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Water activity

Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

4.5  / 53356 reviews
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Water activity
Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat
4.5  / 53356 reviews
Likely to sell out

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
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Z
Zdravko – Bulgaria

Cory, a.k.a "John" is an amazing guide. We have visited a lot of caves with guides, but his delivery is memorable and fun. He is very knowledgeable. The higlight, of course, were the glowing worms. The boat, the water and the complete silence made the experience amazing! Thank you!

Z
Zdravko – Bulgaria
I
Isabella – Australia

It’s all very interesting, the guide showed a lot of knowledge. The boat it’s just a small part of the tour and not the highlight of the tour for me… it’s just a small ride in a small cave, full of glowworm though.

I
Isabella – Australia

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 3356 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Service
    4.5/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
Z
Zdravko – BulgariaJanuary 5, 2025  – Verified booking
Cory, a.k.a "John" is an amazing guide. We have visited a lot of caves with guides, but his delivery is memorable and fun. He is very knowledgeable. The higlight, of course, were the glowing worms. The boat, the water and the complete silence made the experience amazing! Thank you!
Helpful?
I
Isabella – AustraliaJanuary 3, 2025  – Verified booking
It’s all very interesting, the guide showed a lot of knowledge. The boat it’s just a small part of the tour and not the highlight of the tour for me… it’s just a small ride in a small cave, full of glowworm though.
Helpful?
J
JuanPa – AustraliaDecember 23, 2024  – Verified booking
Trying tours with smaller groups. And control de noise of the people
Helpful?

Product ID: 122921

Activity provider:THL - Waitomo Caves Group

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