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.

NEW

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glowworms Caves 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 & Waitomo Caves
Boat ride at Waitomo Caves
Picnic lunch (based on option selected)
Complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn
Mercedes luxury vehicle (based on option selected)
Entry to Hobbiton Movie Set & 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 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Mobile ticket

12 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

4.9(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

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

3 hr.

Meals included

4.8(0)

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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Check availability

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

4.2(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 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

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.
The minimum number of guests required for booking one ticket for this experience is two.

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

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

11 hr.

Transfers included

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glowworms Caves Tour

Off-Beat Waitomo Glowworm Caves Small Group Guided Tour

Waitomo Caves Zipline Park Tickets

From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

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