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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

1,154 Reviews 4.46 out of 5 stars Based on 1,154 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Waitomo, New Zealand
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from $48.89 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour Image 1
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 125 (105) days in advance.
45 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above on this 45-minute group guided tour, as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Many of the current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original, iconic New Zealand attraction.

What's Included

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Local guide
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

39 Waitomo Village Road
Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as the expert guides provide informative commentary on their historical and geological significance to the region.Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveler. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 125 years of cultural and natural history.Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its spectacular formations and acoustics.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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability
  • No photography allowed
  • Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3930P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.46
1,154 reviews

Average 4.46 out of 5 stars based on 1,154 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
777
4 stars
223
3 stars
90
2 stars
39
1 star
25
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 125 (105) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax).
  • Local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 4..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour is as follows:

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Local guide
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Bring comfortable waking shoes and a warm jacket
  • You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs .
  • Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability
  • No photography allowed
  • Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 23 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name