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Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waitomo Caves

4.1
#1 of 21 in Things to do in Waitomo Caves
Must see · Cave · Nature / Park
Home to a species of glowworms found exclusively in New Zealand, Waitomo Glowworm Caves serve as one of the country's most popular natural landmarks. A magnet for both local and foreign visitors, this attraction offers guided tours through three underground levels linked by long vertical shafts made of limestone. Start at the visitor center, where you can learn about the history of this cave system. Guided tours depart from behind the center and take participants past huge stalactites and stalagmites. As you enter a giant cavern known as "the cathedral" and your eyes gradually adjust to the dim light, prepare to see thousands of tiny glowworms sparkling all around you. Plan my trip to Waitomo Caves with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.
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Tours to Waitomo Glowworm Caves

FROM $337 BOOK WITH VIATOR Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip in Luxury Minibus from Auckland
5.0
Duration: 13 hours
Tours from $337 »
FROM $218 BOOK WITH VIATOR Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland
5.0
Duration: 12 hours
Tours from $218 »
FROM $196 BOOK WITH VIATOR Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Trip from Auckland
4.9
Duration: 11 hours
Tours from $196 »

Waitomo Glowworm Caves reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
5,426 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By larissakal
    Great, fun tour. Fun for everyone. Definitely recommend doing a combo tour and seeing other caves/doing other tours while in the area.  more »
  • By philw828
    Having lived our whole lives in NZ and never ever having done this tour this was so worth it. Our guide is a local with genetic links to the original founders of the caves. The information...  more »
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Google
  • By Andy Lee
    No photos allowed inside the caves. But it was a fun learning experience! We got to sing at one of the cave and hear the echos! Switch off the light and marvel at the blue glow worms. Nature's museum. The boat ride was so quiet we could hear water drops.
  • By david menzies
    The boat ride, which is only the last 5 minutes of the tour, to see the cave ceiling covered in glow worms is amazing and worth the entrance fee. BUT, while I understand the need for silence, not all foreign visitors seen to understand and young kids certainly don't, perhaps restrict under fives. The other caves nearby offer much better examples of formations.
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Popular things to do in Waitomo Caves

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours
Nature / Wildlife Tour
Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
©
Canyoning / Rapelling Tour
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
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Duration: 4 hours
©
River Rafting / Tubing
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Duration: 2 hours
Ruakuri Cave
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Ruakuri Cave
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Duration: 1h 30 min

Side trips from Waitomo Caves

Aranui Cave
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Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari ©
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Nature in Waitomo Caves

Caveworld ©
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Marakopa Falls ©
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Marakopa Falls
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Footwhistle Glowworm Cave ©
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Footwhistle Glowworm Cave
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Piripiri Cave Walk ©
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Hidden gems in Waitomo Caves

Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk ©
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Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk
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Duration: 30 minutes
Waitomo Clay Birds ©
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Waitomo Clay Birds
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Roselands Farm Park
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Altura Gardens and Wildlife Park
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Altura Gardens and Wildlife Park
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Nearby attractions in Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Adventures ©
Canyoning / Rapelling Tour
Waitomo Adventures
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Glowing Adventures ©
Walking tour
Glowing Adventures
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. ©
River Rafting / Tubing
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
4.7
Duration: 4 hours
Kiwi Cave Rafting ©
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Kiwi Cave Rafting
4.6
Duration: 2 hours

Trails in Waitomo Caves

Ruakuri Walk ©
Hiking Trail
Ruakuri Walk
4.8
Duration: 30 minutes

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