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Waitomo Caves opening hours: Best time to visit & key tips for a smooth trip

Today

Open 09:00–17:00

Waitomo Caves

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Waitomo Caves are open daily from 9am to 5pm, with tours departing at regular intervals throughout the day.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Monday09:00–17:00
Tuesday (Today)09:00–17:00
Wednesday09:00–17:00
Thursday09:00–17:00
Friday09:00–17:00
Saturday09:00–17:00
Sunday09:00–17:00
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Regular hours: Waitomo Caves are open daily from 9am to 5pm, with tours departing at regular intervals throughout the day.

Last entry: The last tour typically departs at 4:00pm. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Best time to visit the Waitomo Caves

Weekday vs Weekend

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For a quieter and more relaxed experience, plan your visit on weekdays, especially in the morning before 11am or later in the afternoon after 3pm. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, with larger tour groups and longer wait times.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

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Peak season at Waitomo Caves is from December to February, coinciding with New Zealand’s summer holidays. During this time, expect higher visitor numbers and it’s best to book tours in advance. The low season, from May to September, offers fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere, though weather can be cooler and wetter. Spring and autumn provide a pleasant balance of mild weather and moderate visitor numbers.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

See the wonders of Waitomo Caves and plan your visit for maximum adventure. Knowing the opening hours helps you make the most of your visit, whether you’re gliding beneath glowworms on a boat at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave or exploring limestone passages through Ruakuri and Aranui Caves. Tours run throughout the day, but some experiences have limited spots, so planning ahead ensures you don’t miss a moment of this underground adventure. Check out the opening hours below and get ready for an unforgettable cave experience.

Waitomo Caves: Visiting hours schedule

Cave / experienceWeekdaysWeekends & holidays

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

9am to 5pm

9am to 5pm

Ruakuri Cave

10am to 3:30pm

10am to 3:30pm

Aranui Cave

9am to 5pm

9am to 5pm

Black Labyrinth

8am to 5:30pm

8am to 5:30pm

Black Abyss

8am to 5:30pm

8am to 5:30pm

How long do I spend at Waitomo Caves?

  • A visit to Waitomo Caves can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on your interests and pace.
  • For a relaxed family experience, the Waitomo Glowworm Cave guided boat ride takes around 45–60 minutes, showcasing the magical glowworm-lit ceilings.
  • To explore more of the underground world, Ruakuri Cave features dramatic limestone formations, a smaller glowworm display, and accessible walking paths, taking approximately 1–1.5 hours.
  • Those interested in unique rock formations can visit Aranui Cave, a guided walk through striking stalactites and stalagmites, lasting 45–60 minutes.
  • For adventure seekers, Black Abyss and Labyrinth Adventures, including black water rafting, abseiling, and tubing through glowworm-lit caves, can take around 3–5 hours, offering an unforgettable adrenaline-filled experience.

Tips for a crowd-free Waitomo Caves experience

  • Visit early in the day: Morning tours, especially the first of the day, tend to be quieter and more relaxed, offering the best lighting for photography in Ruakuri Cave and fewer people around the glowworms.
  • Time your arrival smartly: For afternoon tours, avoid the last tour of the day if you prefer more personal space, as groups can merge or overlap.
  • Consider less popular tours: While the Waitomo Glowworm Cave is the most famous and can fill up quickly, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave are often less crowded, providing a more intimate and relaxed experience.
  • Avoid peak season: The busiest periods are December–February (summer holidays) and school holiday weeks, while visiting in shoulder seasons like spring (Sep–Nov) or autumn (Mar–May) usually means smaller groups and calmer tours.
  • Combine tours strategically: Stagger multiple cave tours to avoid overlapping with other large groups, making your experience feel more private.

Frequently asked questions about Waitomo Caves opening hours

Yes, tours run on public holidays but often book out quickly, so early booking is advised.

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Plan Your Visit

Map

Auckland to Waitomo Caves

Getting There