Waitomo Adventures
Waitomo Adventures
5
Canyoning & Rappelling ToursAdrenaline & Extreme ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Full view
About
Waitomo’s Premier Activities & Relaxation. We have an Awesome selection of underground Adventures ...and lots more... you can relax at the Waitomo DaySpa with Massage, Treatments & Floatation Pods for the ultimate relaxation. Adventure options are described in detail on our website each with different levels of physicality and challenge. Some options are DRY and some are WET. No prior experience required. We supply everything including boots, overalls/wetsuits as appropriate. Photos are provided to clients completely FREE. Our Trips Lost World -The Ultimate - 3 distinct options TumuTumu ToObing -a varied/more interesting version of Blackwater Rafting. Haggas Honking Holes- Waitomo’s most concentrated action. St Benedicts Caverns -surprisingly gentle. Abseil then explore NZ’s prettiest cave. Trollcave - A fantasy adventure for the young at heart- essentially an underground escape room with a grumpy Cave Troll and other challenges to get you thinking !
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
1,669 reviews
Excellent
1,557
Very good
85
Average
12
Poor
7
Terrible
8
stephchang333
Brunswick, Australia7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This was amazingly fun!! We did the haggas hicking holes tour. There were only three of us and two guides. The tour was so well run, one guide would run ahead and check the ropes while the other one would tell us about the cave and move with us slowly through the cave. Some of the time they left us on our own and just said follow the flow of the water, so we had to crawl through these tiny spaces. We abseiled through water falls and off 20m drops. We also did some really tricky rock climbs! I felt very save the whole time with double ropes, I was in control but they had a back up safety rope as well. There were glow worms and ancient fossils in the walls. Ahh it was just the best! Do it, do it now!
Written 5 January 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.
Romane
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My boyfriend and I went on the Lost World 7 hour caving experience with Scott and Shawna. We were lucky to have the guides to ourselves because we were alone that day. It was an incredible experience, absolutely unforgettable. Scott and Shawna were exceptional guides, making my boyfriend feel comfortable with a 100 meter abseil despite his fear of heights. They took us through jumps in the dark, waterfalls, showing us old bones and fossils along the way and sharing about their lives and occupation with us. They were very focused on great process, from checking (and double checking) every piece of equipment to explaining safety instructions in an easy manner whilst having a ton of fun and great conversation. We were very sad to leave them by the end, after sharing a delicious BBQ with them. This has been the best experience in New Zealand so far and we would highly encourage anyone going through the north island to stop and take a tour with Waitomo Adventures!
Written 8 January 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.
jshigi
Bellevue, WA133 contributions
Jan 2020
This is one of the craziest things that we did on our honeymoon! I am terrified of heights so it made sense to sign up for the 4 hour lost world tour where you abseil 328 feet (30 story building) into a cave. Apparently Tom Cruise has done this 5 times!
Super nervous when they were hooking us up to the ropes but as soon as we went over the edge...time stopped. It was actually relaxing in way because you have full control of how fast or slow you want to go. Looking down it was hard to compute how high you actually were! The guides were very knowledgeable and gave us some water/chocolate halfway through.
We sat down and looked up at the glow worms. They really did look like stars in the night! You are not allowed to bring your camera or phone but the guides take pictures for you. You don't need to worry about the glow worms falling down onto you. They are so small I don't think you would even notice if they did.
The scariest part was actually climbing back up out of the cave because you have to use this extremely tall metal ladder. Just pace yourself and you will be fine.
This is something that I never though I would do in my life but the guides were really well trained and helped us all the way. Next time I would like to try the black water rafting.
Super nervous when they were hooking us up to the ropes but as soon as we went over the edge...time stopped. It was actually relaxing in way because you have full control of how fast or slow you want to go. Looking down it was hard to compute how high you actually were! The guides were very knowledgeable and gave us some water/chocolate halfway through.
We sat down and looked up at the glow worms. They really did look like stars in the night! You are not allowed to bring your camera or phone but the guides take pictures for you. You don't need to worry about the glow worms falling down onto you. They are so small I don't think you would even notice if they did.
The scariest part was actually climbing back up out of the cave because you have to use this extremely tall metal ladder. Just pace yourself and you will be fine.
This is something that I never though I would do in my life but the guides were really well trained and helped us all the way. Next time I would like to try the black water rafting.
Written 4 February 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.
caughtthetravelbug4
13 contributions
Jan 2020
I did the Honking Haggas with Scott and TJ and it was SUCH a blast!!!! I'm a bit of a wimp and was scared but excited and ended up loving every minute.
Scott and TJ were so fun and were able to make jokes and make the experience enjoyable for everyone while also displaying the utmost attention to safety. They made me feel completely comfortable jumping off cliffs into pitch black darkness soooo....what a day! You also drive through a beautiful farm on the way there.
You learn, you adventure, you play, and you get out of your comfort zone. Would highly recommend! The pictures also came out nicely, too!
One warning: there are some tight spots so if you are claustrophobic, bigger (I definitely had some beached whale moments), or not in decent physical shape, I'd go for one of the less physically demanding Waitomo Adventures.
Scott and TJ were so fun and were able to make jokes and make the experience enjoyable for everyone while also displaying the utmost attention to safety. They made me feel completely comfortable jumping off cliffs into pitch black darkness soooo....what a day! You also drive through a beautiful farm on the way there.
You learn, you adventure, you play, and you get out of your comfort zone. Would highly recommend! The pictures also came out nicely, too!
One warning: there are some tight spots so if you are claustrophobic, bigger (I definitely had some beached whale moments), or not in decent physical shape, I'd go for one of the less physically demanding Waitomo Adventures.
Written 31 January 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.
Nomad782748
7 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We visited this lovely business during the school holidays. Three of the group had a blast doing the tumu tumu toobing trip - while two of us were beautifully pampered at the day spa. The adventurers reported that their guide was terrific and the teens came out buzzing. The spa service was exceptional - with a lovely environment, welcoming and kind owner and therapist, skilled massage and the very relaxing floatation pod. We had never tried floatation before but it was terrific and we can see why people become regulars - only wish we lived closer ourselves! A great day out no matter what the weather!
Written 6 July 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.
DayTrippers
Tauranga, New Zealand5 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked the 4 hour Lost World experience as a family xmas adventure and would be one of the coolest days out we have had as a family. Luke and Kenny guided us through this amazing under ground wonderland after abseiling the 100 metres into the cave. Our three boys (12, 13 & 18 yrs) had a blast with the final 30 metre ladder climb providing a small challenge to test our climbing strength. Thanks to the Waitomo Adventure team for a cool experience and we will be back to do the 7 hour tour when Oscar is old enough.
Cheers
Miles.
Cheers
Miles.
Written 9 February 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.
Jonathan S
San Jose, CA12 contributions
Dec 2019
Glad we found BookMe for the additional savings on the Lost World 4hr package. Tour guides (Luke and TK) were exceptional and we felt safe the entire time. We've never apseiled before but those awesome pix convinced us and we rappelled like pros. The pix were ready for download about 48 hours later and they came out great (and free, unlike other tour operators who may charge additionally for pix). It was interesting learning the history about the cave system and the glowworms and we left wanting to come back to experience and see more!
Written 9 January 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.
Liz
9 contributions
Aug 2020
We did the Lost World Tour on 29 August 2020, our tour guide Dani was fun, informative and helpful ensuring safety at all times.
Definitely highly recommend this 4 hour adventure, you need an average fitness to complete, the glow worm cave was not as extensive as expected, but abseiling down 100 metres awesome. thanks Dani.
Definitely highly recommend this 4 hour adventure, you need an average fitness to complete, the glow worm cave was not as extensive as expected, but abseiling down 100 metres awesome. thanks Dani.
Written 1 September 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.
Dakota Varcoe
Wellington, New Zealand4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
I originally booked for the Tumu Tumu Tubing trip but was changed at the last minute to Haggas Honking Holes due to some heavy rain the night before the trip flooding the former cave - might be seen as an inconvenience by some people, but I wasn't bothered by it at all. I was a little nervous since it was my first time going caving, but all of the staff I interacted with were wonderfully friendly and welcoming, and my guide Craig was absolutely fantastic at encouraging me to push the limits of my comfort zone, yet being patient when I took a little longer to get through some sections. The glowworms, fossils, rock formations, and even specks of gold in the cave were absolutely stunning to admire, and the abseils, pools of water and rock climbs provided a great challenge. This was truly such a unique, amazing trip that I'll remember for the rest of my life (and hopefully re-visit one day)!
Written 8 July 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.
joanne
1 contribution
Apr 2021
My Sister and I just did the Lost world 4 hour caving experience, Wow this was such a incredible experience, I loved every minute of it . The Abseiling was just amazing and going through the caves was awesome ! Our two guides Joel and Harrison were great , so very patient and made the trip very do-able when help and encouragement was required . The climb up the ladder was challenging but the sense of accomplishment when you get to the top was cool. I would highly recommend this , a few days later I am still buzzing and have some cool photos too thanks to the guides :)
Written 18 April 2021
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.
We are taking public transportations, how can we get there for the half day lost world tour? Thanks
Written 10 August 2024
What if my partner who thinks they can do all this have a little wobbler and cannot mentally proceed at the last minute do the abseil? Is there a guide to do a 1:1 descent or an alternative way (ie the keyhole) to meet the rest of the group at the bottom? We certainly don’t plan on this and want the whole adventure but unfortunately we never knows when a fear may kick in for something he’s never done.
Written 8 March 2019
When you do the abseil into the Lost World sinkhole your guide is right alongside you on a seperate rope.
They are talking to you and helping you the whole way down. They are also physically tethered to you so you know that they've got you...no matter what.
This is a very safe way of conducting an abseiling operation and means the guide is always ready to instantly respond to any situation eg medical emergency.
Written 9 March 2019
What is the refund policy? I see "If you are booking an Early Bird Special there are no refunds or transfers available." But what is the refund policy if you book at the standard rate?
Written 12 November 2018
For clients who pay full fare for their activity, the policy is to provide a 100% refund in the event of cancellation more than 24 hours prior to departure.
There is no refund for Earlybird bookings i.e. we strongly recommend you don't take the Earlybird price if your plans may be subject to change.
Written 12 November 2018
Trying to decide between the 4hr and 7hr tours...7 hours seems like an awful long time to be in a cave...? But would be cool to do some wet caving!
Written 24 October 2018
If you have the time, 7 hour! It is amazing! It was a very full day, but worth every minute and you get a great meal at the end of the day.
Written 7 April 2019
Hello, I am deciding if I should do the Lost World 7 hour epic or the Hongas Honking Holes. I am looking for an adventure with a lot of action which seems to point me to the HHH, but the 100m abseil in the Lost World epic sounds amazing too. Please help and let me know which one I would prefer? Thank you!
Written 4 October 2018
These two activities are very different and many people do both.
The Lost World Epic is our flagship activity and takes you on a physical & emotional roller coaster for the entire day. Sometimes the scene is spectacular & surreal; other times it's fascinating; and yet other times its straight scary.
Haggas Honking Holes on the other hand is all about concentrated action. There is much to see along the way but what people seem to remember is the abseiling in waterfalls; the challenging climbing and other obstacles and the amazement that all of this is can be packaged into just a four hour activity. This is the trip with "the most palpitations per penny".
Written 4 October 2018
Did you do the 4 or 7 hour experience please?
Written 27 July 2018
Both options include the same surreal 100m abseil and then initially explore through dry sections of the cave system ... The 4 Hr option now ascends to the surface using ladders & ledges through massive craggy vaults. In contrast, the 7 Hour team fuels up with a packed lunch and they are wearing wetsuits so they can take on the challenging & relatively arduous exploration of the Streamway. If you're moderately fit you should be fine (e.g. you should be able to go bush walking for a day). You'll spend the next few hours walking wading swimming climbing jumping etc. Depending on conditions, there's various challenges including some "doozies". A most satisfying day out in a spectacular place. You'll be a tad peckish at the end but we've got that covered with a well earned BBQ feast cooked up by your guides.
However, if you're unsure of your fitness then the 4 hour will be the better choice.
Written 27 July 2018
Hi! I'd like to know who takes the pics!!! Thanks!!!!
Written 5 April 2018
Hi Nicolás. Your guide takes the pics during the activity which are provided to you free of charge.
Written 5 April 2018
McTrampsALot
Minneapolis, Minnesota
If I need to take a leak during the cave portion of the 7-hour epic, am I out of luck? 7 hours is a long time for a coffee drinker. :)
Written 26 February 2018
The joking and serious answer is "There is no "P"(ee) in" wet suit". You just have to hold it in!
Written 6 March 2018
There are seven very different options to choose from.
Descriptions of each option are on our website as well as the prices.
Written 21 February 2018
Hey everyone! Im interested on the 7 hour experience but still not sure about the fitness level required. Some people say you need to be "fit" but that is not objective. I do HIIT 2-3 times a week ... would that be enough???? I dont want to suffer during the tour.
Thanks!!!
Written 15 February 2018
If you can do HIIT 2-3 times a week you should be fine.
Another comparison is being able to go bush walking or skiing for a day.
In over 30 years, no one has ever complained about suffering during a tour, but you may wake up with a few stiff muscles the next day. Caving tends to test your core muscles.
Written 17 February 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.