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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tours
Highlights & inclusions
Spectacular cave network
Thousands of glow worms
Tour approx. 45 minutes long
Amazing cave boat trip
Over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery
Boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto
From
$67.64AUD
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to experience
1. Select date
August 2026
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Hot Deal
Last minute deal
2. Select participants
Adult
0
Child (4-14yrs)
0
Infant (0-3yrs)
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What you can expect
Witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Rotorua region's famed glow worm caves at Waitomo with a selection of great value sightseeing tours. Combining the wonder of a spectacular cave network with the delicate beauty of the glow worms themselves as they illuminate its ceilings and walls, the Waitomo glow worm caves are a unique destination that's not to be missed!
Featuring an array of awe-inspiring limestone formations that have to be seen to be believed, the roof and walls are teeming with various colours that range from browns to pinks to whites, while the thousands of tiny lights in the famous "glow worm grotto" complete an atmosphere that is both enchanting and visually enticing. Simply choose your preferred option from the available Waitomo glow worm tours below to explore this spectacular natural gift in the Rotorua region of New Zealand online today!
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Location
What you need to know
- Informative commentary
- Entry into the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Boat tour through the Glowworm Grotto
- Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto
- Over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery commencing with the impressive Cathedral. The acoustics in this particular cavern are world-renowned
- The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto
- Facilities
- Restaurant
- Cafe
- Exhibition Space
- Theatre and Gift Shop
- Two Cove Levels
- The Cathedral
- The Cathedral is on the lower level of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and, at 18 metres in height, this is the largest cavern. It is world-renowned for its superb acoustics, which are due to the enclosed shape and rough surface. Many famous singers and choirs have performed here and have been delighted with the purity of the sound.
- The Tomo
- The Tomo is one of the wonders of Waitomo, it is a 16 metre vertical limestone shaft which marks the course of an ancient waterfall which today on flows during heavy rains. The dramatic vertical drop is carefully lighted to show the scalloped walls and the layers of limestone. The Tomo was the last feature of the cave to be formed and links the upper level to the Waitomo River below.
- Tours depart from 9am-5pm daily
- Open from 9am daily, 365 days a year
- Summer Hours: 9.00am - 5.30pm (End of October to Easter Monday)
- Winter Hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm
- As tours depart every 30 minutes, please just turn up on the day with your voucher and you will be able to then attend the next tour time
- Just over 2 hours south of Auckland, 1 hour south of Hamilton, and 2 hours west of Rotorua. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are situated 8km along Waitomo Caves Road, off State Highway 3
- Coach groups must book and confirm tour slots according to the schedule below:
- Mid-morning: 10:40am – 11:30am
- Midday: 12:50pm – 1:30pm
- Mid Afternoon: 3:00pm – 3:40pm
- Tour is approximately 45 minutes in duration
- Address: 39 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo, Private Bag 501, Otorohanga 3940, New Zealand.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves do not have wheelchair access
- Please do not touch formations. Stalactites and stalagmites take a long time to form. They are easily discoloured by people touching them and the more fragile formations can break. Please help us protect the beauty of the cave.
- To protect the cave atmosphere and for the enjoyment and consideration of others, we ask that you do not smoke in the cave.
- All photography is strictly forbidden. This includes non-flash photography and video.
- Keep quiet at all times, especially in the boat and on the jetties.
- For the preservation of glowworms this cave does not allow photography
- The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths however we do not have wheelchair access. Please note that Ruakuri Cave, however, does have wheelchair access
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience.
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
