Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Join Auckland & Beyond Tours for an unforgettable Waitomo Glowworm Caves experience! New Zealand’s unique “Arachnocampa Luminosa” glowworms light up the Waitomo Grotto, creating a mesmerizing scene. We’ll start by picking you up from Auckland CBD, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive through South Auckland and the Waikato region, with stops for photos along the way.
Upon arrival, you’ll have 30 minutes to browse the Gift Shop or enjoy refreshments at the Waitomo Homestead. Then, embark on a one-hour guided tour through the Glowworm Cave, where your guide will share the cave’s history and details about the fascinating glowworms and rock formations.
Finish your tour with a serene boat ride along the Waitomo River, silently marveling at the glowworms’ ethereal light. After your Glowworm experience, we’ll return to Auckland via scenic roads.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infant seats must be requested at least 24 hours in advance (extra charges apply)
A minimum of 4 people is required for the tour to operate
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland City Center
Snacks
All entry tickets & guided tours
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional driver/guide
Gratuities
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Guided tour at Waitomo Glow Worm Caves including boat ride
Options
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Pickup included
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Waitomo Glow Worm Tour - what a great day!
I9757LFstefans,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing day! Nancy was an outstanding tour guide, and our little German-Italian crew had an incredible time on our adventure. We had so much fun! The cave tour was truly impressive, and the journey itself was just as memorable - packed with fascinating information about New Zealand, its history, and its stunning nature. A huge thank you to Nancy for making our day absolutely unforgettable!
Good tour
Rachel L,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There were only three of us on this tour - my husband and me, and one other young woman who we didn’t know. The tour driver was very friendly and informative and adjusted the tour to our needs, especially as it was such a small group.
Waitomo glow worm caves well worth 5 hour round trip from Auckland
drdms2016,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nancy was driver, guide, docent on all things New Zealand when I traveled with 7 others to Waitomo glow worm caves. She moved from California to NZ 30 years ago, married, had kids, and now is happy to share her insights about Kiwi people, attitudes, language & Māori customs. She was a fount of knowledge & humor. Then the CAVES took center stage with one of most unusual ecosystems I have ever seen. Glow worms that lure insects in for their nutrition with bioluminescence. Walking through caves down steps then climbing into boat would be difficult for people with cane or walker, but all downhill so not strenuous. Our eyes need 20 minutes to dark adapt so guides had activities on way down to help accustom us to the dark. Really enjoyed explanations & demonstrations in caves. Be forewarned: NO cameras/phones allowed & silence expected to avoid disruption of worms feeding. Influencers & small children not welcome. Well worth 5 hour drive round trip from Auckland.
Good adventure!
PatA692,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Long bus ride but worth it. Driver shared much info about area and guide into cave gave a very informative tour with knowledge and funny antidotes!
Personal Care by John the tour guide
Trail24691546733,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John was a great tour guide. He catered to us from the beginning to the end. The glow worm cave was majestic, like seeing jewels in the sky. John took pictures of us coming out of the cave on the boat. From Auckland it was a 2+ hour drive. John made a stop at a scrumptious bakery along the way and a yummy ice cream shop on the way home. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour.
Great experience
968alishas,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with our guide, Jon, on our trip to the Waitomo Caves. He kept us entertained throughout the entire drive with his stories, fun facts, and great sense of humour. Jon was incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely made sure everyone felt comfortable and taken care of.
Worst Company I Have Ever Dealt With
jonniel477,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Terrible experience. We booked through get your guide. You’re able to select your pickup location. Why even offer that if you don’t plan to honour that choice? We received an initial email from the tour company that stated a different pickup time and location from the initial booking confirmation. Afterwards, received another email confirming our original choice and stated time. Of course we followed the info from the most recent email. We arrived at the location on time only to have no one show up. When we called the tour company basically said it was our fault and that we should have followed their email only. How are we supposed to know that? You need to fix your options or make your instructions more clear to avoid problems like this. Or how about state the specific location on your tour ad rather than changing last minute details. We did make it eventually onto the tour, but the driver was driving like a maniac, speeding, weaving lanes, and just being reckless. I get it, he has to make time, but the worst part we hears him telling other passengers we were short on time because he had to make an “extra stop” to pick us up. Rude and unprofessional. Don’t blame us because your company can’t streamline simple instructions.
Well worth a visit if you are a while in Auckland.
Safari28613599124,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First of 2 tours we did with Auckland & Beyond and we could not be more satisfied. We were lucky enough to get the guide Pablo and what a guy, the kind of person who does everything to make you get that little bit extra out of the experience. The tour itself was amazing and the glowworms are really something you have to experience. Well worth booking if you are in Auckland for a while. The car tour also shows how beautiful New Zealand is. So book this and if you are lucky enough to get Pablo as a guide, you can count yourself lucky.
Fabulous experience!
Exploration616858,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide and driver, Adil, gave us very interesting information on the history of New Zealand and entertained us with lots of stories and little added extras. An excellent guide who really made the trip special! We would give him 11/10. Jan and John Carson
A great day on the road
Departure26659180615,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was so lucky to get all on my own on this tour with my guide Stephen. He showed me so much more than was sceduled on the tour.
From NZ$279.00
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Operated by Auckland & Beyond Tours