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Select Your Experience
- Join a 45-minute slow-paced guided tour spanning over 250 meters through Waitomo Glowworm Caves' 2 beautifully sculpted underground levels.
- Witness the luminous glowworms light up the Glowworm Grotto like a celestial galaxy, a species unique to New Zealand.
- Take a boat ride through the lower-level streams, encountering glowworms and the towering Cathedral chamber, known for its acoustics.
- Stroll through the upper level and admire the natural formations that adorn the cave walls, ceilings, and floors, dating back 30 million years.
- Listen to the age-old tales about the cave from the descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave.
- Want to go beyond the surface into New Zealand’s longest underground cave system? Opt for a 1.5-hour tour of Ruakuri Cave.
Inclusions
- Maori descendant expert tour guide
- Small group tour
- 45-minute tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves (optional)
- Boat ride along Waitomo River (optional)
- Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto (optional)
- Extended 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Ruakuri Cave (optional)
- Exclusive access to deeper and untouched areas of the cave (optional)
- Access to Holdens Cavern, the Drum Passage, the Pretties & the Ghost Passage (optional)
- Up close views of glowworms, stalagmites & stalactites (optional)
- Entry & exit through the grand spiral staircase (optional)
Note: The inclusions may vary depending on the package you select during the next step of your booking.
- Tip: The Visitor Centre only accepts contactless payments. Please use a credit card, Apple Pay, etc. for purchases at the shop and cafe.
- It's recommended to wear a warm jacket along with comfortable shoes.
- Ruakuri Caves are accessible for wheelchair users, in contrast to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves which are accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
- Photography is permitted in designated areas of the Ruakuri Caves. However, in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, photography is strictly prohibited.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Explore the magical Waitomo Caves on a full-day tour. Opt for a Te Puia upgrade to explore Rotorua's geothermal wonders.
- From Auckland, go on a drive south through the Waikato countryside exploring its beauty with scenic photo stops. Shop for souvenirs at Waitomo's gift shop.
- Visit the glowing caves and geothermal sights with a knowledgeable guide. Discover ancient tales and the intriguing geology of these unique locations.
- Follow your guide into the Waitomo Caves, famous for their stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone columns.
- Venture deeper underground for a boat ride through the dark caves. Marvel at the natural light show created by thousands of glowworms inside.
- With the Te Puia upgrade, see Pohutu Geyser erupt, explore boiling mud pools, visit a Māori village, and observe artisans at the Carving and Weaving Institute.
Inclusions
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland
- Expert guide
- Small group tour
- Complimentary snacks & water
- 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- Boat ride along Waitomo River
- Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto
- Transfers to Rotorua (based on option selected)
- 1.5-hour guided tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley (based on option selected)
- Hotel pickup from Auckland
- Arrive at Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto
- Boat ride along Waitomo River
- Drive to Rotorua (if opted for)
- Guided tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley (if opted for)
- Visit National Carving and Weaving Institute (if opted for)
- Visit Maori village (if opted for)
- Hotel drop-off in Auckland
- 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.
- Join a 3-hour rafting adventure exploring the underground river system. See the glowworms light up the limestone caves as you sail in the dark.
- Get fitted with the necessary gears and learn the basics of caving from an expert guide before heading in.
- Witness the glowworms light up the caves, jump off waterfalls, and make your way around the underground formations.
- Let your guide acquaint you with the geology of the limestone caves, the lifecycle of the glowworms, and the ancient traditions of the Maori people.
- Refresh yourself with some complimentary snacks and drinks and get some amazing photos clicked that you can buy later.
Inclusions
- 3-hour underground black water rafting
- Expert guide
- Safety equipment (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
- Snack
- Small group of up to 12 guests
Exclusions
- Photos
- Arrive at Waitomo Caves
- Safety briefing
- Tubing & black water rafting
- Return to Waitomo Homestead
- All participants on this tour must weigh at least 45 kg.
- Guests aged 12 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.
- Bring along your towel and swimwear.
- The water temperature is approximately 10 degrees Celsius.
- Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPros.
- Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, and hot showers.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Join a full-day tour from Auckland to Waitomo's glowing caves and Rotorua's geothermal sites. Get hotel transfers from central locations in Auckland.
- Discover intriguing geology and rich cultural stories from your guide as you explore each destination.
- Explore the massive Waitomo Caves on foot with your guide, including a chance to visit Cathedral Cave.
- Hop on a flat bottom boat to step into a magical underground world, lit by thousands of glowworms, mimicking a star-filled sky.
- Head to Te Puia Geothermal Valley, home to the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, boiling mud pools, and steaming vents.
- See Maori artisans at work in the National Carving and Weaving Institute. Then visit a traditional village to experience the Maori culture.
Inclusions
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland on a luxurious vehicle
- Expert guide
- Small group tour
- Complementary water & snacks
- 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- Boat ride along Waitomo River
- Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto
- Transfers to Rotorua
- 1.5-hour guided tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley
- Kiwi bird-watching
- Visit following locations in Rotorua:
- Pohutu Geysers & boiling mud pools
- Prehistoric Maori village
- National Carving & Weaving Institute
- Hotel pickup from Auckland
- Arrive at Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto
- Boat ride along Waitomo River
- Drive to Rotorua
- Guided tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley
- Visit National Carving and Weaving Institute
- Visit Maori village
- Hotel drop-off in Auckland
- 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.
- Experience the magic of Middle Earth and the glowworms of Waitomo in a day on this combo tour of 2 of New Zealand's iconic attractions.
- Get round-trip transfers from Auckland and enjoy guided tours of Hobbiton and Waitomo, focusing on the scenery, not the map!
- Explore the Hobbiton Movie set. See the Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and The Double Arched Bridge. Sip a drink at the famous pub from the movie.
- Witness Waitomo Caves' ancient limestone cave formations. Cruise along the Waitomo River and watch the glowworms light up the cave.
- Choose a private or a small group tour. Get more privacy and flexibility with a private tour, or join like-minded travelers on the small group tour.
Inclusions
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland
- Expert tour guide
- 2-hour guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
- 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves:
- Boat ride along Waitomo River
- Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto
- Complimentary crafted beverage at The Green Dragon Inn
- Complimentary snacks & water
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
- Hotel pickup
- Arrive at Hobbiton Movie Set
- Explore Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and The Double Arched Bridge
- Stop for a drink at The Green Dragon Inn
- Drive to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto
- Boat ride along Waitomo River
- Depart from Waitomo Caves
- Hotel drop-off
- 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 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Explore the magical Ruakari Cave on the longest guided underground walking tour in Waitomo Caves.
- Witness the cave walls lit up by thousands of bio-luminescent worms on a dreamy 1.5-hour walk.
- Take jaw-dropping pictures as you learn about the glowworms from your expert tour guide.
- Admire the limestone structures and crystals that decorate the cave, from the spiral entrance to the hidden chambers.
- Listen to the musical burbles of distant waterfalls that add to this extraordinary experience.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour guided walking tour in Ruakuri Cave
- Expert guide
- Access to Holdens Cavern, the Drum Passage, the Pretties & the Ghost Passage
- 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.
- Explore the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's caves – the Aranui Cave on a 1-hour walking tour.
- With the help of a guide, experience the beautiful scenic beauty inside of caves and learn more about the native culture.
- Take a scenic stroll through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve leading to the hidden entrance of Aranui Cave.
- Witness the native cave wetas, a unique sight in this dark, dry haven. The cave houses little life beyond its entrance with no water flowing through it.
- Get a glimpse of the long, narrow chambers of the Waitomo cave and Aranui's high chambers, adorned with white, pink, and brown stalactites.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided walking tour in Aranui Cave
- Expert guide
- Access to Ruakuri Scenic Reserve
- 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.
- Experience the ultimate cave adventure in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves with the Black Water rafting and ziplining tour.
- On this adrenaline-packed cave tour, enjoy a mix of abseiling, flying fox activities, climbing, and floating through an other-worldly cave system.
- Learn from expert guides how to use abseiling and tubing equipment and skills in the cave. Enjoy a delicious snack in the cave.
- Descend 35 meters into the depths of the Ruakuri Cave and zip-line through a passage illuminated by glow worms.
- Marvel at the glow worms that light up the ceiling as you float on a tube through the subterranean river.
- Challenge yourself by climbing over rocks and up waterfalls, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the cave formations.
Inclusions
- 5-hour underground cave adventure (training, abseiling, zip lining, rafting, rock climbing)
- Expert guide
- Safety equipment (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
- Snack
- Complimentary photos
- Small group of up to 8 guests
Exclusions
- Towels (available at extra cost)
- Any other meals and drinks
- Gratuities
- Arrive at Waitomo Caves
- Safety briefing
- Abseil 35 meters into the Ruakuri Cave
- Zipline
- Snack break
- Tubing & black water rafting
- Return to Waitomo Homestead
- 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.
- Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPros.
- Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, and hot showers.
- Bring along your towel and swimwear.
- 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.
- Zipline over Waitomo Caves' native forests and limestone cliffs. Enjoy 2 hours of non-stop adventure in the park.
- Enjoy the scenic views of the area as you glide through the air on 10 ziplines in a 1km circuit.
- Learn how to control the zipline gear with the help of professional guides.
- Build your confidence on the lower and slower ziplines before making your way to the longest and fastest one.
- Master the technique and zip down the longest zipline, which is 280 meters long and reaches speeds up to 80km/hr.
Inclusions
- Access to 10 zip lines in a 1km circuit
- 2-hour access to Waitomo Caves Zipline Park
- Expert guide
- Safety equipment & briefing
- The zipline has a maximum weight limit of 120 kilograms.
- For families with children, the minimum age requirement is 8 years old, and younger children will need active assistance from an adult.
- Groups with participants under the age of 18 must have at least 1 adult participating in the adventure.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waitomo Tours
What are the best things to do in Waitomo?
In Waitomo, you can indulge in a diverse array of experiences. From exploring the captivating Glowworm Caves with their enchanting luminescence to embarking on adventurous Black Water Rafting expeditions through subterranean cave systems, the city offers a thrilling mix of natural wonders.
What is the best time of year to visit Waitomo?
The best time to visit the Waitomo caves is between December and March. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves' enchantment remains consistent, but visiting Waitomo during the Wild West Fest in February offers a more vibrant and lively atmosphere.
What are the most popular activities for families and kids in Waitomo?
The most popular activities for families and kids in Waitomo include exploring the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, experiencing the thrill of Waitomo Caves Ziplines, and embarking on the legendary Black Water Rafting adventures. These activities offer a unique blend of natural wonder, adventure, and excitement, catering to both kids and adults for an unforgettable family experience.
How do I plan my Waitomo itinerary?
Plan your Waitomo itinerary by starting with must-sees like the Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave, Aranui Cave and Black Water Rafting. Dedicate 2-3 days for Waitomo's main attractions, then add extra days for day trips to Rotorua or Hobbiton. These additions ensure a more comprehensive exploration of the region.
Are there guided tours available for the main attractions in Waitomo?
Yes, guided tours enhance the experience of top attractions in Waitomo, such as Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave, offering historical context and intriguing stories. Explore these immersive guided tours for a comprehensive experience.
What is the best way to get tickets to the major attractions in Waitomo?
For popular attractions like Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave, it's wise to book tickets online ahead of your visit to avoid long queues as if you want to book tickets on-site, you might need to wait before there's space on a tour. These guided tours have fixed tour times so it's advised to book ahead.