Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Discover Waitomo
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
May 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Take a magical boat ride into Waitomo Glowworm Caves with Discover Waitomo and visit thousands of glowworms throughout subterranean passages and chambers. Join knowledgeable Discover Waitomo guides in a tour through the remarkable Waitomo Glowworm Caves and learn about the history and legends of this glowworm wonderland.
The Arachnocampa Luminosa species of glowworm can only be found in New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves a truly special experience and a New Zealand must-do. The guides at Discover Waitomo are particularly knowledgeable about the Maori history and culture of the caves, sharing stories from the Maori chief who discovered the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The starry glowworm display in Waitomo Glowworm Caves goes back much further, taking millions of years to develop into the caves we see today.
Discover ancient cave formations and chambers lit up by glowworms in this surreal Waitomo Glowworm Caves experience. Explore two levels of the caves with Discover Waitomo, the dry upper level by foot and the lower level by boat. Float through the lower stream passages featuring glowworms and the tallest chamber in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Cathedral. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves with Discover Waitomo is a one of a kind tour with incredible informative guides and stunning glowworm light exhibits.
Location
What you need to know
- 1 hour boat ride through the upper and lower levels of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Knowledgeable local guide
- Information on history and culture of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Allow 1 hour
- Every 30 minutes from 8:30am - 5:30pm (additional 6:30pm departure in summer Oct-Mar)
- Address: 39 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo, Private Bag 501, Otorohanga 3940, New Zealand.
- Operates daily all year
- Bring a warm jacket and comfortable shoes
- Boat tour capacity is up to 23 people
- Children under 4 years go free but must be booked in
- Child rate is for children 4-14 years
- Photography is not permitted inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves average at a temperature of 16-17 degrees year round
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves do not have wheelchair access
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
Recent reviews
Trip was a bit to short but very nice gids!
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 26747
- This experience is supplied by Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri and Aranui Caves Combo