Discover New Zealand's natural beauty on a small group tour from Auckland. Marvel at bioluminescent glowworms and learn about the caves' geological formations and history in this unique experience.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 9 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: - If your accommodation is not yet confirmed, we suggest selecting The SkyCity Hotel for now—you can update it later if needed! - We offer convenient pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option and meet us there. - Pick-ups start up to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please be ready and waiting outside by then for a smooth start. - Pick-up locations are planned based on each tour and may vary by day. If there are any changes to your pick-up spot, please let us know in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To keep the tour on schedule, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late arrivals. - As our hotel pickups operate from downtown CBD, guests located near the airport or South Auckland can be picked up from The Sebel, Auckland Manukau at 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104.
Small group: Limited to 11 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Dianne –

It was a fabulous day from the time we were picked up by Alfredo to the spellbound caves.Our guides Finn and Hohepa our guides at the caves were really great. The whole day was magical both caves are so different.Having been to Waitomo caves a few years ago would definitely recommend these ones as the very best Thank-you to you all for such a great day. Dianne and Christina

Jennifer – United States

It was amazing!! All the guides were so friendly and informative, we had an awesome time.

Itinerary

24 pickup location options:
M Social Auckland, ibis budget Auckland Central, Rydges Auckland, The Grand by SkyCity, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, Kiwi International Hotel, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, Crowne Plaza Auckland, an IHG Hotel, JW Marriott Auckland, VR Auckland City, Cordis, Auckland, Pullman Auckland, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, The Sebel Auckland Manukau, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart, SO/ Auckland, Hilton Auckland, Heritage Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, Park Hyatt Auckland, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, SkyCity Hotel Auckland, Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland
Van
(2.75 hours)
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Guided tour (2.75 hours)
Otorohanga
Break time (1 hour)
Van
(2.75 hours)
24 drop-off locations:
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, The Sebel Auckland Manukau, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart, Hilton Auckland, SO/ Auckland, VR Auckland City, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, Pullman Auckland, Rydges Auckland, JW Marriott Auckland, The Grand by SkyCity, SkyCity Hotel Auckland, Park Hyatt Auckland, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Cordis, Auckland, M Social Auckland, ibis budget Auckland Central, Kiwi International Hotel, Grand Millennium Auckland, Crowne Plaza Auckland, an IHG Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, Heritage Auckland

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Discover the natural beauty of New Zealand on a small group tour from Auckland
Marvel at the bioluminescent light of thousands of glowworms in the caves
Learn about the geological formations and history of the caves from your guide
Enjoy a serene boat ride through the caves, gazing up at the sparkling lights
Hear about the life cycle and ecological significance of the caves' glow worms

Full description

Discover New Zealand’s underground wonders with a Spellbound Glowworm Cave and Explorer Tour. Join an experience perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with a blend of bioluminescence and natural beauty that will leave you spellbound.

Begin your adventure with an expert guide leading you through mesmerizing caves. Learn about fascinating geological formations and history as you marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Step into the enchanting Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cave with their magical light. Enjoy a serene boat ride, gazing up at sparkling lights resembling a starry night sky.

Gain insights into the glowworms' life cycle and ecological significance from your knowledgeable guide. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding the caves while the lush greenery and tranquil streams add to the charm. Capture breathtaking photographs and soak in the peaceful ambiance.

Recharge with a delectable lunch at a local eatery in Otorohanga, savoring regional flavors ( lunch not included)
Reflect on the day's adventures during a leisurely drive back to Auckland, relishing the memories of both the enchanting caves and the captivating glow worms.

Includes

Admission to a fully guided 180-minute experience of the Spellbound Glowworm Caves - Glow worm cave and Te Ana o Te Atua (the cave of the spirit)
English-speaking tour guide
Complimentary pickup and drop-off from Auckland CBD
Air-conditioned vehicle
All fees and taxes
Bottled water and light snacks
Tea and coffee

Meals

Not suitable for

People with back problems
People with mobility impairments
People with claustrophobia
Wheelchair users

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Warm clothing
Camera
Water
Weather-appropriate clothing

Know before you go

Fitness & Mobility
Our tour involves walking for up to 40 minutes at a time over gentle terrain and pathways. There’s no climbing or crawling, and no stairs inside the caves.
However, you will need to step up and down approximately 40cm to get in and out of a transit van and a raft. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate wheelchairs or walking frames.
If you have any fitness concerns or injuries that might affect your ability to join the tour, do let us know—we’re happy to advise on suitability.

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Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Explorer Small Group Tour