Kawiti Caves
Kawiti Caves
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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See what travellers are saying
- MSedensky1 contributionGo! You’ll love itAbsolutely worth it! Lovely guide, great cave and amazing glow worms. The almost LED-like glow worms form a vision of the Milky Way and the caves are enchanting. Worth every penny. Went with kids and adults and all loved it!Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 16 December 2022
- Fionna JHuntsville, Canada22 contributionsWorth a visit.The guide was very informative about the history of the cave and her familial ties to the area. The younger kids grew a little tired of "the lesson" but we were all impressed with the glow worms. We were encouraged to take the Bush walk while waiting for our tour and we are so glad we did. It was beautiful and the moss covered rock formations made me wish I was a professional photographer. Don't miss it.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 January 2023
- Northland Bus ChartersWhangarei, New Zealand1 contributionAwesome Day with Keisha at Kawiti Glow worm CavesThis truly is an adventure! Kiesha you are absolutely amazing, your wit and humor, your stories of your Whanau and Whenua were so funny, interesting and captivating. Keisha I cannot thank you enough for your patience and understanding of my Mother's difficulties, assisting her and making her feel comfortable. She has come home feeling like she conquered Mt Everest! Thank you also to the group we were with, beautiful People. Kiesha you are an absolute Gem, an interesting, knowledgeable bubbly character that grasped everyone's attention.Visited January 2023Written 18 January 2023
- AndHomeAgainHalf Moon Bay, California22 contributionsThis is a really special experience!My tour of the Kawiti Glowworm Caves was a dream come true. I came here on my last day in New Zealand and ended up getting a private tour with Ruki. He was so generous, sharing his knowledge of the glowworms themselves, the geology of the area, Māori customs and history, and his own experience growing up in the area. The glowworms are spectacular! It took my eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. At first I didn't see anything, but by the end of the tour it was like looking at the Milky Way. This is a really special experience!Visited February 2023Written 7 February 2023
- nickss1Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom4,566 contributionsAn excellent tour of caveThis is an interesting spot off the beaten track. The tour seems to be run by a family business; running each hour. A female guide was excellent; checking us in for the 2.30pm tour, and leading it herself. Photos are not permitted inside the cave. The glow worms are very impressive. I would definitely recommend this tourVisited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 13 March 2023
- DiscerningDoyenneMelbourne, Australia76 contributionsA relaxed, intimate glowworm/cave viewing experienceAbout a week prior we had visited all three Waitomo Caves and therefore seen lots of glowworms, significant cave structures, and beautiful limestone formations. By comparison, the limestone formations in this cave and the cave itself are less dramatic, but the experience of viewing the glowworms here was longer in duration and more intimate. There were a lot of glowworms spread over a number of different cave “areas“ and we were able to stop and look at them, talk about them, experience what it was like to be in the cave with no light other than the illumination from the glowworms themselves, and to stop and see the reflection of the glowworms in the creek/river running through the cave. To be fair, myself and my husband were the only two people on the tour and it wasn’t until the last few minutes that a second small group entered the cave. By comparison, at Waitomo, large groups of 20+ were being taken through the glowworm cave about every 10 minutes and at one point I struggled to hear the guide because of the noise coming from the group ahead of and behind us. I still think that Waitomo is worth visiting because the caves and the limestone formations are so beautiful, but the experience of viewing glowworms in particular was more intimate and relaxed here, and therefore offered a more “up close and personal” experience to that at Waitomo. I think therefore, that viewing glowworms at this location is a must on any travel itinerary. Don’t be put off by the dirt road, potholes on the drive in, the ticket office being in a portable room, the toilets being up the hill behind the Māori meeting place; this is a family/community run business and while it doesn’t have the slickness of Waitomo – no cafe, no souvenir shop – it’s personal and intimate, and delightful as a result. Finally – don’t forget to take a look at the large meteorite on your way out!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 April 2023
- lexmillerBurlington, Massachusetts1,155 contributionsGreat experienceWe visited the Kawiti Glowworm Caves as a shore excursion that we booked through Celebrity Cruises on our stop in the Bay of Islands. We are so glad that we did! Amazing experience! The business is a small family-ish run operation, an intimate experience. In fact when you first pull up from the road, you're like, uh, what?, because it is not glitzy or commercial in the least - very authentic and lovingly run. Your guide gives you lots of background on the history of the discovery of the cave as well as the life cycle of glowworms, essentially everything you need to inform your visit and help to make it quite wonderful. The glowworms are quite spectacular! You move through the cave in an organized manner in stages, stopping along the way at designated spots and turning all of the flashlights off to allow your eyes to get used to absolute darkness so that the glow worms come into focus. It's all very safe and run smoothly and comfortably. We even learned the name of one of the eels in the river who apparently is roughly 80 yrs old! Definitely recommend.Visited April 2023Written 30 May 2023
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4.5
466 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
96
Average
15
Poor
7
Terrible
5
lexmiller
Burlington, MA1,155 contributions
Apr 2023
We visited the Kawiti Glowworm Caves as a shore excursion that we booked through Celebrity Cruises on our stop in the Bay of Islands. We are so glad that we did! Amazing experience! The business is a small family-ish run operation, an intimate experience. In fact when you first pull up from the road, you're like, uh, what?, because it is not glitzy or commercial in the least - very authentic and lovingly run. Your guide gives you lots of background on the history of the discovery of the cave as well as the life cycle of glowworms, essentially everything you need to inform your visit and help to make it quite wonderful. The glowworms are quite spectacular! You move through the cave in an organized manner in stages, stopping along the way at designated spots and turning all of the flashlights off to allow your eyes to get used to absolute darkness so that the glow worms come into focus. It's all very safe and run smoothly and comfortably. We even learned the name of one of the eels in the river who apparently is roughly 80 yrs old! Definitely recommend.
Written 30 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DiscerningDoyenne
Melbourne, Australia76 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
About a week prior we had visited all three Waitomo Caves and therefore seen lots of glowworms, significant cave structures, and beautiful limestone formations. By comparison, the limestone formations in this cave and the cave itself are less dramatic, but the experience of viewing the glowworms here was longer in duration and more intimate. There were a lot of glowworms spread over a number of different cave “areas“ and we were able to stop and look at them, talk about them, experience what it was like to be in the cave with no light other than the illumination from the glowworms themselves, and to stop and see the reflection of the glowworms in the creek/river running through the cave. To be fair, myself and my husband were the only two people on the tour and it wasn’t until the last few minutes that a second small group entered the cave. By comparison, at Waitomo, large groups of 20+ were being taken through the glowworm cave about every 10 minutes and at one point I struggled to hear the guide because of the noise coming from the group ahead of and behind us. I still think that Waitomo is worth visiting because the caves and the limestone formations are so beautiful, but the experience of viewing glowworms in particular was more intimate and relaxed here, and therefore offered a more “up close and personal” experience to that at Waitomo. I think therefore, that viewing glowworms at this location is a must on any travel itinerary. Don’t be put off by the dirt road, potholes on the drive in, the ticket office being in a portable room, the toilets being up the hill behind the Māori meeting place; this is a family/community run business and while it doesn’t have the slickness of Waitomo – no cafe, no souvenir shop – it’s personal and intimate, and delightful as a result. Finally – don’t forget to take a look at the large meteorite on your way out!
Written 25 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nickss1
Southend-on-Sea, UK4,566 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
This is an interesting spot off the beaten track. The tour seems to be run by a family business; running each hour. A female guide was excellent; checking us in for the 2.30pm tour, and leading it herself. Photos are not permitted inside the cave. The glow worms are very impressive. I would definitely recommend this tour
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie M
Bonn, Germany14 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
As hobby photographers, we like to take photographs at visited places. There are, of course, reasons for prohibiting photography, e.g. in the case of sensitive works of art that can be damaged by lightning or in the case of certain animals. But here the justification is only that it is private property. Even if we were to publish good pictures online, which we don't intend to do at all, it would be good publicity. Too bad! One could also offer special photo tours so as not to disturb other visitors during normal tours.
Unfortunately, we left without taking part in a tour because we found the ban arbitrary.
Unfortunately, we left without taking part in a tour because we found the ban arbitrary.
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndHomeAgain
Half Moon Bay, CA22 contributions
Feb 2023
My tour of the Kawiti Glowworm Caves was a dream come true. I came here on my last day in New Zealand and ended up getting a private tour with Ruki. He was so generous, sharing his knowledge of the glowworms themselves, the geology of the area, Māori customs and history, and his own experience growing up in the area.
The glowworms are spectacular! It took my eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. At first I didn't see anything, but by the end of the tour it was like looking at the Milky Way.
This is a really special experience!
The glowworms are spectacular! It took my eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. At first I didn't see anything, but by the end of the tour it was like looking at the Milky Way.
This is a really special experience!
Written 7 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Northland Bus Charters
Whangarei, New Zealand1 contribution
Jan 2023
This truly is an adventure!
Kiesha you are absolutely amazing, your wit and humor, your stories of your Whanau and Whenua were so funny, interesting and captivating.
Keisha I cannot thank you enough for your patience and understanding of my Mother's difficulties, assisting her and making her feel comfortable.
She has come home feeling like she conquered Mt Everest!
Thank you also to the group we were with, beautiful People.
Kiesha you are an absolute Gem, an interesting, knowledgeable bubbly character that grasped everyone's attention.
Kiesha you are absolutely amazing, your wit and humor, your stories of your Whanau and Whenua were so funny, interesting and captivating.
Keisha I cannot thank you enough for your patience and understanding of my Mother's difficulties, assisting her and making her feel comfortable.
She has come home feeling like she conquered Mt Everest!
Thank you also to the group we were with, beautiful People.
Kiesha you are an absolute Gem, an interesting, knowledgeable bubbly character that grasped everyone's attention.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fionna J
Huntsville, Canada22 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
The guide was very informative about the history of the cave and her familial ties to the area. The younger kids grew a little tired of "the lesson" but we were all impressed with the glow worms.
We were encouraged to take the Bush walk while waiting for our tour and we are so glad we did. It was beautiful and the moss covered rock formations made me wish I was a professional photographer. Don't miss it.
We were encouraged to take the Bush walk while waiting for our tour and we are so glad we did. It was beautiful and the moss covered rock formations made me wish I was a professional photographer. Don't miss it.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James R
1 contribution
Dec 2022
This place takes block bookings from tour operators in summer, for example from the cruise ships which stop at Paihia. Which means that if you turn up, as we did, you'll be turned away if they are expecting block bookings that day. So why didn't we book? We tried, some weeks in advance, and were told that our party of 8 was too small to do a booking but just to turn up and they'd let us in. But they didn't. Basically, they want you to go and they'll take your money if there's space but send you away if they are expecting cruise ship coaches. Which they won't tell you on the phone. And, no, the website doesn't allow independent travellers to book.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MSedensky
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Absolutely worth it! Lovely guide, great cave and amazing glow worms. The almost LED-like glow worms form a vision of the Milky Way and the caves are enchanting. Worth every penny. Went with kids and adults and all loved it!
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NigelWneat
8 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
This is a mind wowing experience - knowledgeable guides, incredible can't describe seeing the glow worms and learning about them. It's worth the effort, and in beautiful surrounds.
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura Porteous
Auckland Central, New Zealand21 contributions
Hi there, are you able to go through the cave without a guide? Thanks
MLA6011
Perth, Australia13 contributions
Definitely not but well worth paying for the experience. Just ensure that it is not a day when a cruise ship is is the Bay of Islands as you possibly will have less time in the cave and it isn't as personal in a big group. When you book online it is fairly obvious by the increased number of tours on those days.
CrisMarmotte
Perpignan, France35 contributions
Bonjour, est il possible de faire la visite avec une poussette ou en portant des bébés aux bras? nous avons des jumeaux de 17 mois....merci
MatiasRFernandez
Montevideo, Uruguay426 contributions
Hola,
Sin duda el carrito de bebé no está apto para ese paseo, tienes que llevarlos en tus brazos. Es un lugar 100% oscuro donde apenas se usan las lámparas. Incluso te recomiendo llevar abrigo para los niños dado que ahí dentro puede estar frío y húmedo.
Espero haber ayudado & buen viaje
rcapurso
North Las Vegas, NV3 contributions
I have a tendon injury in my ankle and this trip is listed in my upcoming cruise itinerary as strenuous,
could you give me any idea why? I would really like to see the glow worm caves and am able to walk
if it's not too many stairs or steep inclines. Thank you for your help,
Barrovian134
Shifnal, UK37 contributions
I need both knees replacing and found it no problem at all. There a few steps and low hanging rocks but nothing too bad. Worth the pain.
danielakorem
Hertzlia461 contributions
1) I'll be on a cruise ship.
2) Is it easy to find you on Paihia wharf?
3) Can I pay cash?
4) Thanks
Anuj P
1 contribution
how can i get there using public tranportation from Paihia? It seems that getting there costs more than admission to the place?
waiomioglowworms
Northland
Hi there , thanks for your inquiry. Our caves are located 18 kilometres from the Paihia wharf. There are shuttle tour services that leave from Paihia wharf to our caves, they can be booked through the Bay of Islands I-Site email paihia@fndc.govt.nz or phone +64 9 4027 345. We run tours throughout the day from 9am to 4pm, and tours usually leave every 20 minutes. Hope to see you soon, kind regards, Kawiti Caves
Cath B
Gold Coast, Australia
Hi - we are booking through Royal Caribbean cruises and they have a warning that it could be strenuous - ie. wondering if the walk is suitable - we are late 50's and of moderate fitness but one of us has a dodgy neck - so not able to look up for long periods - do you think it would be ok? Also how many steps/steep hills etc.
waiomioglowworms
Northland
Our tour will follow a 200m long wooden boardwalk inside the caves. There will be approx 40 steps up and down, with one step ladder with handrails approx 14 steps long. We have handrails all the way through. When you exit the caves you will follow the bushwalk back to the office. This usually takes 5-10 mins. It is 350m long with approx 100 steps up and 150 steps down, it is steep in places.
We walk at a slow walking pace, throughout the caves and we have a number of guides on tour who can bring you back through the caves if you are finding the first stairway difficult.
If you find the initial stairway fine but do not feel you can walk through the steep bushwalk, we offer our cruise ship bus groups the option of returning at the end of the our through the caves(less steps) at the end of the tour .We offer this option to the entire group, and usually we will have 2-3 people who return this way.
We would recommend good walking shoes(running shoes) and a warm jumper. If you have any more queries please let us know, kind regards, Kawiti Caves
Joanna W
South Coast, St. Thomas
How do we get here from Bay of Islands? We are on a cruise and don't want to go on a cruise ship tour?
waiomioglowworms
Northland
thanks for your inquiry. Our caves are located 18 kilometres from the Paihia wharf where the cruise ship tender docks. There are shuttle tour services that leave from Paihia wharf to our caves, they can be booked through the Bay of Islands I-Site email paihia@fndc.govt.nz or phone +64 9 4027 345. We run tours throughout the day from 9am to 4pm, and tours usually leave every 20 minutes. We can get busy during the middle of the day, so if you get into shore in the early morning, you might like to come straight to the caves, we'd love to show you through. Hope to see you soon, kind regards, Kawiti Caves
Karen S
Mill Creek, WA7 contributions
For those of you who have visited both the Kawiti Caves and the Waitomo Caverns, which would you choose if you could only visit one of them? Thanks!
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Claim your listingKAWITI CAVES: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kawiti Caves
- Hotels near Kawiti Caves:
- (14.13 km) Allegra House
- (13.62 km) Chalet Romantica
- (13.78 km) Decks of Paihia Luxury Bed and Breakfast
- (14.22 km) Abri Apartments
- (11.58 km) Marina Cove Bay of Islands
- Restaurants near Kawiti Caves:
- (14.27 km) Third Wheel Coffee Co.
- (14.28 km) Terra Restaurant
- (13.25 km) Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen
- (14.25 km) Letz Cafe
- (13.91 km) El Cafe