Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Have you ever seen luminous worms?

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Day Trip from Auckland to Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Take a Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour with Auckland & Beyond Tours. 

New Zealand has a unique species of tiny glowing creatures called “Arachnocampa Luminosa” Thousands of these magical tiny living creatures radiate their luminescent light around the Waitomo Grotto. Tour starts by Picking you up from Auckland CBD. Then we go on a two & half-hour scenic drive in South Auckland and into the Waikato region with a scenic stop for amazing photos and any other stops if needed. 

On arrival you will have around 30 minutes to shop in the Gift Shop and grab a drink or something to eat at the Waitomo Homestead.

Your Guide will take you on a one hour guided tour inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave explaining the history of the Cave, the glowing worms and the formations you’ll see inside. You will ride on a flat bottom boat that will glide through the Waitomo river while you gaze silently at the sparkling worms. 

After you finish your Glowworm Experience we make our way back through the scenic roads to Auckland.

Tour Highlights

  • Pick up from Auckland
  • Complementary Snacks & water
  • Professional tour guide/driver
  • Admission & Guided tour of Waitomo Caves including boat ride
  • Drive Back to Auckland 

What our customers say

Frequently Asked Questions

Its approximately 2.5hrs drive one way, and it is depending on the traffic.

We offer complimentary pick ups and drop offs from any Auckland Central Accommodation.

Its approximately 1 hour guided tour including a gliding boat ride on the underground Waitomo River.

Unfortunately No, due to the uneven surface and stairs inside the cave.

Absolutely – our guides know all the hidden gems. We pause frequently at spectacular, off-the-beaten-track locations for photos, so you can capture New Zealand’s beauty from unique vantage points.

Yes – our tours are fully guided. We don’t just drive you from A to B. Along the way, our experienced guides share rich stories about Aotearoa’s history, natural wonders, Māori culture, and wildlife. We want you to understand and feel the places you visit.

Yes. Everyone is welcome. Our modern fleet of Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles with high safety ratings offer comfort, and our guides are experienced in assisting travelers of all ages and mobility levels. If you have any specific needs, just let us know ahead of time so we can ensure your comfort

All our tours include entrance fees to attractions, plus snacks and water. Private tours go further – they also include lunch. So you get a hassle-free experience with everything included.

Yes. We understand cruise schedules can vary. We work with flexible pickup times for shore excursions to make sure your timing works.

Yes, all our tours are family-friendly. We plan with families in mind: comfortable transport, pace that works for different ages, kid-friendly stories and stops, and options for breaks so children (and parents!) stay happy.

Our standard small-group tours are capped at around 20 guests so they feel personal, relaxed, and manageable.

Yes. Sustainability is a core value at Auckland & Beyond Tours. We run eco-conscious tours, minimise environmental impacts, use modern low‐emissions vehicles, and support local communities and conservation wherever possible.

Yes – our vehicles provide free WiFi so you can stay connected. There are also USB charging ports available so your devices stay powered throughout the tour.

Yes. We can accommodate folded wheelchairs, but we need to know in advance so we can make sure everything runs smoothly. Please note vehicles are not equipped with ramps.

Yes – we pre-book all entrance tickets on your behalf. That means you don’t need to spend time in queueing to purchase tickets; you go straight in.

More Activities for Adrenalin Junkies

Caving & Black Water Rafting See Glow Worms Too!

Over three hours you’ll take leaps of faith over cascading waterfalls and float serenely down an underground river as you enjoy the glow  worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above.

Pick Up 8AM
Drop Off 7 PM
ACTIVITY INVOLVES
  • Caving and walking,
  • Cave tubing (black water rafting).
  • A small waterfall jumping.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Beginner level.
  • You must be 12 years and 45kg+.
  • Need swimwear and towel.
  • Wetsuits and footwear provided.

Zip Line, Climbing & Caving (Dry Tour)

Test yourself as you twist and turn through the Ruakuri Cave’s main network and hidden passageways. Conquer thrilling rock traverses and mind-blowing heights. Edge over crossings high above roaring stream ways. You’ll also spider-walk through ancient rift passages and experience the challenges of technical high rope work and flying foxes.

Pick Up 7 AM

Drop Off 6 PM
ACTIVITY INVOLVES
  • Technical rope work.
  • Flying fox / zip line.
  • Abseiling.
  • Ladder crossings.
  • Climbing.
  • Caving and walking.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • You must be 16 years and older and under 120kgs.
  • Need underlayer (i.e. shorts, t-shirts and a pair of socks) and a towel.
  • All other equipment provided.
  • You will need to pass a ‘breathalyser’ and ‘squeeze box test’ before starting the tour.

W4: Abseiling & Cave Tubing (Black Water Rafting)

Descend into the seemingly bottomless black depths of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave. This five hour expedition combines abseiling the 35 metre too, climbing, whizzing down a flying fox and cave tubing underneath glow worms into one unforgettable journey.

Pick Up 9 AM
Drop Off 6 PM
ACTIVITY INVOLVES
  • Abseiling training
  • Abseiling 35 metres
  • Caving and walking
  • Cave tubing (black water rafting)
  • Flying Fox
  • Waterfalls
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Beginner level.
  • You must be 16 years+ and 45kg+.
  • Need swimwear and towel.
  • Wetsuits and footwear provided.

Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour