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Best Tours in Waitomo
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From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Alexander Magyar
NZ

Alexander

New Zealand
Feb 2026
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The Waitomo Caves are nothing short of spectacular, unbelievable to see the thousands of tiny glowworms shimmering from the cave roof top and the amazing limestone formations. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the caves and Maori culture his presentation was both educational and fun. This is a must see for anyone visiting New Zealand.
Janet Thain
CA

Janet

Canada
Jan 2026
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Amazing limestone formations and excellent tour guide! The ramp construction in the cave was excellent and easy to navigate.
Stefan Killenberg
DE

Stefan

Germany
Jan 2026
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A great mix of action (abseiling, ziplining, climbing, and crawling through the cave passages) and enjoying the glowing webs of fly larvae on the cave ceiling.
Brigitte Grimml

Brigitte

Feb 2026
#Our Driver / Guide was fantastic! He always was present and always had an open ear. And he has a huge knowledge about the country and its history! Pick-up was on time and the bus well prepared. Everything was clean, which is very important to me.
John Weiss
US

John

United States
Feb 2026
Tour itself was great! Garth our guide was knowledgeable and personable. Address given by Headout on the ticket was bad! They had 204 Tumutumu, while the real address is 219 Tumutumu. 204 sent my navigator almost a mile up a gravel road to nowhere!
Paul Edwards
NZ

Paul

New Zealand
Feb 2026
Talk was fascinating. Very enlightening. Great guide, friendly, bubbly and informative. Not allowed to take photos, seems a little strange to be asking for them
Barbara l Guenther
US

Barbara

United States
Feb 2026
Our guide was knowledge and kind. Really enjoyed the small group and boat tour. The glow worms slime was interesting. It was memorable. A friend told me about it and that's why we went.
Elisa Montross-Lopez
NZ

Elisa

New Zealand
Feb 2026
It's an incredible natural resource and a very unique experience. The guides are friendly and professional and make you feel safe while also having the adventure of a lifetime!

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Waitomo Caves 101: Breaking down the 3 caves

Map showing route from Waitomo Glowworm Caves to Aranui and Ruakuri Caves.

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

  • Why go: The most famous of them all. A silent boat ride takes you through a glowworm grotto where thousands of tiny lights sparkle above like a night sky underground.
  • Look out for: Limestone chambers like the Cathedral, famous for its soaring acoustics, and the Organ Loft with its intricate rock details.
  • Perfect for: Visitors short on time seeking the classic Waitomo glowworm encounter.

Ruakuri Cave

  • Why go: The longest underground tour in Waitomo, this is the only cave you can fully walk through. It combines dramatic spiraling limestone formations, glowworms, and Māori cultural history into one immersive experience.
  • Perfect for: Travelers who want a deeper, more adventurous exploration beyond the classic glowworm boat ride.
  • Look out for: Descend via a world-first spiral entrance ramp into chambers where glowworms sparkle just above your head at walking pace.

Aranui Cave

  • Why go: The smallest and quietest of the three, Aranui has no river system, so the focus is purely on its geological beauty. It’s peaceful, intimate, and often overlooked.
  • Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and those interested in spectacular cave formations without the crowds.
  • Look out for: A short forest walk leading to chambers filled with rare crystal formations, including delicate cave popcorn and straw stalactites.

Things to know before booking your Waitomo tours

  • Transfers: Standard cave tours like the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour as well as adventure activities such as the Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience do not include transfers. You’ll need to make your own way to Waitomo. If you’d prefer a hassle-free option with city pick-up, book a From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour instead.
  • Booking a day trip: Full-day tours combine Waitomo with other must-see attractions such as Hobbiton, Rotorua, and Te Puia. Options like the From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glowworms Caves Tour or From Auckland: Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Te Puia Guided Tour include round-trip hotel transfers, a professional guide, and a small-group setting for a more interactive and relaxed experience.
  • Adventure activities: Experiences such as the Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience or the Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience include entry to Ruakuri Cave rather than the Glowworm Cave. Don’t worry though, Ruakuri also features glowworms, along with a dramatic spiral entrance and striking limestone formations, so you won’t miss out on the magic.
  • Accessibility: The Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a spiral ramp in place of stairs and wide, even walkways inside. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour requires descending and climbing multiple flights of stairs and a small boat ride, while the Aranui Cave Guided Tour involves a bush track approach and stair access. If accessibility is important, Ruakuri Cave is the best option.

Your guide to picking the best Waitomo tour for you

Guided cave tours

  • Price: NZ$81–116
  • Duration: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours
  • What’s included: Choose from three signature cave experiences; the classic Glowworm Caves boat ride beneath thousands of sparkling glowworms, the fully accessible Ruakuri Cave with dramatic limestone formations and a spiral ramp, or the intimate Aranui Cave with stalactites, stalagmites, and rich Māori legends. Expert guides bring each cave to life with stories, science, and history.
  • Perfect for: Families and first-time visitors seeking the iconic glowworm experience (Glowworm Caves), photographers and geology enthusiasts looking to explore impressive formations with easy access (Ruakuri), or nature lovers wanting a quiet, off-the-beaten-path cave adventure (Aranui).

Recommended experience

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
  • Aranui Cave Guided Tour

Day trips from Auckland (with other stops)

  • Price: NZ$279–399
  • Duration: 10–12 hours
  • What’s included: Hassle-free small-group tours combining the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with other must-see attractions such as Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua geothermal wonders, or Te Puia Māori cultural experiences. Includes round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland, professional guides, scenic countryside drives, and entry to all included sites.
  • Perfect for: Travellers seeking a full-day, stress-free adventure that combines caves, culture, and scenic highlights; movie fans wanting to visit Hobbiton alongside Waitomo; or first-time visitors looking to experience multiple iconic North Island attractions in one trip.

Recommended experience

  • From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glowworms Caves Tour
  • From Auckland: Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Te Puia Guided Tour

Adventure activities

  • Price: NZ$193–322
  • Duration: 3–5 hours
  • What’s included: Underground adventures in Ruakuri Cave, including black water rafting, tubing, abseiling, ziplining, and climbing waterfalls. All safety gear, wetsuits, footwear, and professional guidance are provided. Glowworm viewing is included, ensuring you don’t miss the caves’ natural magic.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers looking for adrenaline-pumping fun, groups wanting an active, hands-on experience, or travellers who want to combine sightseeing with a cave adventure.

Recommended experience

  • Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience
  • Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

Waitomo Caves bucket list: Top things to see & do

Adventurers black water rafting in Waitomo cave with glowworms above.
Adventurers tubing under glowworms in Waitomo cave during Black Water Rafting experience.
Person ziplining through lush forest at Waitomo Caves Zipline Park.
Person abseiling in a dark cave during a guided black water rafting experience in Waitomo.
Tourists exploring lush forest near Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Couple holding hands in front of a waterfall in Waikato, New Zealand.
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Black water rafting

Float through Ruakuri Cave’s underground rivers, past glowworms and limestone formations, with small rapids and full safety gear provided.

Tubing

Drift gently along the cave streams under glowworm-studded ceilings, perfect for those seeking excitement without the intensity of rafting.

Ziplining

Fly above the Waitomo forest on a high-adrenaline ride, with views of limestone landscapes and native bush, guided safely by experts.

Abseiling

Descend limestone cliffs or cave entrances with professional guides, combining adventure with close-up views of Waitomo’s geological wonders.

Scenic bush & cave walks

Follow trails through native forest past limestone formations, waterfalls, and viewpoints, all at a relaxed pace.

Hiking & lookouts

Take longer hikes to viewpoints over farmland, gorges, and waterfalls, combining exercise with sweeping scenery.

Your Waitomo experience: What happens on the day

Start your day with a scenic drive from Auckland CBD. Enjoy rolling farmland, limestone landscapes, and scenic stops along the way. If you’ve booked a day-trip tour, round-trip hotel transfers take the hassle out of travel.

Plan your visit

Visitors exploring the illuminated stalactites and stalagmites inside Aranui Cave, New Zealand.
  • Waitomo Glowworm Cave: Open daily from 9am to 5pm, with guided tours departing every 30–60 minutes. Each tour lasts around 45 minutes.
  • Ruakuri Cave: Open daily from 10am to 3:30pm, with guided tours throughout the day. Tours take approximately 1.5 hours and the cave is fully wheelchair accessible.
  • Aranui Cave: Open daily from 9am to 5pm, offering smaller group tours that run several times a day. Each tour lasts about 1 hour and provides a quieter, more intimate experience.
  • By bus: Take InterCity services from Auckland to Waitomo Village. Most buses stop near the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre, making it easy to access all three caves.
  • By day tours: Many day-trips from Auckland include round-trip transfers directly to Waitomo, covering the Glowworm, Ruakuri, and Aranui caves along with optional nearby attractions like Hobbiton or Rotorua.
  • By car: Waitomo is roughly a 2.5–3 hours’ drive from Auckland via State Highway 1 and State Highway 39. It’s about 45 minutes from Hamilton and 2 hours from Rotorua, with ample parking available at all cave entrances.
Guide instructing participants on safety gear for ziplining in Waitomo.
  • Photography: Flash photography is prohibited in Glowworm and Aranui Caves to protect the glowworms, and tripods are not allowed. In Ruakuri Cave, non-flash photography is permitted, but visitors must still follow guide instructions to avoid damaging formations.
  • Accessibility: Ruakuri Cave is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a spiral ramp and wide walkways. In contrast, Glowworm Cave requires descending stairs and boarding a small boat, while Aranui Cave involves a short bush walk and stair climbing, making both unsuitable for wheelchairs.
  • No touching formations: In all three caves, avoid touching stalactites, stalagmites, or other rock formations as oils from hands can damage them.
  • Stay on marked paths: All three caves have designated walkways. In Aranui, be cautious on the bush track approach; in Glowworm and Ruakuri, stay on boardwalks and ramps.
  • Supervise children: Children should be closely supervised in all caves, especially in Glowworm Cave on the boat ride, on stairs in Aranui, and along the spiral ramp in Ruakuri.
  • Adventure activity safety: Adventure activities connected to Ruakuri Cave (e.g., black water rafting, tubing, ziplining, abseiling) require wearing provided helmets, wetsuits, life jackets, and harnesses, and following all guide instructions.
Backpack, water bottle, and leather boots on forest floor for hiking and camping.
  • Comfortable clothing: Wear layers, as cave temperatures are cool and consistent (around 13°C / 55°F). Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing works well for adventure activities.
  • Sturdy footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for walking on wet or uneven cave floors, bush tracks, and stairs.
  • Small dry bag: Keep personal belongings safe and dry during rafting or tubing.
  • Towel and change of clothes: Optional, but useful if participating in wet adventure activities.
  • Medication & essentials: Bring motion-sickness remedies if prone, and any personal medications needed.
  • Backpack: A small daypack to carry water, snacks, extra clothing, and other essentials comfortably.
Hotel room interior with bed, dresser, and window with red curtains.

Explore a range of accommodations, from cozy lodges to convenient motels, perfect for relaxing and recharging after your adventure.

Budget hotels

Mid-range hotels

Luxury hotels

Chef assembling gourmet burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a grill.

See the best restaurants, from cozy cafés to hearty dining spots, with this curated selection to enjoy a meal during your visit.

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves Cafe & Restaurant: Located at the entrance to the caves, serves roast beef wraps, bao buns, and BBQ pork sliders in a casual, family-friendly setting, perfect for a quick bite before or after your tour.
  • Waitomo Homestead: Along State Highway 3, the historic homestead’s welcoming café offers country-style breakfasts, generous pastries, and classic Kiwi dinners.
  • Huhu Café: Located in Waitomo Village, Huhu Café offers hearty dishes like braised beef with cauliflower purée, curried pumpkin soup, and cream cheese & chive croquettes, perfect for a flavorful café experience.
  • Tomo Bar & Eatery: Within the local hotel, this relaxed pub-diner delivers gourmet burgers, steaks, and classic pub mains, plus frothy beers, cocktails, and kids’ specials, all served in a comfy, laid-back environment.

Waitomo Caves: Tips for visitors

  • Time your visit wisely: Early morning tours are usually quieter, giving you a more serene cave experience and better photo opportunities.
  • Plan for changing weather: Even though caves are sheltered, the surrounding walks and approach paths can be wet or muddy—pack a light rain jacket if needed.
  • Follow your guide’s instructions: Guides know the safest paths, hidden formations, and glowworm spots. Listen carefully to maximize your experience.
  • Consider accommodation options: Stay overnight in Waitomo to explore multiple caves or adventure activities at a relaxed pace without rushing.
  • Combine tours for variety: Combine cave tours to see different formations and glowworm displays—pairing Waitomo Glowworm Cave with Ruakuri Cave offers both a boat ride and a walking tour through diverse cave environments.

More adventures to explore in Waitomo

Bush trails & suspension bridges

Explore walking trails linking caves, forests, and rivers, often featuring suspension bridges over streams. Great for hikers and families looking for light outdoor activity.

Caving & spelunking

Explore lesser-known caves with guided spelunking adventures for those seeking more challenging underground routes.

Scenic helicopter flights

Take aerial tours over the Waitomo region to see rolling hills, limestone formations, and cave entrances from above.

Waitomo Adventure Park

Enjoy family-friendly activities like mini-golf, playgrounds, and nature trails near the cave sites.

Horseback riding

Guided horse rides through nearby farms and trails for a relaxing way to enjoy the lush landscapes.

Cycling tours

Rent bikes and explore scenic trails through the Waitomo countryside, passing rivers, farmland, and forested areas.

Frequently asked questions about Waitomo tours

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.

More to read

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Ruakuri Cave

Black Water Rafting

Waitomo Cave Ziplining