Water activity

Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

Water activity

Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

Activity provider: THL - Waitomo Caves Group
Likely to sell out

From US$ 38.20 per person

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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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
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

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 1252 reviews

Review summary

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

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Star rating:

The guide was informative and interesting. The caves are well looked after. There are some steep steps and the hand rails can get slippery so you need to be mindful of this. The little boat trip under the glow worms was beautiful and peaceful. Young children may find it hard to stay quiet. It was a great experience.

March 25, 2023

This was a return visit. We visited in 1978. It was again an excellent experience. We were accompanied by Australian friends who were equally impressed. Our guide was friendly, helpful, well-informed and entertaining. He also helped us in and out of the boat - just a bit tricky for older folk. The sight of the glow worms and their environment is an extraordinary experience, highly recommended.

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March 19, 2023

Good value for money, informative and entertaining guide, lots of glow worms to see in spite of recent floods, plenty of time to look at them too and a great tour of the cave. We were sceptical about the photos, thinking they would be pricey but they were again excellent value for money with plenty of options to choose from.

February 11, 2023

Product ID: 122921