Water activity

Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

4.5  / 52936 reviews
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Water activity
Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat
4.5  / 52936 reviews

Explore the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour. Glide by boat and marvel at the sight of magical glowworms above you.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights

  • Marvel at the thousands of glowworms as you glide through the caves by boat
  • Learn the history and geology of the caves from a knowledgeable guide
  • Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics

Full description

Discover New Zealand's natural wonder of Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided boat trip. Glide by boat through this underground complex, watching millions of tiny bioluminescent insects lighting up the rocky limestone. Explore this cave complex, including a chance to visit the Cathedral Cave on foot. The caves were formed over 30 million years ago and comprise 2 levels. The upper level is dry and includes the entrance to the cave and formations known as the Catacombs, the Pipe Organ, and the Banquet Chamber. On the lower level are stream passages and the Cathedral. Begin on foot as your local guide brings the caves to life with stories about their history. Then, board a boat and marvel at the light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto.

Includes

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves entry ticket
  • 45-minute guided tour
  • Local guide
  • Souvenir photos

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Warm clothing
  • Jacket

Not allowed

  • Cameras
  • Flash photography
  • Video recording
  • Photography inside

Know before you go

  • The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access
  • No photography is permitted inside the caves, and cameras and GoPros cannot be taken on the tour
  • Souvenir photos are available for purchase after your tour
  • The tour is subject to weather conditions

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 2936 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.5/5
  • Service
    4.5/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

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B
Brittany – United StatesAugust 13, 2024  – Verified booking
This is a great (maybe the only?) way to see the Glowworm caves! This is kind of a cheesy tourist stop in itself, so just know that going in, but the caves were awesome. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and told us so much information - really entertaining! You’ll first go down & walk through some caverns, & then you’ll head to the little boat which you’re only on for about 10 minutes - it’s pitch black (besides the glow worms on the ceilings) but very cool. Worth the stop if you’re in NZ
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S
Sarah – AustraliaAugust 11, 2024  – Verified booking
Excellent informative tour, our guide was fantastic!
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M
Maree – AustraliaAugust 8, 2024  – Verified booking
we liked everything with the tour. beautiful spot to walk around, the cave was wonderful. the floor of the cave was paved making walking easy. But the show piece of glow worms was spectacular.
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Product ID: 122921

Activity provider:THL - Waitomo Caves Group

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