Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been guided since 1889 and occupy a high place in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. Stare in wonder at the thousands of illuminating glowworms above as you glide silently by boat through the glowworm grotto. Many of our current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.0
5,932 reviews
Excellent
3,099
Very good
1,688
Average
685
Poor
277
Terrible
184
Ingeborg56
Oslo, Norway2,405 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
We had a nice guide who gave us an informative talk about the caves. It was a quite hard walk and stairs both to the boat and from the boat, and it was really dark and scary when we were boarding the boat! But the view of the glowworms were great to see during the short boat trip and it is a very bright and beatiful setting with the nature when coming out of the caves. But I would not have brought young children or people with walking disabilities here.
Written 9 February 2025
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.
Wanda R
Greenfield, WI734 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The formations were quite interesting in the caves. Probably one of the safest caves I have ever been in with regards to the quality of the steps we walked down to enter the cave. Our guide was informative. The boat ride was interesting to see the glowworms. All that being said if we wouldn't have done this I would have been fine. If you have never been to a cave I would highly recommend for the combined experience. Seeing the glowworms was nice but I don't think it was a show stopper for me.
Written 27 March 2024
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.
ScottandAndrea
Pittsburgh, PA14 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We enjoyed our experiences in the Waitomo Glowworm caves and learned so much information about the glowworms and the history of the caves. The boat ride was shorter than expected but beautiful. We were very glad that we also engaged in the walking tour through Ruakuri Cave. Our young children were able to participate in and enjoy both cave tours. Would highly recommend for families.
Written 25 August 2024
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.
budd44
Southampton, UK34 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Highly recommend the Ruakuri cave experience our guide lydia was great very informative . Well worth it . I would not recommend the glow cave boat trip not worth it saw more Glow worms in Ruakuri it did not help as our guide was had to
understand . The caves were really amazing and you do a fair bit of walking not a problem to us but those with limited mobility maybe a problem ,
understand . The caves were really amazing and you do a fair bit of walking not a problem to us but those with limited mobility maybe a problem ,
Written 31 January 2024
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.
Liam M
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Couples
We ignored the bad reviews, believing that it would be an 'excellent' experience given the number of comments.
However, after over a month spent travelling New Zealand this is by far the most disappointing tour/day that we have undertaken!! Would not recommend at all, avoid spending your money in this complete rip-off of a 'glowworm cave tour'.
80% of the tour was spent getting shuffled from one spot of a cave network to the next in a hugely overcrowded group, following a number of other hugely overcrowded groups all the while getting told nothing about glowworms.
We then preceded to get hurded down a dark cave on uneven stairs waiting for 15minutes, consistently being told to be quiet, before getting crammed onto a small boat. DO NOT expect a few people on the boats like the advertisement photos, they will cram as many in the boat as possible.
When we finally were about to set off on the boat, our guide did not push off the jetty hard enough which left us stranded in the cave, with another TWO guides each in their own boat's trying to help by crashing their boat's into us, preceding to make alot of noise. This happened twice.
Finally, we were away and it is true there are hundreds of glowworms on the ceiling which should be a marvelous experience, although one you cannot take photos of (you have to pay extra for that at the end!!). Our guide then proceeded to beach the boat inside the cave meaning we were again stuck...probably because they'd over filled it!
This did however give us 12minutes on the water (albeit to the sound of clattering boats), rather than the 8minutes of others!! Silver linings...
We complained and hope to get the refund we were promised.
However, after over a month spent travelling New Zealand this is by far the most disappointing tour/day that we have undertaken!! Would not recommend at all, avoid spending your money in this complete rip-off of a 'glowworm cave tour'.
80% of the tour was spent getting shuffled from one spot of a cave network to the next in a hugely overcrowded group, following a number of other hugely overcrowded groups all the while getting told nothing about glowworms.
We then preceded to get hurded down a dark cave on uneven stairs waiting for 15minutes, consistently being told to be quiet, before getting crammed onto a small boat. DO NOT expect a few people on the boats like the advertisement photos, they will cram as many in the boat as possible.
When we finally were about to set off on the boat, our guide did not push off the jetty hard enough which left us stranded in the cave, with another TWO guides each in their own boat's trying to help by crashing their boat's into us, preceding to make alot of noise. This happened twice.
Finally, we were away and it is true there are hundreds of glowworms on the ceiling which should be a marvelous experience, although one you cannot take photos of (you have to pay extra for that at the end!!). Our guide then proceeded to beach the boat inside the cave meaning we were again stuck...probably because they'd over filled it!
This did however give us 12minutes on the water (albeit to the sound of clattering boats), rather than the 8minutes of others!! Silver linings...
We complained and hope to get the refund we were promised.
Written 7 March 2020
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.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to place feedback. We apologise that you felt the guides and service wasn't up to standard and we will pass on your feedback to ensure a great experience for future visitors. Each of our caves have unique qualities. Ruakuri has the most compelling subterranean experiences, and Aranui Cave offers the most beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations. If you are after even more diversity you should visit The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co to abseil underground into the caves, zipline, float down underground rivers and get up close with the glowworms.
Nga mihi,
Written 13 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michal1500
Warsaw, Poland122 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The glowworms were an interesting sight and quite unique. However, the viewing was the focus of the tour only for the last ~10 minutes, when we entered a boat and travelled through a dark cave tunnel. The remaining ~30 minutes of the tour before that was around the history of cave’s exploration, the limestone formations and the glowworms’ biological characteristics. If that sounds interesting - then the ticket price may be worth it; but if you come mainly to see the glowworms - it may be disappointing.
Written 1 December 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.
Delta Golf
27 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
I went as part of a joint Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour. I cannot express enough how happy I am to have been able to visit the Glowworm Caves. Seeing pitch black being lit up by tiny insects is such a beautiful sight that left me in awe. No wonder it is one of the top attractions in North Island and New Zealand, a country abundant in beautiful places. Even though the time we got to spend in the caves felt short, the sheer beauty of this place compensates for it. The guides were also really good and explained a lot about the caves and glowworms to us. This is something you won't forget.
Written 28 January 2024
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.
Uday Kumar H
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1,902 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Kashmir and Dal Lake
We, self and wife, visited Kashmir, We stayed there for 6 days from 5th to 10th March 2023.
Our accommodation was booked at ‘VINTAGE Hotel” just of the road. From the front of the Hotel famous “DAL LaHE WAS NICELY VISIBLE. Self and wife stayed in two phases, first from 5th to 6th March and next from 9th to 10th March.
In between we had been to Pahalgam. On first day (5th March) after keeping luggage in the hotel we went to Mugul Garden. The garden is pretty beautiful. Few photographers were roaming with dresses of Kashmir for men and women.
We also told one photographer to snap photos self and wife wearing Kashmir dresses. I am posting my photo along with review.
I will Intend write some more reviews though I remain busy.
Note: I have several photos. I will attach later
We, self and wife, visited Kashmir, We stayed there for 6 days from 5th to 10th March 2023.
Our accommodation was booked at ‘VINTAGE Hotel” just of the road. From the front of the Hotel famous “DAL LaHE WAS NICELY VISIBLE. Self and wife stayed in two phases, first from 5th to 6th March and next from 9th to 10th March.
In between we had been to Pahalgam. On first day (5th March) after keeping luggage in the hotel we went to Mugul Garden. The garden is pretty beautiful. Few photographers were roaming with dresses of Kashmir for men and women.
We also told one photographer to snap photos self and wife wearing Kashmir dresses. I am posting my photo along with review.
I will Intend write some more reviews though I remain busy.
Note: I have several photos. I will attach later
Written 11 September 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.
Kathleen S
England, UK124 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed our time down there. It is a small cave, nothing much to it, but mysterious lightning, a good guide and a short boat ride can create a memorable experience.
Especially when one never seen glowing stars underground. Just watch out they don't drop on your head!
Please stay quiet on the boat ride. They take one group after another and if you are talking then you ruin the experience for the ones already in the boat trying to marvel at the starry caves. Unfortunately it is such a tiny lake, I wish it went on for longer. Very romantic.
Especially when one never seen glowing stars underground. Just watch out they don't drop on your head!
Please stay quiet on the boat ride. They take one group after another and if you are talking then you ruin the experience for the ones already in the boat trying to marvel at the starry caves. Unfortunately it is such a tiny lake, I wish it went on for longer. Very romantic.
Written 23 October 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.
zuchinibee
Wellington, New Zealand321 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
A very impressive place to visit. It has a bit of everything - cave visit, entertaining stories and a short little boat trip to see the glow worms. It was pleasantly silent and calm as you can’t talk or take photos
Written 30 October 2020
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.
Hi! We are traveling in Nov and looking at the caves, We will have 2 Adults and a 18 month old. Wondering if the Ruakuri Cave is the best option given we can take a stoller as its wheelchair friendly? I really want to do the Waitomo caves but considerate that silence is needed for best experience for us and others and you never know with a 1 year old, or would this still be an option for us? thanks!
Written 26 September 2023
Yes you can take a stroller and the acoustics in the main cavern are great, the toddler will add to the singing. They will ge fine on the boat as well.
Written 2 October 2023
What is the cost for 1 senior, one adult, and 1 fifteen-year-old?
Written 16 January 2023
Pay to look online as are several tours. 1 adult for boat trip is $61 and I think a child $28. But cost go up if do others.
Written 18 January 2023
Hallo - ich möchte wissen, ob man dann wenigstens Fotos der Höhle kaufen kann, wenn man sie schon nicht fotografieren kann! Man muss ja selber nicht drauf sein - man hat es ja im Kopf - aber für ein Fotobuch wäre ein Foto schon sehr schön. Danke an alle, die mir antworten! Ich hoffe, dass wir 2022 dorthin reisen können - bleibt gesund - Rosi
Written 15 March 2021
Anyone bought the photo code from Waitomo Glowworm Cave with 25NZ dollars and finally found out that to download the photos you still need to pay more online??
Written 28 February 2020
Sorry man. I didn’t buy the photo code.
Written 5 March 2020
Hi, how many days in advance should I buy the tickets for a family of 10 paxes and travelling in Nov/Dec 2020?
Written 15 January 2020
I saw people booking family tickets to the caves on the day. I personally booked online a couple of days beforehand and picked the ticket up on the day.
It all depends on how busy it happens to be when you intend to visit and how risky you’re feeling.
Written 15 January 2020
We are group of 6, 4 adults 2 children do need to book?
Written 20 December 2019
Kia Ora,
Sorry for the delayed response. Yes we do recommend a booking as we are in our busiest period and their may not be any available spaces on the tours. Please note to make a booking we require full payment.
Nga mihi
Written 27 December 2019
How much for adults and how much for child?
Written 20 December 2019
Kia Ora,
Adults are $55 ,child is $25 and a family pass which is 2 adults + 1 or 2 children $136.
Nga mihi,
Written 27 December 2019
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