From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
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.
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.
Gregor Schmidle
AT

Gregor

Austria
Nov 2025

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The tour is considerably more expensive than the classic "Gloworm Cave Tour" in Waitomo. However, it is worth every penny. The small group size and the experienced tour guide Ash make this couple of hours unforgettable. From logistics, safety, friendlyness, empathy, professinal photos, all adds up to a perfect package. And for those who struggle a bit in dark confined spaces, Ash literally walks and talks you through so that every step is a safe one. Highly recommended!
Bernadette Bridle
AU

Bernadette

Australia
Jan 2026
The guides Molly, Jonti and team were absolutely fantastic. They had great knowledge of the caves. At all times they made us feel safe and confidently guided us through the tricky parts of the caves. Thank you. I highly recommend the black water rafting adventure.
Magdalena Haneberg
DE

Magdalena

Germany
Jan 2026
The moment when the lights were completely off and we drifted down the river in a line, and our wonderful guides began to sing while we could see the many fireflies sparkling above us on the ceiling. We felt a bit like we were in Avatar on Pandora. It was simply a completely different, magical world. Thank you for that!
Wendy L Williams
NZ

Wendy

New Zealand
Jan 2026
My 5 year old grandson loved the boat ride Glow worm experience. The guide was excellent showed care to his group and was very informative. I've been to the caves 3 times and would go again. Totally recommend.
Alexandra Palcic
NZ

Alexandra

New Zealand
Jan 2026
Thank you to all the team the made such a magical memory for us as a family. Especially thank you to Papa our wonderful guide. A highlight of our holiday.
Margaret Walden-Evans
US

Margaret

United States
Jan 2026
Gaff was a great tour guide, and very knowledgeable about the cave and the region. Being able to talk to locals about the land they know so well is one of the best parts of going on tours.

Auckland to Waitomo Caves tours: From underground caves to Hobbiton magic

Set out from Auckland to explore the magic of Waitomo’s glowworm-lit caves, where thousands of glowworms light up the underground rivers and limestone formations. Choose the 45-minute Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour or extend your adventure with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set or Rotorua’s bubbling geysers. These guided tours showcase New Zealand’s landscapes and rich history. Keep reading to learn more about these tours and tips to help you find the right tour.

Why go on a day trip from Auckland to Waitomo Caves?

Aerial view of lush green farmland in Waikato, New Zealand, with trees and fields.
Group admiring glowworms in Waitomo Caves during Auckland tour.
Visitors admire glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set house with round door and garden path in New Zealand.
Tourists boarding air-conditioned coach bus for transfer to Montserrat Monastery.
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Scenic drive

Journey through the rolling Waikato countryside to see lush farmland, winding rivers, and distant hills.

Guided experience

Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Cave with an expert guide with insights into Maori culture and everything there is to know about these caves.

Intimate & personalized tours

Many tours are small-group experiences, allowing closer interaction with guides and a more relaxed, less crowded adventure.

Nearby attractions

Choose a day trip with visits to Hobbiton Movie Set, where Middle-earth comes alive, or Rotorua’s geothermal park featuring geysers, hot springs, and rich Māori culture.

Comfortable transport

Travel in modern, air-conditioned vehicles with convenient hotel pickups from Auckland CBD for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Explore your Auckland to Waitomo Caves tour options

Classic Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour

  • Price: NZ$279
  • Duration: 7 hours –12 hours
  • What's included: Guided 45-minute tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD, boat ride through glowworm caves, English-speaking guide, snacks and water.
  • Perfect for: Travelers wanting an easy, all-inclusive Waitomo cave experience with round-trip transfers from Auckland.

Recommended experience

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour + other attractions

  • Price: NZD$370 - NZD$399
  • Duration: 11 hours –12 hours
  • What's included: Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland, a guided 45-minute tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, and your choice of a 2.5-hour tour of either the Hobbiton Movie Set with a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn, or a visit to Rotorua’s geothermal parks featuring geysers, hot springs, and Māori cultural experiences.
  • Perfect for: Travelers seeking a full-day adventure that combines Waitomo’s glowworm caves with extra time to explore Hobbiton or Rotorua.

Recommended experience

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

What to expect on your Auckland to Waitomo Caves day tour

Start your day with a hotel pick-up or meet at a location in Auckland CBD. Settle in for a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the rolling Waikato countryside, with lush farmland, winding rivers, and distant hills.

Sights you will see on your Auckland to Waitomo Caves tour

Hobbiton Movie Set with round door and lush greenery, part of Auckland tour.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Explore Middle-earth’s 12-acre movie set with Hobbit Holes, Bag End, and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water on an Auckland tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set with lush green hills and round doors, New Zealand.
Kiwi bird foraging on the ground in a dark natural setting.
Geyser eruption at Te Puia cultural site, Rotorua, with geothermal activity, small group tour from Auckland.

Plan your visit

Person checking time on wristwatch.
  • Tours generally start in the morning between 7:30am and 8:30am from Auckland, with hotel pickup or central meeting points. 
  • Full-day tours last 11–12 hours, returning early evening.
  • Tours include convenient round-trip transfers from Auckland CBD hotels in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. 
  • Travel through the scenic Waikato countryside with opportunities for short stops and photos along the way. 
No drone sign in a natural park setting.
  • All tours: Guests must follow guide instructions at all times for safety and smooth operation.
  • Children: Most tours are family-friendly, but some experiences, like Rotorua geothermal parks, have minimum age requirements due to walking and uneven terrain.
  • Accessibility: Tours include walking on uneven terrain and steps, which may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
  • Safety: Stay with your group, avoid touching cave formations, geothermal areas, or wildlife, and follow safety signage.
  • Personal items: No drones, food, or drink in caves; keep belongings secure during bus transfers.
Elderly man birdwatching with binoculars in a sunlit forest.
  • Use binoculars for scenic views: Spot birds, distant hills, or geothermal features along the drive.
  • Wear comfortable socks: Helps avoid blisters when walking through Hobbiton, geothermal areas, and caves.
  • Compact luggage: Opt for a small backpack or daypack. This is especially useful during cave tours and when visiting Hobbiton, where larger bags are not permitted.
  • Offline maps & information: Some areas may have limited signal. Download maps or tour info beforehand.
  • Local snacks & treats: Small stops in Otorohanga or Waitomo gift shops offer unique native treats.
Packing suitcase with clothes and travel essentials for a trip to London in February.
  • Comfortable clothing: Wear layers for varying temperatures—cool caves (12–14 °C) and warmer outdoor stops like Hobbiton or Rotorua.
  • Sturdy footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good grip for walking on uneven or sometimes slippery terrain.
  • Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for outdoor portions like Hobbiton or Rotorua geothermal parks.
  • Personal items: Small backpack for essentials such as wallet, ID, medications, and a phone.
  • Optional extras: Lightweight gloves, extra socks, or a change of clothes if visiting Rotorua geothermal areas where mud or water may be involved
Person entering hotel room with suitcase, door hanger visible.

Here’s a variety of accommodations, from cozy lodges to convenient motels, perfect places to rest and recharge after your adventure.

Budget hotels

Mid-range hotels

Luxury hotels

Grilled steak with spices and sauce at Gaucho Tower Bridge, London.

After exploring the underground wonders of Waitomo, treat yourself to some local flavors. From casual cafés to hearty restaurants, here are some top spots to refuel:

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves Café & Restaurant

    : Right at the cave entrance, enjoy light bites and drinks like roast beef wraps, fluffy bao buns, and rich hot chocolate.

  • Huhu Café

    : A short walk from the caves, serving fresh, locally sourced dishes such as braised beef with cauliflower purée, curried pumpkin soup, and crispy pork hock.

  • Stoked Eatery

    : Located in Te Kuiti, this spot offers hearty meals like pork hock with kumara purée, seafood chowder, Korean fried chicken, and gourmet burgers, with sticky date pudding.

  • Waitomo Homestead

    : On SH3, enjoy classic breakfasts like crepes and omelettes, plus an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with meat, fish, and vegetarian options, ideal for families.

Frequently asked questions about Auckland to Waitomo Caves tours

You can book online on our website. Options include the Classic Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour, or full-day combos with Hobbiton or Rotorua.

More to read

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