What types of Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours are there?

There are various tours, including guided cave explorations, black water rafting, ziplining, and abseiling at Waitomo Caves. You can also opt for a guided tour from Auckland with transfers and add-on sights like Te Puia and Hobbiton movie set tours. Each caters to different preferences, from serene walks to thrilling adventures.

How long does a Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour last?

Tour durations vary. Guided cave tours typically last around 1 hour to 90 minutes. Adventure activities like black water rafting or ziplining may take longer, depending on the chosen package. Day trips from Auckland to Waitomo typically last anywhere from 7 hours to 12 hours, depending on your type of tour.

What is included in a typical Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour?

Depending on your choice of tour, you get to enjoy benefits like a guided tour of the caves led by a direct descendant of the Maori Chief who founded the caves, adventure activities like black water rafting or ziplining, and access to specific caves such as the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave, or Aranui Cave. If your tour is from Auckland, you’ll enjoy luxury transfers with private transfer options, hotel pick-ups & drop-offs, additional sights, expert guides, complimentary snacks & beverages, and more.

How much does a Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of tour and activities chosen. Guided cave tours usually start from NZD 75.

What should I wear on a Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour?

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, non-slip shoes. For adventure activities, bring a swimsuit, towel, and an extra change of clothes. Also, carry warm layers as caves can get chilly, and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.

What should I bring with me on a Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour?

Bring essentials like a compact backpack, water, snacks, extra layers, and a waterproof pouch for valuables.

What are some adventure activities I can participate in during a Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour?

For thrill-seekers, engage in blackwater rafting through the churning rapids of the Black Abyss, zip-line through hidden canyons with glowworms illuminating the path, or experience an exhilarating abseil descent into the depths of the caves, with your headlamp cutting through the darkness.

Are Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours suitable for people with disabilities?

The Ruakuri and Aranui caves are wheelchair accessible. Aboveground adventures provide a comfortable experience for those with concerns about claustrophobia or darkness.

What's the best time to take a Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour?

For sunny adventures, visit in spring or summer. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds. Winter provides thrilling caving experiences and the best deals, though it's cooler. Early mornings maximize glowworm brilliance, and evenings enchant with bioluminescence.

Are there any restrictions on photography during the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours?

Flash photography is strictly prohibited as it can harm the glowworms. Follow the guides' instructions on photography restrictions in certain areas.

Do Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours operate in all weather conditions?

Yes, tours generally operate in various weather conditions.

What languages are the guided commentaries on Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours in?

Guided commentaries are typically available in English.

How can I get to Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

Access Waitomo with a day-trip transfer from Auckland. Go for private vehicle transfers or luxury coaches offer convenience and scenic views. You can also go by car, train (Northern Explorer), or via plane (via Taupo Airport).

Book Waitomo Caves Tours | Best Guided Tours

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

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1 hr. - 7 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

4.7(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.

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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.

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3 hr.

NEW

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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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.

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1 hr. 30 min.

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.

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Mobile ticket

7 hr. - 11 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour

NEW

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour

Perfect for LOTR fans, this tour combines some of New Zealand's best.

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 of Hobbiton movie set and Waitomo Cave
2.5-hour guided tour of Hobbiton movie set
45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Grotto
Waitomo River boat ride
English-speaking guide
Small group tour
Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
Complimentary beer, cider or ginger beer at Green Dragon Inn
Snacks and water
Entry to Hobbiton movie set
Entry to Waitomo Cave

Tip: The Green Dragon Inn serves an exclusive craft ale that you can only try there, so make sure to sample it even if you're not a beer drinker.
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 can travel for free if they do not occupy a seat.

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

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11 hr. 30 min.

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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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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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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Mobile ticket

2 hr.

Guided tour

Plan Your Visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Cave guided tours: Slots from 9:20 AM to 5 PM (daily)
Guided Tour with Black Water Rafting & Zip Lining: 9 AM and 2:30 PM (daily)
Black Water Rafting: 9 AM and 2:30 PM (daily)
Ruakuri/Aranui Cave guided tours: Slots from 10 AM to 3:30 PM (daily)
Waitomo Cave Zipline Park: Slots from 9 AM to 2 PM (daily)
Day trips from Aukland (with transfers): Departures from 6 AM, 7 AM, 8 AM

Best time to visit: For sunny adventures, visit Waitomo Caves in spring or summer, but expect more people. Autumn is pleasant with fewer crowds. In winter, enjoy thrilling caving and great deals, though it's cooler. Early mornings maximize glowworm brilliance, and evenings enchant with a transition to bioluminescence. Ultimately, the perfect time for you depends on your priorities – choose warmth, solitude, or specific activities to plan your dream Waitomo getaway!

Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand

Find on Maps

Auckland day-trip transfers: Forget planning, and enjoy end-to-end transfers from Auckland to Waitomo Caves with luxury coaches or private vehicle options. Also, get hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
By train: The Northern Explorer runs once per day from Auckland to Wellington, stopping at Otorohanga station near Waitomo. Shuttle connections to the caves are available. This option takes longer, though.
By plane: Taupo Airport is the nearest regional airport with connections from major cities. Hire a car or book an airport shuttle to reach Waitomo (an additional 1.5-hour drive).
By car: Navigate a 3-hour scenic route via SH1 and SH3 providing stunning landscapes. From Rotorua, a 1.5-hour drive via SH5 is faster.

Forget logistical juggles, embrace Waitomo with ease! Here's why you should consider an Auckland to Waitomo day trip with transfers:

Door-to-Cave convenience: Skip transport stress! Opt for hotel pick-up in Auckland and arrive relaxed, and full of energy to explore the caves.
Reserved round-trip bliss: With the convenience of just 1 ticket, enjoy seamless transfers in spacious, modern coaches. Your journey becomes part of the thrill, not a pre-adventure hurdle.
Luxury at your fingertips: Prefer going privately or solo? Opt for exclusive vehicle transfers and experience Waitomo on your terms.
Unrivaled views. Guaranteed comfort: Gaze at rolling hills, farmlands, and dramatic cliffs. Plush seats keep you comfy as you soak in the scenery. And, you get to recharge with additional complimentary snacks and drinks.
Go beyond the caves: Craving more Kiwi magic? Enhance your trip with add-ons like geothermal wonders at Te Puia, Rotorua's bubbling mud pools, or even a whimsical sojourn at the Hobbiton movie set.

Luxury:Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

Mid-range: Woodlyn Park Motel, Abseil Inn

Budget: Waitomo Orchard B&B, Waitomo Caves Hotel

If you’re looking to explore the F&B scene at Waitomo, here are some places to check out:

Waitomo Homestead: Take a break at this cafe with gardens as you enjoy the scenic view of Waitomo. Be sure to try their pies.
Tomo Bar & Eatery: Lively and stylish, this spot offers delectable modern cuisine, cocktails, and craft beers. You also get to grill your food at the table. Enjoy live music on weekends.
Te Kuiti Bakery: A local favorite, this bakery offers classic Kiwi pies, sandwiches, and sweet pastries. Perfect for a quick and satisfying bite.
King Street Kitchen:This takeaway shop offers affordable fish & chips, kebabs, pizzas, and burgers. Ideal for a quick and budget-conscious meal.

Visitor information office: Obtain needed information from here.
Lockers: Lockers are offered at the visitor center, but they may be limited in number, especially during peak season. Consider bringing a small day bag for valuables you want to keep with you.
Showers and changing rooms: Showers and changing rooms are primarily available for black water rafting participants and other water-based activities.
Safety equipment: Helmets, life jackets, wetsuits, and other safety gear are provided for black water rafting, abseiling, and other adventure activities. Guides provide instructions and safety briefings before each activity.
Gift shop: Find souvenirs, books, and glowworm-themed goodies.
Public restrooms: Well-maintained restrooms are available throughout the property.
Car park: Plenty of parking is available on-site.
Picnic area: Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the scenic surroundings.

Flash Photography: Flash photography is strictly prohibited. It can harm the glowworms and disrupt their bioluminescent activity.
Photography Restrictions: Photography may be restricted in certain areas. Always follow any posted signs or instructions from guides,
Don't touch anything inside the caves: This includes cave formations, glowworms, and any wildlife you may encounter.
Use provided equipment properly: Wear helmets, life jackets, and any other gear provided for specific activities. Follow instructions from guides and ensure your safety throughout the tour.
Stay on Marked Paths: Don't venture off designated walkways. This helps protect the cave environment and prevents accidents. Stick to the guided paths and appreciate the formations from safe distances.
Food and Drink: Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the caves. This helps maintain cleanliness and prevent harmful waste from entering the delicate ecosystem.
Smoking and Vaping: Strictly prohibited anywhere on the Waitomo Caves property.

Warm layers and gear: It can get chilly at the cave with temperatures 12-14°C (54-59°F), so pack a sweater or fleece jacket, especially if you tend to get cold easily. Pack a raincoat or waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Extra change of clothes: Especially for more adventurous activities like black water rafting, bring a dry set of clothes and towels for afterward.
Comfortable shoes with good grip: You'll be walking around inside the caves, so choose sturdy shoes with good tread to navigate damp surfaces.
Compact backpack: Bringing a small backpack allows you to carry essentials like extra layers, snacks, medicines, and water.
Waterproof pouch/dry bag: Protect your phone, camera, and valuables from accidental splashes with a waterproof pouch or dry bag, especially important for river tours.
Baby carrier: The caves aren't stroller-friendly, so bring a comfortable baby carrier if you have young children.
Cashless transactions only: The shops at Waitomo Caves only accept digital cashless transactions. Ensure your digital wallet is loaded in case you need to make a purchase.