindeer Feeding a ...
New On TravelOne
331153P12
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Tokyo After 5: Local Japanese Food and D ...
Special Offer
5263JPUC
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
539
Capture Florence on Polaroids: Vintage P ...
Special Offer
375605P1
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
12
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe: A Self-Guide ...
8283P108
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
6
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Dining recommendations/reservations?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Olive Oil Tasting Wine Making Workshops
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings High Tea
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Brunch Dinner Lunch Breakfast Restaurants Dinner and Show Tickets
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Shark Diving Wildlife Watching Wildlife Encounters Swim with Dolphins Zoos & Wildlife Parks Aquariums Safaris
    Hiking & Exploration
    Hiking Tours Glacier Walks Nature Walks National Parks Nature Parks Parks Natural Attractions Outback Tours
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Horseback Riding Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Sailing Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding Jet Ski Rentals
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Snorkeling Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Fishing Charters Eco Tours
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Attractions & Museums Planetariums
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Ghost Tours Crime Tours Underground Tours
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers Classic Car Tours
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Sufi Whirling Shows Easter Lunar New Year
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Spas Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    National Parks Nature Parks Involves Poverty Stricken Communities Involves Animals
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Walking Tours Self-guided Tours
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Cycling Cycling Classes Bike Rentals Bike Tours E-Bike Tours
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows Live Concerts Music Tours
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Festivals Mardi Gras Carnival Christmas Halloween Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Cultural Tours Culture Costume Dress Up Experiences Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Pottery Classes Photography Tours
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Helicopter Tours Heli-Hiking Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Hummer Tours Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Motor Sports Go Kart Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks Flyboarding
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Caving Sea Caving
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing Scavenger Hunts Fun & Games
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Sports Lessons Cycling Cycling Classes
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Private and Luxury Viator VIP Tours Once in a Lifetime Experiences Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator Exclusive Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations Photo Shoots
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Pack Animal Tours Ferry Services Water Transfers Water Parks Water Equipment Rentals
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Summer Winter Spring Break Winter Sports

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!