Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been guided since 1889 and occupy a high place in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. Stare in wonder at the thousands of illuminating glowworms above as you glide silently by boat through the glowworm grotto. Many of our current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of 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. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- Kathleen SEngland, United Kingdom124 contributionsThis would be very romantic without the massesWe enjoyed our time down there. It is a small cave, nothing much to it, but mysterious lightning, a good guide and a short boat ride can create a memorable experience. Especially when one never seen glowing stars underground. Just watch out they don't drop on your head! Please stay quiet on the boat ride. They take one group after another and if you are talking then you ruin the experience for the ones already in the boat trying to marvel at the starry caves. Unfortunately it is such a tiny lake, I wish it went on for longer. Very romantic.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 October 2023
- Michal1500Warsaw, Poland122 contributionsSmaller and shorter than expected.The glowworms were an interesting sight and quite unique. However, the viewing was the focus of the tour only for the last ~10 minutes, when we entered a boat and travelled through a dark cave tunnel. The remaining ~30 minutes of the tour before that was around the history of cave’s exploration, the limestone formations and the glowworms’ biological characteristics. If that sounds interesting - then the ticket price may be worth it; but if you come mainly to see the glowworms - it may be disappointing.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 November 2023
- Delta Golf27 contributionsA very special, unique and breathtaking experienceI went as part of a joint Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour. I cannot express enough how happy I am to have been able to visit the Glowworm Caves. Seeing pitch black being lit up by tiny insects is such a beautiful sight that left me in awe. No wonder it is one of the top attractions in North Island and New Zealand, a country abundant in beautiful places. Even though the time we got to spend in the caves felt short, the sheer beauty of this place compensates for it. The guides were also really good and explained a lot about the caves and glowworms to us. This is something you won't forget.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 28 January 2024
- budd44Southampton, United Kingdom32 contributionsWorth seeing enjoyable afternoonHighly recommend the Ruakuri cave experience our guide lydia was great very informative . Well worth it . I would not recommend the glow cave boat trip not worth it saw more Glow worms in Ruakuri it did not help as our guide was had to understand . The caves were really amazing and you do a fair bit of walking not a problem to us but those with limited mobility maybe a problem ,Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 January 2024
- Wanda RGreenfield, Wisconsin736 contributionsA unique experienceThe formations were quite interesting in the caves. Probably one of the safest caves I have ever been in with regards to the quality of the steps we walked down to enter the cave. Our guide was informative. The boat ride was interesting to see the glowworms. All that being said if we wouldn't have done this I would have been fine. If you have never been to a cave I would highly recommend for the combined experience. Seeing the glowworms was nice but I don't think it was a show stopper for me.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 March 2024
- ScottandAndreaPittsburgh, Pennsylvania14 contributionsGreat Experience in Waitomo Glowworm CavesWe enjoyed our experiences in the Waitomo Glowworm caves and learned so much information about the glowworms and the history of the caves. The boat ride was shorter than expected but beautiful. We were very glad that we also engaged in the walking tour through Ruakuri Cave. Our young children were able to participate in and enjoy both cave tours. Would highly recommend for families.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 August 2024
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4.0
5,828 reviews
Excellent
3,029
Very good
1,671
Average
677
Poor
271
Terrible
180
Liam M
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Couples
We ignored the bad reviews, believing that it would be an 'excellent' experience given the number of comments.
However, after over a month spent travelling New Zealand this is by far the most disappointing tour/day that we have undertaken!! Would not recommend at all, avoid spending your money in this complete rip-off of a 'glowworm cave tour'.
80% of the tour was spent getting shuffled from one spot of a cave network to the next in a hugely overcrowded group, following a number of other hugely overcrowded groups all the while getting told nothing about glowworms.
We then preceded to get hurded down a dark cave on uneven stairs waiting for 15minutes, consistently being told to be quiet, before getting crammed onto a small boat. DO NOT expect a few people on the boats like the advertisement photos, they will cram as many in the boat as possible.
When we finally were about to set off on the boat, our guide did not push off the jetty hard enough which left us stranded in the cave, with another TWO guides each in their own boat's trying to help by crashing their boat's into us, preceding to make alot of noise. This happened twice.
Finally, we were away and it is true there are hundreds of glowworms on the ceiling which should be a marvelous experience, although one you cannot take photos of (you have to pay extra for that at the end!!). Our guide then proceeded to beach the boat inside the cave meaning we were again stuck...probably because they'd over filled it!
This did however give us 12minutes on the water (albeit to the sound of clattering boats), rather than the 8minutes of others!! Silver linings...
We complained and hope to get the refund we were promised.
However, after over a month spent travelling New Zealand this is by far the most disappointing tour/day that we have undertaken!! Would not recommend at all, avoid spending your money in this complete rip-off of a 'glowworm cave tour'.
80% of the tour was spent getting shuffled from one spot of a cave network to the next in a hugely overcrowded group, following a number of other hugely overcrowded groups all the while getting told nothing about glowworms.
We then preceded to get hurded down a dark cave on uneven stairs waiting for 15minutes, consistently being told to be quiet, before getting crammed onto a small boat. DO NOT expect a few people on the boats like the advertisement photos, they will cram as many in the boat as possible.
When we finally were about to set off on the boat, our guide did not push off the jetty hard enough which left us stranded in the cave, with another TWO guides each in their own boat's trying to help by crashing their boat's into us, preceding to make alot of noise. This happened twice.
Finally, we were away and it is true there are hundreds of glowworms on the ceiling which should be a marvelous experience, although one you cannot take photos of (you have to pay extra for that at the end!!). Our guide then proceeded to beach the boat inside the cave meaning we were again stuck...probably because they'd over filled it!
This did however give us 12minutes on the water (albeit to the sound of clattering boats), rather than the 8minutes of others!! Silver linings...
We complained and hope to get the refund we were promised.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to place feedback. We apologise that you felt the guides and service wasn't up to standard and we will pass on your feedback to ensure a great experience for future visitors. Each of our caves have unique qualities. Ruakuri has the most compelling subterranean experiences, and Aranui Cave offers the most beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations. If you are after even more diversity you should visit The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co to abseil underground into the caves, zipline, float down underground rivers and get up close with the glowworms.
Nga mihi,
Written 13 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zuchinibee
Wellington, New Zealand337 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
A very impressive place to visit. It has a bit of everything - cave visit, entertaining stories and a short little boat trip to see the glow worms. It was pleasantly silent and calm as you can’t talk or take photos
Written 30 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
l0vdagame
Washington DC, DC121 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
I did the $55 1 hour tour as I was pressed for time, and while it was expensive for an hour, I still felt it was good value for the money, given the unique experience. The cave was really cool in its own right, and lived hearing about the history of its formation. You are only on the boat to see the glow worms for about 5-10 minutes at the end, but it is magical. My only complaint is our guide said we were going to get a free photo at the end-but the photo people said that was a mistake and the packages were as additional $25+ which I understand that is how they can make additional money, but to be half the cost of the tour seemed absurd for a photo in front of a green screen.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie P
7 contributions
Dec 2019
From beginning until end this was great. A guy and girl picked us up at our BNB and off we went. We had the kayaks attached to our vehicle on a trailer. Once at the pond/lake, they set up some wine and cheese while they prepared the kayaks. Off we went into the sunset. It was easy to stroke and steer. I was worried about being cold but it was perfect termperature. When we got where we were going, and when it turned dark, the walls lit up and we felt like we were living in an Avatar movie or in a Disney ride. It was New Years eve and the perfect way to spend the night. On the return the sky was lit up with stars, and we were alone paddling to shore. Amazing. Guides were kind, knowledgeable, safe, energetic, engaged and wonderful. Highly recommend this excursion for all ages (young and old can be on a bigger boat so they dont have to paddle. Fabulous excursion!
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thanks for leaving such a great and informative review! We hope to see you again next time your in Waitomo.
Nga mihi,
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cloring
Charlotte, NC39 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The glow worm cave was one of the worst cave tours I’ve ever taken. Yes there are thousands of glow worms at the end of the tour which you get all of 5 minutes to see. We were in a group of 50 people and there were 3-4 other groups immediately around us so it was less intimate than a New York subway at 5 pm. The rest of the cave sites were poor. No photos are allowed in the cave and you were herded from one uninteresting site to another. It was about a 4 hour round trip and I would not recommend this. We did a combo tour which allowed us to also see Ruakuri cave. This was a much more interesting cave, you could take photos of the cave and glow worms and our group of 18 was well guided. There weren’t thousands of glow worms like at the end of the Waitomo tour but I really enjoyed it .
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora
Thank you for your review. I will pass on your feedback.
Nga Mihi
Written 1 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzy_Jutsum
Cambridge, New Zealand87 contributions
Sept 2020
As a family of 2x adults and 2x kids we all had a great time. We had purchased a combo ticket and visited both the Waitomo Glowworm caves and Ruakuri caves. Out guide was very informative and super friendly. The Cathedral cave was amazing and huge. Our kids were amazed by the glowworms when we went on the boat ride- there were just so many of them. If you want to see LOTS of glow worms this is the tour for you. We had a group of 10-12, so lovely and quiet. Felt like we were one of only a few tour groups going through the caves. Felt very special to be so quiet in the caves. Highly recommend to go visit. Was glad we'd brought the combo of the two caves as it worked out to be really good value for money.
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rbansal2014
New Delhi, India378 contributions
Feb 2020
So we drove down from Rotorua, took us about 3 hours to get there however the drive was simple and relaxed. The drive did have few good locations so we did keep stopping on the way.
There are many stores where you could purchase variety of tickets and tours for the caves. we went to the information center and bought the tickets rather than getting them online.
We could choose the time we would like to go as they had few slots vacant. They have many tours during the day.
However the online method will save some time. They also had a store selling souvenirs so if you visit the center that is a bonus.
The cave entrance had a bunch of people waiting to get in when we arrived, nothing really to worry as we were escorting into a group according to the one we selected.
We entered with a guide who briefly spoke about the history of the caves and the people who discovered them, he also spoke about the species of the glow worms.
The caves as described were spectacular, they really had the glow worms shinning above us, which looked like a night sky with million stars. We took the boat tour which i recommended, during again is beautiful as the glow worms are clearly visible and shinning above you.
Overall a great Experience.
There are many stores where you could purchase variety of tickets and tours for the caves. we went to the information center and bought the tickets rather than getting them online.
We could choose the time we would like to go as they had few slots vacant. They have many tours during the day.
However the online method will save some time. They also had a store selling souvenirs so if you visit the center that is a bonus.
The cave entrance had a bunch of people waiting to get in when we arrived, nothing really to worry as we were escorting into a group according to the one we selected.
We entered with a guide who briefly spoke about the history of the caves and the people who discovered them, he also spoke about the species of the glow worms.
The caves as described were spectacular, they really had the glow worms shinning above us, which looked like a night sky with million stars. We took the boat tour which i recommended, during again is beautiful as the glow worms are clearly visible and shinning above you.
Overall a great Experience.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thanks for leaving such a great and informative review. We are glad you had a wonderful experience with us at the caves. Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you again!
Nga mihi,
Written 13 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
budd44
Southampton, UK32 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Highly recommend the Ruakuri cave experience our guide lydia was great very informative . Well worth it . I would not recommend the glow cave boat trip not worth it saw more Glow worms in Ruakuri it did not help as our guide was had to
understand . The caves were really amazing and you do a fair bit of walking not a problem to us but those with limited mobility maybe a problem ,
understand . The caves were really amazing and you do a fair bit of walking not a problem to us but those with limited mobility maybe a problem ,
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine B
Auckland, New Zealand158 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
These caves are really worth the visit, we had a lovely tour guide, he was young and knew his stuff, you just have to visit a truly interesting and natural wonder, the boat trip out is just stunning. No photography allowed and once you have been through you will understand why, the nice thing was seeing the eels and trout on the way out.
A lot of interesting things to see and hear.
A lot of interesting things to see and hear.
Written 27 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thanks for taking the time to place feedback. We are glad you had a wonderful time with us and our guides. Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you again in the future!
Nga mihi,
Written 27 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
omanNorfolk
norfolk288 contributions
Jan 2020
We did the hour and half tour and really enjoyed it. It is a tunnel like formation with some lovely photo ops. Seeing the glow worms and learning and seeing how they feed was very interesting. Our guide was very pleasant, but due to filing through the tunnels, some of the info didn't get to all of us
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to place feedback. We are glad you had a wonderful experience with us at the caves. Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you again!
Nga mihi,
Written 29 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi! We are traveling in Nov and looking at the caves, We will have 2 Adults and a 18 month old. Wondering if the Ruakuri Cave is the best option given we can take a stoller as its wheelchair friendly? I really want to do the Waitomo caves but considerate that silence is needed for best experience for us and others and you never know with a 1 year old, or would this still be an option for us? thanks!
Written 26 September 2023
Yes you can take a stroller and the acoustics in the main cavern are great, the toddler will add to the singing. They will ge fine on the boat as well.
Written 2 October 2023
What is the cost for 1 senior, one adult, and 1 fifteen-year-old?
Written 16 January 2023
Pay to look online as are several tours. 1 adult for boat trip is $61 and I think a child $28. But cost go up if do others.
Written 18 January 2023
Hallo - ich möchte wissen, ob man dann wenigstens Fotos der Höhle kaufen kann, wenn man sie schon nicht fotografieren kann! Man muss ja selber nicht drauf sein - man hat es ja im Kopf - aber für ein Fotobuch wäre ein Foto schon sehr schön. Danke an alle, die mir antworten! Ich hoffe, dass wir 2022 dorthin reisen können - bleibt gesund - Rosi
Written 15 March 2021
Anyone bought the photo code from Waitomo Glowworm Cave with 25NZ dollars and finally found out that to download the photos you still need to pay more online??
Written 28 February 2020
Sorry man. I didn’t buy the photo code.
Written 5 March 2020
Hi, how many days in advance should I buy the tickets for a family of 10 paxes and travelling in Nov/Dec 2020?
Written 15 January 2020
I saw people booking family tickets to the caves on the day. I personally booked online a couple of days beforehand and picked the ticket up on the day.
It all depends on how busy it happens to be when you intend to visit and how risky you’re feeling.
Written 15 January 2020
We are group of 6, 4 adults 2 children do need to book?
Written 20 December 2019
Kia Ora,
Sorry for the delayed response. Yes we do recommend a booking as we are in our busiest period and their may not be any available spaces on the tours. Please note to make a booking we require full payment.
Nga mihi
Written 27 December 2019
How much for adults and how much for child?
Written 20 December 2019
Kia Ora,
Adults are $55 ,child is $25 and a family pass which is 2 adults + 1 or 2 children $136.
Nga mihi,
Written 27 December 2019
Hi,
Can we purchase the family package and also add on the lunch optios while we are onsite ? We are not sure the time of arriving and do not wish to book online yet to avoid any disappointment...
Thank you
Written 15 September 2019
Thank you and hope to ask if the prices purchasing when on site and online price are the same ?
Written 15 September 2019
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