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 To Expect
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Guided tour at Waitomo Glow Worm Caves including boat ride
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
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Pickup included
Reviews
45 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Glowworm shines like the galaxy
dorcasw290,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was very amazing & pleasant. It started from 7am to about 2pm. It’s worth to go to see those historical nature caves and stared at the Glowworm in the cave just like looking at the galaxy 🌌. Our tour guide DAVE was very nice, friendly and mature person with enthusiasm to share lots of information around the road or this country. He has lived in this country more than 10 years. So, as a foreigner visitor, surprisingly he has so much more could share to us. And he drives was very steady and safe. He also has prepared some snacks and water for us. I would definitely recommend for everyone who love the nature and would love to explore New Zealand.
Very pleasant organised trip.
Kevin H,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dave, our driver was the ultimate driver providing extensive history and knowledge of NZ with his dulcet tones. A very relaxed kind trip. Top marks. The guide in the cave was super kind and friendly - one of the best guides I have had over many years. Kind, gentle and very knowledgeable. I can’t remember his name. Our tour started at 9.30. I would definitely recommend this trip. It’s a journey, but the final part of the glow work tour in the boat was magic. Kevin .
Worth seeing cave, great experience
RogerG007,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The firefly cave is really worth seeing and impressive! Of course, a journey time (round trip) of about 5 hours for a visit of "only" 45 minutes is very long. But then again, the landscape you drive through is really beautiful (especially in the best sunshine we had today); you get a good impression of the beauty of New Zealand. And our tour guide and driver Dave (very sympathetic!) shortened the journey time by telling us a lot of interesting things about New Zealand (from nature, plants and wildlife to history, economy and society to travel tips in Auckland and beyond) during the trip. And also the young woman (Sunny) who led us through the cave was very chilled and explained everything well. All in all it was a great experience and I can only recommend the tour!
Visit Waitomo Caves but Avoid Auckland & Beyond Tours
Devsym,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Guided tour of Waitomo Glow worms Caves and Boat ride was beyond awesome but NO glowing review for Aukland & Beyond Tours that deserves a ZERO star :-( The journey, crammed in like sardines in a cramped coach, was the most unpleasant trip we have taken since we started touring in Dec 11 to ANZ and NZ. The INAUDIBLE commentary for us sitting at the back of the bus, despite several requests to the driver, admittedly couldn’t be yanked up from a makeshift speaker (plonked in the front of the bus) as the front passengers would have their ears blown off! Not only did we learn nothing on the trip there and back but had the most uncomfortable coach journey ever.
Great day at the Waitomo Caves
Jet00100060346,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and I booked a last minute trip to see Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Our driver, John, was super friendly and we all enjoyed spending the day with him. The Caves were a unique experience and we are glad to have taken this tour and seen them.
A great way to spend an hour’s time.
susan m,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great, unique experience. The short tour provided information about the limestone caves and resident glow worms. And seeing the glow worms was like viewing a star-filled sky. Glad we checked it out!
Nice stop to walk around
carol b,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00People were great to talk to and walk around is 1 hour in cave then a 15 min trail walk back through woods and large rocks Food and drink available Shame no photo aloud
Great Experience
Pedroadrian,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time with Nancy—her expertly guided tour provided fascinating insights into the local history and geology, and the caves are truly awe-inspiring with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations!
Waitomo Glowcaves
Excursion29100623467,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience from Auckland to Waitomo glowworm caves. Our driver Adil from Auckland and Beyond was very knowledgeable and gave us a very good history on New Zealand and made long drive smooth. Glowworm caves were once in life time experience worth the drive. You can’t take pictures or videos in caves but can get the green screen ones if you like.All in all a good half day tour near Auckland.
Waitomo caves
marcelosM1304AK,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very receptive staff of sympratic, driver and guide John was great. Interesting tour, but well run hit it and back there
From NZ$279.00
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Operated by Auckland & Beyond Tours