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Book Outdoor Activities in Waitomo
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 instead? 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 Ruakuri Cave tour doesn't include access to Waitomo Glowworm Caves. 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.
More details
- This 3-hour guided tour in Waitomo takes you to untouched, glowworm-lit caves nestled on a private farm. Perfect for those who love hidden gems.
- Your guide will first lead you on a scenic nature walk through lush forests and the Mangapu Gorge, known for its limestone cliffs.
- The tour is super intimate, limited to groups of 8 or fewer. Inside the caves, you'll find no walkways or electric lights – just the pure, unfiltered beauty of New Zealand.
- For 2 hours, climb boulders, wade through streams, and explore limestone caves lit by millions of bright green glowworms. This cave is photography-friendly, so snap away!
- After the tour, you'll have time to change out of your caving gear (all provided for) and enjoy some well-deserved tea, coffee, and tasty cookies.
Inclusions
- 3-hour glowworm cave tour Waitomo
- Local guide
- Small group of up to 8 guests
- All caving equipment
- Tea, coffee & cookies
- Complimentary photos
- 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.
- Wear clothes you can get dirty and wet. Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and quick-drying materials are ideal. Avoid wearing cotton, as it stays wet and can get cold.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests 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.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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- 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 CBD
- 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 CBD
- 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 the National Carving and Weaving Institute (if opted for)
- Visit Maori village (if opted for)
- Hotel drop-off in Auckland CBD
- 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.
More details
- 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.
More details
- 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.
More details
- 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.
More details
- 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.
More details
- 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.
More details
- 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.
More details
- 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.
More details