4.5(0)

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Budget-friendly guided tour of Waitomo Caves with boat ride.

Best for Nature enthusiasts and curious travelers who want a gentle cave walk and peaceful boat ride, marveling at glowworms overhead.
Book this if you want: A serene 45-minute guided tour where you’ll drift quietly under a glowing canopy of glowworms along the Waitomo River.
Everything you get: A small-group tour, expert Maori-descended guide, and a magical boat ride through glowworm-lit caves.
Make the most of the calm of the underground cave as glowworms softly light your path and learn about the land’s legacy from your Maori guide.

Inclusions 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Grotto (if option selected)

English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Waitomo River boat ride
Small group of up to 15 people
Entry to Waitomo Cave

1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave (if option selected)

English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Small group of up to 14 people
Wheelchair accessible
Photography allowed
Entry to Ruakuri Cave

3-hour guided tour of Waitomo Caves (if option selected)

English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Small group of up to 8 people
Snack
Hot drinks
Safety equipment
Warm clothing (thermals, fleece jumper, shorts, boots, socks)
Caving helmet

Full-day tour of Waitomo Caves from Auckland (if option selected)

English-speaking guide/driver
Small-group tour of up to 11 people
Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Grotto
Waitomo River boat ride
Snacks and water
Entry to Waitomo Cave

Tip: Take the time to visit the small but significant Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre, which shares the cultural history of the caves.
Waitomo Grotto is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Ruakuri Caves are accessible for wheelchair users.
The small-group 3-hour guided tour is unsuitable for the elderly or those with mobility issues.
Guests under 12 years are restricted from participating in the 3-hour guided tour.
Photography is permitted in designated areas of the Ruakuri Caves. However, photography is strictly prohibited in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Mobile ticket

1 hr. - 7 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

4.6(0)

Black Water Rafting Guided Experience in Waitomo

Adrenaline and wonder in one experience, perfect for gentle thrills.

Best for adventure-loving teens and adults ready to tube and raft through waterfalls and glowworm-lit caves, without needing caving experience.
Book this if you want: A 3-hour adrenaline rush that involves tubing and rafting through Waitomo’s winding cave systems, with an upgrade for ziplining.
Everything you get: Safety gear, wetsuits, expert guide, and entry to one of New Zealand’s most exciting underground cave systems.
Make the most of floating through underground rivers by tube, surrounded by glowworms as you raft through magic.

Inclusions

3 or 5-hour black water rafting tour (based on option selected)
Underground tour of Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling, rafting and tubing (based on option selected)
English-speaking guide
Small group of up to 8 or 12 people (based on option selected)
Helmet, light, and black water rafting tube (based on option selected)
Safety equipment
Wetsuits, socks and shoes
Safety briefing and training
Changing rooms with hot showers

Exclusions

Photos

Tip: Just 30 minutes from Waitomo, Mangaokewa Reserve is a rock climber's paradise with over 200 routes catering to all skill levels.
All participants on this tour must weigh at least 45 kg.
Guests aged 12 and under are restricted from participating in this experience.
Guests aged under 16 years are restricted from participating in the 5-hour black water rafting experience.
The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.
Prior caving or swimming experience is not required as you will have tubes and will be accompanied by expert guides.
The water temperature is approximately 10 degrees Celsius.

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

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Free cancellation

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

Mobile ticket

3 hr. - 5 hr.

Guided tour

5.0(0)

Off-Beat Waitomo Glowworm Caves Small Group Guided Tour

Eco-conscious small-group cave adventure through the cave's quieter sections.

Best for Eco-conscious adventurers seeking an intimate, small-group cave experience with an emphasis on preserving nature and glowworm habitats.
Book this if you want: A 3-hour guided adventure through the lesser-known, eco-friendly parts of Waitomo Cave, with close encounters with glowworms.
Everything you get: Eco-focused small-group tour, safety gear, thermal clothing, snacks, and a hot drink for warming up afterward.
Make the most of stream-wading and climbing through glowworm-lit caves, while your guide shares Waitomo’s natural wonders.

Inclusions

3-hour guided tour of Waitomo Cave
English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Small group of up to 8 people
Snack
Hot drinks
Safety equipment
Warm clothing (thermals, fleece jumper, shorts, boots, socks)
Caving helmet

Tip: On your way back, take a detour to the Waikato town of Matamata, the filming location for The Shire in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies.
Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 12 years and over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb).
Your safety comes first so elderly or visitors with mobility issues are restricted from participating in this experience.
Guests under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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

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Free cancellation

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Mobile ticket

3 hr.

4.3(0)

Black Water Rafting, Ziplining and Abseiling Guided Experience in Waitomo

Float, climb, and wade through Waitomo’s caves for a deeper dive into nature.

Best for Thrill-seekers and adventurers who crave ziplining, abseiling, and rafting through dark, subterranean rivers in Waitomo’s caves.
Book this if you want: A black water rafting adventure with ziplining, abseiling, and tubing through Ruakuri Cave’s underground waterways.
Everything you get: Expert guide, wetsuits, helmets, all safety equipment, plus access to changing rooms with hot showers after the thrill.
Make the most of rafting through the glowworm-lit darkness, plunging through underground waterfalls, and drifting peacefully through the quiet caves.

Inclusions

5-hour black water rafting tour
Underground tour of Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling and tubing
English-speaking guide
Small group of up to 8 people
Helmet, light, and black water rafting tube
Safety equipment (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
Wetsuits, socks and shoes
Safety briefing and training
Changing rooms with hot showers

Tip: If you're looking to push your boundaries, Haggas Honking Holes offers an intense caving experience with tight squeezes and vertical climbs.
All participants on this tour must weigh at least 45 kg.
Guests aged 16 and under are restricted from participating in this experience.
The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.
Prior caving or swimming experience is not required as you will have tubes and will be accompanied by expert guides.
The water temperature is approximately 10 degrees Celsius.

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

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Free cancellation

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

Mobile ticket

5 hr.

Guided tour

4.5(0)

Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

New Zealand’s only wheelchair-accessible cave steeped in Maori history.

Best for families, wheelchair users, and photographers looking for a more interactive, accessible cave experience with a longer tour.
Book this if you want: A fully accessible tour with dramatic limestone formations, glowworms, and insights into local Maori legends.
Everything you get: A small-group tour, knowledgeable guide, full wheelchair access, and the freedom to capture photos of the experience.
Make the most of the fully accessible cave walk with beautiful limestones, and stories passed down through generations from a Maori guide.

Inclusions

1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave
English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Small group of up to 14 people
Wheelchair accessible
Photography allowed
Entry to Ruakuri Cave

Tip: Ask about the "Ruakuri Bush Walk,"- a free, beautiful 30-minute walk near the cave entrance.
Photography and video are permitted in selected areas of the cave.
It's recommended to wear a warm jacket along with comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
This experience is wheelchair accessible and has pram/stroller accessibility.
Wheelchair/stroller width must not exceed 65cm.

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

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Free cancellation

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

Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour

NEW

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour

Perfect for LOTR fans, this tour combines New Zealand's most magical places.

Best for movie buffs, nature lovers, and cultural explorers wanting to combine an iconic movie experience with the magic of New Zealand’s caves.
Book this if you want: A full-day, small-group adventure through Middle-earth’s most famous set and the mesmerizing glow of the Waitomo Caves.
Everything you get: Guided tours of Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave, a boat ride under glowworms, round-trip transfers, and a drink at the Green Dragon.
Make the most of strolling through the Shire, snapping photos at Bilbo’s house, and floating beneath a glowing sky of Waitomo glowworms.

Inclusions

Full-day tour to Hobbiton Movie Set from Auckland
Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland
Small group or private guided(based on option selected)
English-speaking tour guide
Guided tour of Hobbiton movie set
Guided tour of Waitomo Caves
Boat ride at Waitomo Caves
Picnic lunch (based on option selected)
Live commentary (based on option selected)
Complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn
Water and snacks
AC minibus or Mercedes luxury vehicle (based on option selected)
Entry to Hobbiton Movie Set
Entry to Waitomo Caves

Hobbit Holes: Small-sized holes with colorful doors and tiny windows.
Bag End: The iconic Hobbit home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins with its round red door.
The Mill: A rustic mill that sits on a double-arched bridge.
The Party Tree: A large oak tree in the center of Hobbiton that features in the LOTR trilogy and the Hobbit films.
Green Dragon Inn: A rustic pub where you can enjoy Hobbit-style ale or cider.
Waitomo Caves: A group of 30-million-year-old caves with stalactites hanging down from the ceiling and blue-green bioluminescent glow worms covering the ceiling.

Tip: Keep an eye out for the exterior decorations of each hole depicting the occupation of the Hobbit living inside like a basket of bread outside a baker’s home.
Photography is not allowed at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Children below 7 years must be in a child safety seat as per the legal requirement in New Zealand. Guests can mention their need for a safety or booster seat during the booking process.

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

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Mobile ticket

12 hr.

Guided tour

4.4(0)

From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

All-inclusive day trip to Waitomo’s iconic glowworms with hotel transfers.

Best for city explorers and first-time visitors seeking a full-day, hassle-free adventure from Auckland, with transfers and guided experiences.
Book this if you want: A convenient day trip from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including a peaceful boat ride beneath a glowworm canopy.
Everything you get: Round-trip transfers, snacks, expert local guide, small-group tour, and entry to the iconic glowworm caves.
Make the most of relaxing on your boat ride while thousands of glowworms twinkle overhead, and the sights seen on route from Auckland.

Inclusions

Full-day tour of Waitomo Caves from Auckland
English-speaking guide/driver
Small-group tour of up to 11 people
Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Grotto
Waitomo River boat ride
Snacks and water
Entry to Waitomo Cave
2.5-hour guided tour of Hobbiton movie set (if option selected)
Complimentary beer, cider, or ginger beer at Green Dragon Inn (if option selected)
Entry to Hobbiton movie set (if option selected)

Tip: After the cave tour, take your kids to the excellent Discovery Centre, which has interactive exhibits designed specifically for young visitors.
Photography is not allowed at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Infants aged 0 to 2 can travel for free if they do not occupy a seat.
The pick-up and drop-off are available only within the Central Business District Area of Auckland.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Free cancellation

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Mobile ticket

7 hr. - 12 hr.

Guided tour

NEW

From Auckland: Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Te Puia Guided Tour

Explore Waitomo’s glowworms and Rotorua’s geothermal marvels in one day.

Best for culture and nature lovers looking to combine iconic Waitomo caves with Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Maori cultural experiences.
Book this if you want: A seamless day trip that includes a Waitomo glowworm tour, Rotorua geysers, mud pools, and a visit to a Maori village.
Everything you get: Guided tours, small-group access, round-trip transfers, snacks, and entry to Waitomo, Te Puia, and the Kiwi Bird Enclosure.
Make the most of the glowworms in the quiet darkness of Waitomo, then explore Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools, geysers, and rich Maori culture.

Inclusions

Full-day tour of Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, and Te Puia
45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Cave
Waitomo River boat ride
1.5-hour guided tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley, Rotorua
Visit to Puhuto Geyser, Mud Pools, and Maori Village
Kiwi bird-watching
English-speaking guide
Small-group tour
Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
Snacks and water
Entry to Te Puia Geothermal Valley
Access to Kiwi Bird Enclosure

Tip: Watch master carvers demonstrate their skills at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and get the chance to ask about their craft.
Photography is not allowed at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Infants aged 0 to 2 can travel for free if they do not occupy a seat.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Free cancellation

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Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

11 hr.

Transfers included

NEW

Aranui Cave Guided Tour

Smaller chambers than other caves for a more personal experience.

Best for explorers and photographers eager to see one of Waitomo’s quieter, picturesque caves without the large crowds of the main attractions.
Book this if you want: A relaxed 1-hour cave tour to experience natural formations, deep caverns, and Maori legends, in a more intimate setting.
Everything you get: Guided tour, small-group access, permission to photograph throughout the tour, and entry to the stunning Aranui Cave.
Make the most of photographing intricate limestone formations from rich caramels to soft pinks and pristine whites, and the massive stalactites.

Inclusions

1-hour guided tour of Aranui Cave
English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Small group of up to 15 people
Photography allowed
Entry to Aranui Cave

Tip: Ask your guide about the "Whisper Room," a hidden chamber off the main path, with acoustics allowing whispers to be heard from 30 feet away.
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.

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

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Free cancellation

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

Mobile ticket

1 hr.

Guided tour

NEW

Waitomo Caves Zipline Park Tickets

High-speed ziplining through the scenic Waitomo countryside with aerial views.

Best for families, groups, and adrenaline seekers looking for an outdoor adventure ziplining through scenic landscapes in Waitomo.
Book this if you want: A 2-hour adrenaline rush through a 10-line zipline circuit, surrounded by Waitomo’s beautiful nature.
Everything you get: Safety equipment, expert guide, up to 2 hours of ziplining, and the chance to zoom through New Zealand’s lush forests.
Make the most of soaring through treetops, catching glimpses of the native bush below, and feeling the rush as you zip through 10 thrilling lines.

Inclusions

Entry to Waitomo Caves Zipline Park
Expert guide
Up to 2 hours of ziplining
Access to 10 in a 1km circuit
Safety lesson
Safety equipment

Tip: For a hearty meal to replenish your energy, head to Huhu Cafe, a local favorite known for its lamb burger and selection of local craft beers.
There is some walking on uneven terrain including uphill walking, however, the activity is achievable with a low level of fitness.
Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted for those over 120kg (287 pounds), and guests under 7 years old.
Groups with participants under 18 years old must have at least one adult participating in the adventure.

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

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Free cancellation

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

2 hr.

Guided tour

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Black Water Rafting Guided Experience in Waitomo

Off-Beat Waitomo Glowworm Caves Small Group Guided Tour

Black Water Rafting, Ziplining and Abseiling Guided Experience in Waitomo

Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour

From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

From Auckland: Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Te Puia Guided Tour

Aranui Cave Guided Tour

Waitomo Caves Zipline Park Tickets