Things to do in Waitomo Caves
Top Things to Do in Waitomo Caves
Things to Do in Waitomo Caves
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Waitomo Caves.
Top Attractions in Waitomo Caves
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
River Rafting & Tubing • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
Taxis & Shuttles • Sightseeing Tours
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Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*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.
What travellers are saying
- Rebecca AEllerslie, New Zealand57 contributionsWe were in a reasonably small group of 12 people, which was just the right size. Our young guide was informative and really engaged the children in the group.
The tour took around one hour twenty - with a larger group it would probably take longer to allow all group members to get their photos.
The man made cave entrance and spiral looked amazing, but the caves themselves were spectacular.
Less glow worms than the main cave, but you get get real up close with the ones that you do see.
Well formed pathways and few stairs.
A world-class attractionWritten 3 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Cushla FAuckland, New Zealand8 contributionsOur 4 year old daughter loved the glow worm cave tour and boat ride. The tour was an hour but it moved quickly enough that she didn't get bored. Definitely safe for young children to do. Lots of steps but really safe.Written 30 March 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- LY W10 contributionsWell worth the walk to reach it. The waterfall is quite impressive. But there was a barrier to prevent people from stepping right up to the viewing platform as the far edge of the platform had collapsed. So stay safe and stay behind the barrier. You can still get a very good view.Written 23 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- LY W10 contributionsGo during the day to see the cliffs, trees and rushing waters. Then go again after dark to see the glow worms. It is worth the effort to go twice. But bring a torch for the night walk as it is very dark. If the sky is clear, pause at the car park, and you may see a beautiful starry sky.Written 23 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Larissa KAuckland, New Zealand60 contributionsThis is well worth seeing while in Waitomo. Toilet at the start available, walk is in good condition. Loop walk follows around farm land, just follow the markers and it takes you back to the carpark. Do the Marokopa Falls, Piripiri Cave Walk also while visiting this walk. They are all on the same road.Written 2 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sarah O4 contributionsFantastic adventure with Ross in the Footwhistle Limestone Cave. He was a knowledgeable and friendly guide. Highly recommended!Written 16 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Paradise330650834541 contributionThe Footwhistle Cave is owned by a local family and is an excellent tour as well as being exceptional value for money. We were met at Waitomo Village by Ross (the Boss) and taken by van to the cave on private property. This is a very safe and educational tour with thousands of glow worms and a very good spoken history from Ross. The tour is followed by a refreshing cup of freshly brewed Kawakawa tea. We took three children with us and they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I recommend it.Written 23 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- MilmineMAuckland, New Zealand504 contributionsWe arrived just as the team were closing up but they let us in and were very helpful sorting out tour tickets for us and giving other advise about the local area.Written 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jeanette MCairns, Australia475 contributionsYou can start this 1 hour walk across the street from the Glow Worm Caves (ask a local) and finish it in the village. The trail meanders through farmland and up to the top of the esrstwhile 'Pa' (Maori for 'fortress') which dominates the general area. Of course the early Maori selected this elevated site to keep an eye on the surrounding area. This is an easy walk and a fun way to go from your last cave visit back to town.Written 6 December 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Liz_Mo1982Auckland Central, New Zealand80 contributionsSmall cave full of stalagmites. The track from road has quite a few steps and the steps take you down to bottom of the cave. As indicated by others good to have a torch - phone torch works fine - to see the stalagtites in the cave.
I wouldn’t make journey just to see this cave but worth seeing if out this way already for the natural arch and Marokapa waterfallWritten 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Clare B3 contributionsOur personalised tour was one of the highlights of NZ! Learned a lot about the biology of the caves and the glow worms themselves - nature is amazing! Ash was very friendly, hilarious and informative and made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!Written 9 May 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Domonique4 contributionsOur stand out for our glow worm tour was the guide! Friendly, welcoming and very informative ! Amazing experience ! :)Written 3 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- H RAuckland, New Zealand9 contributionsFour of us went on the half day Lost World. What an experience! 100m abseil into a misty narrow valley. Took in the magical atmosphere at the bottom then walked / climbed out through the caves complete with glow worm viewing and history of the caves' discovery. It was daylight when we entered, dark as we came out which added a timeless feel to the experience. Our guides Joel and Harrison were amazing, made us feel very comfortable with hanging from ropes over a massive drop! They kept us informed, were very personable, wonderfully calm natured and sent us some brilliant photos to remember our adventure and share with friends.Written 25 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- mariaonehungaAuckland, Auckland, New Zealand10 contributionsAaron and Ayesha were our amazing tour guides for our three hour in cave experience and they were great. Funny, entertaining while being safety conscious and having the ability to put you at ease.
They also took photos which they email to everyone on the trip FOR FREE after the trip.
Such a great adventure, complete with warm showers & warm snacks at the end!
And tickets were buy one get one for free so a perfect time and place to visit to see more of our gorgeous country!!!
Highly recommended for families, friends, couples or singles... just so much fun!Written 13 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Excursion5385261 contributionWe had an awesome time caving with our very knowledgeable guide, Will. He was relaxed, informative and supportive for all levels. The glow worms were stunningWritten 2 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waitomo Caves
- The top attractions to visit in Waitomo Caves are: See all attractions in Waitomo Caves on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Waitomo Caves according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Waitomo Caves on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Waitomo Caves according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland
- Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland
- Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip in Luxury Minibus from Auckland
- Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland
- Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour
- The most popular things to do in Waitomo Caves with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours
- Ruakuri Walk
- Marakopa Falls
- Ruakuri Cave
- Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk