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
2023
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Waitomo Adventures
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(346 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,634 reviews
Excellent
1,526
Very good
82
Average
12
Poor
6
Terrible
8
Ryan L
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Solo
Stunning and beyond what the imagination could recognize. The decent down 100m, which is not only a thrill in itself, but so fascinating to take in the views of the natural beauty that the cave has to offer from above. You can not believe what your seeing when you reach the bottom, just an entire new world to explore. The landscape, the texture of the cave, to the carving the running water does to the rock, the plant life and sounds of the water, it is an experience like no other. From the entry at the start of the tour at the office (I did the half day tour, wish I did the full now) the staff is beyond friendly and excited to share details and answer any questions you may have. I had the honor of having Joel as my guide. Clearly safety is of utmost importance to him, and at no point did I feel I was in any sort of danger. He was patient, kind and gracious to answer any questions. He clarified any confusion, and moves only at a pace that you are comfortable with. His knowledge base, and passion for his job can felt through his explanation of the many aspects the cave has to offer. He not only answered all my questions, which was quite impressive, but created a warming environment that just added to an unimaginably fascinating experience. He was awesome.
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.
Stay35580144678
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
My boyfriend and I booked Haggas Honkint Holes last minute instead of the black water rafting, and we’re so glad we did! We arrived in the morning to find that we were the only ones on the tour at that time, so we got a private tour with just us and the instructor! We had Joel, who was amazing, so attentive, made lovely conversation and helped me step out of my comfort zone without pressure when I was slightly scared! Abseiling down waterfalls, rock climbing, squeezing through tiny caves, it was amazing. Thankyou Joel! Caleb and Gracie x
Written 27 November 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.
Cole W
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
We took the 3 kids along to the troll hunting, what a horrible experience! Over an hour of sitting in a room that smelt like mould, listening to a guy called Peter ramble on about made up troll story’s. 15min of actual troll hunting, which was pretty pathetic! It’s not even in a real cave or real glow worms more like a seedy wet dungeon that a kidnapper would have. We all couldn’t wait for it to be over as after half an hour of Peter we were all ready over it. Would not recommend at all. One of the most budget experiences for a very inflated price.
Written 23 November 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.
Annie H
Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
I am so glad I chose Waitomo Adventure. Provided me with the most memorable experience.
Thank you to the two tour guides and were patient all the way
I want to join in this adventure again with with my family.
Wenyi ( Annie )
Thank you to the two tour guides and were patient all the way
I want to join in this adventure again with with my family.
Wenyi ( Annie )
Written 13 November 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.
Face_The_Elements
Edmonton, Canada281 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We jumped onto the Black Water Rafting experience and had an unforgettable time underground. Jake and Amy took care of us, making sure everyone on the tour was kept in the loop on the route, we understood expectations and that we were safe the whole time. There were some tight spots that we crawled through but it wasn’t anything dangerous. Everyone was in good spirits and lots of epic glow worms to see. Thanks for everything team!
Written 7 November 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.
Olivia E
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
I read reviews of the tours from many websites and was really impressed with how highly this company was rated. Let me tell you: they TOTALLY lived up to expectations! I did the 4 hour lost world abseiling adventure and was amazed by the beauty of the caves. But also really comforted with the focus the guides had on making us feel safe and comfortable with the adventure itself. I have a fear of heights and so this was out of the ordinary for me. The guides were absolutely wonderful- calming, personable, and great about talking about the caves and NZ on general. The gentleman that also greeted us all upon arrival for checkin was so funny. Overall, would highly recommend this experience if you’re looking for an adventure activity with visiting NZ!
Written 6 November 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.
Sheeplander
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Went for the Lost World Half Day Adventure (4h) and - this being my second time in New Zealand - definitely one of the best things to do there. The experience of the abseil, ladder climb and simply being in the enormous cavern is something you won't get elsewhere. And huge shoutout to the amazing team that day - Nick, Joel and Amy - for being great guides and great people :)
Written 2 November 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.
Angela Carter
Tauranga, New Zealand8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was one of the most amazing experiences with knowledgeable, reassuring guides who explained every detail. Our first experience of caving, was exhilarating, fun and challenging. We will be back to test ourselves again, thank you Nick, Craig and Jake for your expertise.
Written 22 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.
Chloe S
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Our tour group did Tumu Tumu Tubing and it was amazing! Challenging but not terrifying, we received free photos and a hot drink and chocolate half way through! The guides were knowledgeable and relaxed, it was fantastic!
Written 20 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.
Alexander S
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Had a nice afternoon in a small group in the cave. Our guide was really nice and care taking.
And the climbing and tubing was amazing. Also glowworms guided our way trough the cave.
If you what to have an action orientated tour with also glowworms but more adventure do this tour!
And the climbing and tubing was amazing. Also glowworms guided our way trough the cave.
If you what to have an action orientated tour with also glowworms but more adventure do this tour!
Written 20 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.
marebear611
Chicago, IL4 contributions
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.
WaitomoAdventures
Waitomo21 contributions
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.
934melanied
Chicago, IL54 contributions
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?
WaitomoAdventures
Waitomo21 contributions
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.
Torichang
Sydney, Australia108 contributions
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!
eleanneh
Kansas City, MO50 contributions
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.
greenflubber
Hong Kong, China131 contributions
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!
WaitomoAdventures
Waitomo21 contributions
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".
Ki Rie
Norwich, UK8 contributions
Did you do the 4 or 7 hour experience please?
WaitomoAdventures
Waitomo21 contributions
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.
Nicolás Esteban R
Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina23 contributions
Hi! I'd like to know who takes the pics!!! Thanks!!!!
WaitomoAdventures
Waitomo21 contributions
Hi Nicolás. Your guide takes the pics during the activity which are provided to you free of charge.
McTrampsALot
Minneapolis, MN
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. :)
Tim M
Camden, Australia94 contributions
The joking and serious answer is "There is no "P"(ee) in" wet suit". You just have to hold it in!
Jess L
Singapore
May I know the price please? Thanks
WaitomoAdventures
Waitomo21 contributions
There are seven very different options to choose from.
Descriptions of each option are on our website as well as the prices.
florencia2016
Buenos Aires, Argentina10 contributions
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!!!
WaitomoAdventures
Waitomo21 contributions
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.
opoptop33
Gisborne, New Zealand
Hello.
How can i get there from Otorohanga I-Site? If there would be the Shuttle bus, I want to know bus time table. thank you:)
WaitomoAdventures
Waitomo21 contributions
You can email the i-site for booking transport. Tripadvisor wont allow me to give you their email address but justGoogle otorohanga i-site
They will probably suggest the transport service below, but will also have any new alternatives:
Caves Shuttle & Taxi Services
Phone 021 049 9903 or 021 732 609
12 Kakamutu Road, Otorohanga