Waitomo Outdoor activities

Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off a small waterfall and take in the magic of the glowworm grotto of Ruakuri Cave on this Black Labyrinth adventure. Put on your gear and learn from professionally trained guides that will take you ziplining, rafting, and caving.  Check in for your black water adventure in Waitomo. Get all your equipment and instructions from your guide before you begin the subterranean journey. Leap over cascading waterfalls and weave and climb through a glowworm-studded wonderland. After an energized trip, float serenely down the underground river. Enjoy the glow worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above. Ride a stream that twists and turns through a canyon, and tumble down a hidden waterfall and rock slide before emerging into the sun-dappled Waitomo forest. The rafting base is located a short distance outside Waitomo Caves village. This is the booking and assembly point for all black water rafting expeditions. It is also the home of the Long Black Cafe, where you'll find delicious food, coffee, and friendly Kiwi service. 

Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand's most iconic and famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, on a day trip from Auckland. After pickup from your central Auckland hotel, travel south over the Bombay Hills for panoramic views of the Waikato Region and the scenic Hauraki Plains. You will then visit during your tour the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your guide will help you skip the crowds so you can explore the Movie Set on an official 2.5 hour tour including the fully themed Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row. Be escorted through the 10-acre site and learn fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill. Savor a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn.  You will additionally visit the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the oldest attraction in New Zealand with the first guided tour undertaken in 1887. These 2 are the 2 most iconic and famous attractions in New Zealand. We also include a light kiwi-style lunch in the price of our tour. On the way, share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travelers.  Glide silently by boat in the world-famous caves and be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms. Your guide will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave, famous for its acoustics. During the day, you will journey through some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside, follow the majestic Waikato River and pass by Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground. The day concludes with your return to your accommodation. There is no photography allowed in the area of the Caves where the glowworms are as the glowworms react negatively to flashlight and will turn their lights off and they then take 2 hours to return to their full luminescence.

Explore Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand’s longest guided underground walking tour. Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. Ruakuri Cave has displays of glowworms and is filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, and marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries.  Hear the distant thunder of the subterranean waterfalls and get up close to the glowworms. Major features include Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden who first opened the cave to the public, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the history, features, and legends of the cave to life with their storytelling. Many of the guides are locals whose parents and grandparents have guided in the caves. The experience will leave you awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature.

See the magical Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day sightseeing tour from Auckland. Step on board your luxury GreatSights coach and travel south, taking in typical New Zealand scenery as you ride – lush green farmland and rolling hills. Your first stop is at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a network of underground tunnels and caves made from incredible limestone formations. Set off on a 45-minute guided tour of the caves, ending with a truly special boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto, where glowworms twinkle and shine overhead as you sail through a dark and silent cavern. Then you will board your coach again and make your way to the Hobbiton Movie Set which is one of New Zealand’s must-see destinations. A working farm near the small town of Matamata was transformed into a film set for the world-famous Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, and today you can visit the set and see where the magic was created. See highlights like the original Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree, and now venture inside a Hobbit hole and see how the Hobbits lived. Your tour guide will share behind-the-scenes stories and fascinating facts about how the film set was brought to life. After exploring these two top New Zealand visitor attractions, your driver guide will take you back to Auckland, returning in the early evening.

The tour starts with pickup from Auckland city, where the adventure begins as you drive through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, on a fully guided journey to Hobbiton. Along the way, don’t forget to take advantage of the photo opportunities as you admire the stunning natural landscapes all around of beautiful mountains and farmlands. After the drive, arrive at Alexander Family Sheep Farm and Shire's Rest, the entrance to Hobbiton, and marvel at the thousands of sheep that live here. While you’re here, grab a bite to eat, a coffee, or enjoy an ice cream to cool off while your guide collects your tickets to the movie set.  Next, hop on board one of the big green Hobbiton buses to depart on your 2.5 hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12-acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour trip into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear secrets and stories about the making of the movies and finish your LOTR experience with a cold beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub, The Green Dragon Inn. After your LOTR experience, it’s time to head west towards the stunning Waitomo region. Along the way admire the incredible hydro dams, beautiful farmland, race horses, and the Kiwiana capital of New Zealand. Before arriving at the caves, stop by Waitomo homestead for lunch, and a little surprise. Once in Waitomo, explore the ancient and amazing caves and marvel at the many cave formations including Stalactites, Stalagmites, and Lime Columns before descending even further underground for your Glowworm Grotto experience. Board your glow-worm boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see for any traveler. Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside. This policy helps protect the glowworms and limestone formations, ensuring the preservation of this unique environment for future visitors to enjoy. On the guided trip back to Auckland the sights continue with New Zealand's longest river, the Huntly power station, and the Maori Queens’ burial site.

Choose FlexiToursNZ for a premium tour. We put less seats in our vehicles than factory standard and only 3 seats in the back row. Pay a little more to be comfortable. This tour involves a lot of driving and is more enjoyable if you are comfortable and not crushed up against other people on the vehicle. We keep the groups small with no more than 12 people on our vehicle, meaning our drivers can and will, give you, personal service Check out our reviews to see what customers say about us, our vehicles and our team of experienced and enthusiastic drivers. All meals provided on the tour are prepared in a professional kitchen and are normally served in a restaurant or café. Very occasionally Meals may be served picnic style You can book a one way or return journey from Rotorua or Auckland. Get extra value by visiting both the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo in one day with this tour. Upon arrival at Hobbiton, have some time to get something to eat or explore the Shires Rest souvenir shop before joining Hobbiton Tours for a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Be transported into the movie set by bus, then join a guided walking tour of the set. Used for filming scenes set in the village of Hobbiton in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie series, the popular attraction is a must-see for any film or literary fan. Enjoy a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon before boarding the coach for your next stop. On arrival in Waitomo, join the 45-minute tour of the Glowworm Cave. Walk into the cave with its stalagmites and stalactites and complex underground formation. Exit on a small boat through the Glowworm Grotto and marvel at millions of glowworms. Your tour concludes with either a return to Auckland or Rotorua and drop-off at your hotel, or you can use this tour to transit from either Rotorua or Auckland to either Rotorua or Auckland. To finish in a different location from where you started, select the option which is correct for your journey. If you start in Auckland and go toRotorua after Waitomo caves, there is not enough time to bring you back to Auckland on the same day.

Embark on a fully-guided day trip to Waitomo Caves and around Rotorua, combining Nature, Maori culture, and two of the top attractions in the North Island to form the ultimate day trip from Auckland. Learn along the way with stories and rich background knowledge from your experienced guide, and enjoy a tour run in modern, comfortable minibusses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, famous for their population of glow worms, a species found only in New Zealand. See the glowworms, their cave habitat, and the rivers that run through the caves. Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside. This policy helps protect the glowworms and limestone formations, ensuring the preservation of this unique environment for future visitors to enjoy. Make a stop at Te Puia Geothermal Park and Pohutu Geyser, known for its bubbling mud pools, exploding geysers, and other geothermal features. Experience the Maori Cultural Village and Arts School, and learn more about traditional Maori art and culture, including weaving, wood carving, and stone carving.

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.

Get ready for an unforgettable 3-hour adventure! Here’s what you can expect: *We’ll start with about 15 minutes of preparation, where we'll go over some important safety info to make sure everyone’s good to go. *Then, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the cave entrance, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. Don't forget a phone or small camera to capture the magic! *Next, we’ll enjoy a relaxed 10-15 minute stroll through the beautiful New Zealand bush and the stunning Mangapu gorge. This serves as a warm-up, helping you get comfortable with the terrain before we dive into the caves. *The main highlight of the tour is a solid 2 hours spent exploring the caves, where you'll experience awe-inspiring glowworm displays along the way. It’s a truly magical part of the journey! *After the caves, we’ll take a 10-minute walk back through the bush to our office/house, giving you a moment to reflect on the adventure. *Finally, feel free to take a little extra time to change and unwind with a well-deserved tea or coffee, plus some delicious cookies, all served with a touch of classic Kiwi hospitality! We can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Auckland & Beyond Tours to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, starting with a convenient pickup from Auckland CBD. As you travel south through scenic countryside, enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour drive into the Waikato region, with opportunities for photo stops along the way. Upon arrival at Waitomo, you'll have around 30 minutes to explore the Gift Shop and grab refreshments at the Waitomo Homestead. Your experienced guide will then lead you on a one-hour guided tour inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. Learn about the cave's history, geological formations, and the unique Arachnocampa Luminosa glowworms that illuminate the caverns with their bioluminescent light. Next, board a flat-bottom boat for a serene journey along the underground Waitomo River. Marvel in silence as you glide beneath a starry canopy of glowworms, creating a breathtaking natural light display overhead. After completing your enchanting Glowworm Experience, relax as you journey back to Auckland, soaking in the scenic landscapes of the Waikato region before returning to the bustling city. This tour promises a captivating blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and the mesmerizing spectacle of glowworms, ensuring an enriching and memorable adventure into New Zealand's subterranean world.