Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Explorer Small Group Tour

Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
60 reviews
Activity provider:
Expedigo NZ
Add to wishlist
Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Explorer Small Group Tour
Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
60 reviews

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

5
5 out of 5 stars
T
Trisha – United States

We had a great time! Matt was kind and insightful and the tour was so much fun! Ross, our guide at Spellbound, was also super nice and full of dad jokes. Would highly recommend this tour!

5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Ashley – United States

Loved it! John was a talker but very knowledgeable.

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • 24 pickup location options:

    The Grand by SkyCity, Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland, ibis budget Auckland Central, SkyCity Hotel Auckland, Park Hyatt Auckland, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, Kiwi International Hotel, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, M Social Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, JW Marriott Auckland, SO/ Auckland, Rydges Auckland, Pullman Auckland, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, The Sebel Auckland Manukau, VR Auckland City, Crowne Plaza Auckland, an IHG Hotel, Heritage Auckland, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, Cordis, Auckland, Hilton Auckland, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

  • 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:

    Pullman Auckland, VR Auckland City, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, Cordis, Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, Kiwi International Hotel, Crowne Plaza Auckland, an IHG Hotel, SO/ Auckland, The Sebel Auckland Manukau, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, JW Marriott Auckland, M Social Auckland, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, The Grand by SkyCity, Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland, Rydges Auckland, Park Hyatt Auckland, ibis budget Auckland Central, Hilton Auckland, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, SkyCity Hotel Auckland, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart, 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.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5
4.8 out of 5 stars

based on 60 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

+7
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
5
5 out of 5 stars
T
Trisha – United StatesMay 27, 2025 – Verified booking
We had a great time! Matt was kind and insightful and the tour was so much fun! Ross, our guide at Spellbound, was also super nice and full of dad jokes. Would highly recommend this tour!

Response from provider

May 27, 2025

We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great time with Matt and enjoyed all the insights from Ross at Spellbound — they both love what they do, and it’s always wonderful to hear when it shines through. Thanks again for the recommendation, and we’d love to have you join us on another tour sometime.

5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Ashley – United StatesMay 25, 2025 – Verified booking
Loved it! John was a talker but very knowledgeable.

Response from provider

May 25, 2025

Thank you for your review! We’re so glad to hear you loved the tour and appreciated John’s knowledge — he definitely enjoys sharing all the fascinating stories and facts along the way! We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to him.

5
5 out of 5 stars
D
Dianne – May 11, 2025 – Verified booking
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

Response from provider

May 12, 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We're so pleased to hear you had a fabulous day from start to finish. Alfredo will be thrilled to know he helped make your journey a great one, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Finn and Hohepa – they’ll be delighted to hear they made your visit to the Spellbound Caves even more special.

Product ID: 718964

Activity provider:
Expedigo NZ

Top Attractions in Waitomo

Experiences in Waitomo

Tours in New Zealand

Things to do in New Zealand

Top destinations

Top attraction categories

Popular Attractions