Journey beneath a galaxy of bioluminescent glowworms in the Glowworm Grotto, a structure dating back 30 million years.
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Note: The inclusions may vary depending on the package you select during the next step of your booking.
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Journey beneath a galaxy of bioluminescent glowworms in the Glowworm Grotto, a structure dating back 30 million years.
Explore fascinating caverns adorned with shimmering glowworms. Learn about geological wonders and Maori legends from a descendant of the Maori Chief who discovered the caves.
Navigate churning rapids in Ruakuri Cave's hidden abyss, lit by headlamps. Discover glowworm chambers in this thrilling adventure.
Glide along a 280-meter zipline, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. Witness the passage illuminated by glowworms from an aerial vantage point.
Test your courage rappelling down sheer cliffs within the Ruakuri Cave system, feel the cool spray of cave waterfalls as you conquer the challenging descent.
Waitomo Trail Run stands out for its scenic routes through farmland, native bush, and even caves, offering diverse challenges and a unique underground adventure for runners of all levels.
Navigate a challenging caving expedition through interconnected chambers in Ruakuri Cave. Master tight squeezes and climbs, discovering hidden formations unseen by most.
Black Labyrinth in Waitomo Caves challenges experienced cavers with tight squeezes, hidden wonders, and technical maneuvers, offering an intense & thrilling subterranean adventure.
Best time to visit: For sunny adventures, visit Waitomo Caves in spring or summer, but expect more people. Autumn is pleasant with fewer crowds. In winter, enjoy thrilling caving and great deals, though it's cooler. Early mornings maximize glowworm brilliance, and evenings enchant with a transition to bioluminescence. Ultimately, the perfect time for you depends on your priorities – choose warmth, solitude, or specific activities to plan your dream Waitomo getaway!
Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
Forget logistical juggles, embrace Waitomo with ease! Here's why you should consider an Auckland to Waitomo day trip with transfers:
Luxury: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
Mid-range: Woodlyn Park Motel, Abseil Inn
Budget: Waitomo Orchard B&B, Waitomo Caves Hotel
If you’re looking to explore the F&B scene at Waitomo, here are some places to check out:
There are various tours, including guided cave explorations, black water rafting, ziplining, and abseiling at Waitomo Caves. You can also opt for a guided tour from Auckland with transfers and add-on sights like Te Puia and Hobbiton movie set tours. Each caters to different preferences, from serene walks to thrilling adventures.
Tour durations vary. Guided cave tours typically last around 1 hour to 90 minutes. Adventure activities like black water rafting or ziplining may take longer, depending on the chosen package. Day trips from Auckland to Waitomo typically last anywhere from 7 hours to 12 hours, depending on your type of tour.
Depending on your choice of tour, you get to enjoy benefits like a guided tour of the caves led by a direct descendant of the Maori Chief who founded the caves, adventure activities like black water rafting or ziplining, and access to specific caves such as the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave, or Aranui Cave.
If your tour is from Auckland, you’ll enjoy luxury transfers with private transfer options, hotel pick-ups & drop-offs, additional sights, expert guides, complimentary snacks & beverages, and more.
Costs vary depending on the type of tour and activities chosen. Guided cave tours usually start from NZD 75.
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, non-slip shoes. For adventure activities, bring a swimsuit, towel, and an extra change of clothes. Also, carry warm layers as caves can get chilly, and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Bring essentials like a compact backpack, water, snacks, extra layers, and a waterproof pouch for valuables.
For thrill-seekers, engage in blackwater rafting through the churning rapids of the Black Abyss, zip-line through hidden canyons with glowworms illuminating the path, or experience an exhilarating abseil descent into the depths of the caves, with your headlamp cutting through the darkness.
The Ruakuri and Aranui caves are wheelchair accessible. Aboveground adventures provide a comfortable experience for those with concerns about claustrophobia or darkness.
For sunny adventures, visit in spring or summer. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds. Winter provides thrilling caving experiences and the best deals, though it's cooler. Early mornings maximize glowworm brilliance, and evenings enchant with bioluminescence.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited as it can harm the glowworms. Follow the guides' instructions on photography restrictions in certain areas.
Yes, tours generally operate in various weather conditions.
Guided commentaries are typically available in English.
Access Waitomo with a day-trip transfer from Auckland. Go for private vehicle transfers or luxury coaches offer convenience and scenic views. You can also go by car, train (Northern Explorer), or via plane (via Taupo Airport).