Waitomo Caves are an underground world of glowworms in New Zealand. Thousands of bioluminescent larvae create a blue starry sky. Boat tours through Glowworm Cave, Black Water Rafting for adventure. 2 hours from Auckland. Year-round, temperature 14C.
Single cave price. 2-cave combo $98, 3-cave combo $158. Family discounts available.
Year-round attraction. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) have fewer crowds. Summer (December-February) is peak tourist season. Glowworms active year-round. Cave temperature constant at 14-15°C.
2.5 hours south of Auckland, 1.5 hours from Hamilton, 1 hour from Rotorua. No public transport - drive or join day tour from Auckland/Rotorua. Free parking at visitor center. Part of popular Auckland-Rotorua route.
Glowworm Grotto during boat ride (no flash). Cathedral chamber for formations. Outside at night for stargazing. Note: photography restrictions on boat.
Tours every 30 min. Summer until 5:30pm.
faq.subtitle Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Flash photography disturbs glowworms and is prohibited. Some operators offer professional photos. Spellbound and Glowing Adventures tours allow tripod photography.
Useful tips for visiting Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Glowworm Cave $61 NZD adult, $28 child. Combo tickets available (2 caves $98, 3 caves $158). Pre-book essential - tours every 30 min. 45-minute experience. Check in 30 min early. Cashless site. Ruakuri Cave only wheelchair-accessible cave in Southern Hemisphere. Silence required on boat ride to not disturb glowworms.
2.5 hours south of Auckland, 1.5 hours from Hamilton, 1 hour from Rotorua. No public transport - drive or join day tour from Auckland/Rotorua. Free parking at visitor center. Part of popular Auckland-Rotorua route.
Glowworm Grotto during boat ride (no flash). Cathedral chamber for formations. Outside at night for stargazing. Note: photography restrictions on boat.