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Auckland to Waitomo Caves Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION7 hours
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Auckland CBD
Kick off your journey in the heart of Auckland, where urban energy meets incredible landscapes—making it the perfect launching pad for exploration.
Passes by
Waikato
1
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Tickets included
Step into an underground world where thousands of glowworms light up the cave ceilings—creating a surreal experience you won’t find anywhere else.
3
END POINT
Auckland CBD
All-inclusive day trip to Waitomo’s iconic glowworms with hotel transfers.
- Best for city explorers and first-time visitors seeking a full-day, hassle-free adventure from Auckland, with transfers and guided experiences.
- Book this if you want: A convenient day trip from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including a peaceful boat ride beneath a glowworm canopy.
- Everything you get: Round-trip transfers, snacks, expert local guide, small-group tour, and entry to the iconic glowworm caves.
- Make the most of relaxing on your boat ride while thousands of glowworms twinkle overhead, and the sights seen on route from Auckland.
All-inclusive day trip to Waitomo’s iconic glowworms with hotel transfers.
- Best for city explorers and first-time visitors seeking a full-day, hassle-free adventure from Auckland, with transfers and guided experiences.
- Book this if you want: A convenient day trip from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including a peaceful boat ride beneath a glowworm canopy.
- Everything you get: Round-trip transfers, snacks, expert local guide, small-group tour, and entry to the iconic glowworm caves.
- Make the most of relaxing on your boat ride while thousands of glowworms twinkle overhead, and the sights seen on route from Auckland.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Waitomo Caves from Auckland
- English-speaking guide/driver
- Small-group tour of up to 11 people
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
- 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Grotto
- Waitomo River boat ride
- Snacks and water
- Entry to Waitomo Cave
- 2.5-hour guided tour of Hobbiton movie set (if option selected)
- Complimentary beer, cider, or ginger beer at Green Dragon Inn (if option selected)
- Entry to Hobbiton movie set (if option selected)
- Tip: After the cave tour, take your kids to the excellent Discovery Centre, which has interactive exhibits designed specifically for young visitors.
- Photography is not allowed at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
- This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Infants aged 0 to 2 can travel for free if they do not occupy a seat.
- The pick-up and drop-off are available only within the Central Business District Area of Auckland.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.7
11 ratings
8
3
0
0
0
What our guests say
Kristin
Jan 2025Verified booking
Yonatan
Dec 2024Verified booking
Isra
Oct 2024Verified booking
Francisca
Jul 2024Verified booking
good snacks, very in detail explanations of the different sports and the cave itself.
Roxana
May 2024Verified booking
Had a lovely time on the tour, Chris was a wonderful guide, sharing a lot of interesting facts and adding in some extra sights along the drive. Communication and scheduling was easy and precise, I appreciated the punctuality.
Deborah
Mar 2024Verified booking
The cave was simply amazing. Ticketing was easy. It was much easier to find with morning meeting location when we had an address and the name of the hotel rather than the GPS coordinates that were initially provided.
Natalia
Jun 2024Verified booking
Hossman
Apr 2024Verified booking
KOUDAI
Apr 2024Verified booking
Feng
Feb 2024Verified booking
Joanne
Jan 2024Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION11 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Auckland CBD
Begin your journey from Auckland, a city known as the "City of Sails" because of its large number of boats and yachts.
1
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Tickets included
Explore these world-famous caves, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the dark limestone caverns in an unforgettable display of natural beauty.
2
Hobbiton Movie Set
3 attractions
Tickets included
Step into the world of Middle-earth on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you’ll see the charming homes and lush landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings.
Highlights
1. Bagshot Row
Tickets included
Wander down Bagshot Row, home to Samwise Gamgee and his family in the films, nestled beneath the Hill and offering picture-perfect views of Hobbiton.
2. Green Dragon Inn
Tickets included
End your Hobbiton tour with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a complimentary beverage—ginger beer, cider, or the famous Southfarthing Ale.
3. Party Tree
Tickets included
Visit the massive Party Tree, where Bilbo’s eleventy-first birthday party took place—a key scene in The Fellowship of the Ring.
3
END POINT
Auckland CBD
Perfect for LOTR fans, this tour combines New Zealand's most magical places.
- Best for movie buffs, nature lovers, and cultural explorers wanting to combine an iconic movie experience with the magic of New Zealand’s caves.
- Book this if you want: A full-day, small-group adventure through Middle-earth’s most famous set and the mesmerizing glow of the Waitomo Caves.
- Everything you get: Guided tours of Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave, a boat ride under glowworms, round-trip transfers, and a drink at the Green Dragon.
- Make the most of strolling through the Shire, snapping photos at Bilbo’s house, and floating beneath a glowing sky of Waitomo glowworms.
Perfect for LOTR fans, this tour combines New Zealand's most magical places.
- Best for movie buffs, nature lovers, and cultural explorers wanting to combine an iconic movie experience with the magic of New Zealand’s caves.
- Book this if you want: A full-day, small-group adventure through Middle-earth’s most famous set and the mesmerizing glow of the Waitomo Caves.
- Everything you get: Guided tours of Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave, a boat ride under glowworms, round-trip transfers, and a drink at the Green Dragon.
- Make the most of strolling through the Shire, snapping photos at Bilbo’s house, and floating beneath a glowing sky of Waitomo glowworms.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Hobbiton Movie Set from Auckland
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland
- Small group or private guided(based on option selected)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves
- Boat ride at Waitomo Caves
- Picnic lunch (based on option selected)
- Complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn
- Mercedes luxury vehicle (based on option selected)
- Entry to Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves
- Hobbit Holes: Small-sized holes with colorful doors and tiny windows.
- Bag End: The iconic Hobbit home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins with its round red door.
- The Mill: A rustic mill that sits on a double-arched bridge.
- The Party Tree: A large oak tree in the center of Hobbiton that features in the LOTR trilogy and the Hobbit films.
- Green Dragon Inn: A rustic pub where you can enjoy Hobbit-style ale or cider.
- Waitomo Caves: A group of 30-million-year-old caves with stalactites hanging down from the ceiling and blue-green bioluminescent glow worms covering the ceiling.
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the exterior decorations of each hole depicting the occupation of the Hobbit living inside like a basket of bread outside a baker’s home.
- Photography is not allowed at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
- This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Children below 7 years must be in a child safety seat as per the legal requirement in New Zealand. Guests can mention their need for a safety or booster seat during the booking process.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Auckland CBD
Start your day with hotel pickups from Central Business District, Auckland.
Passes by
Waikato
Pirongia
Otorohanga
1
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Tickets included
These mesmerizing caves glow with thousands of tiny luminescent worms, making for a magical, otherworldly experience you can't see anywhere else.
2
Te Puia Geothermal Park
2 attractions
Free Admission
Rotorua’s geothermal wonders come alive here, with bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, and the chance to learn about Māori culture and traditions.
Highlights
1. Pohutu Geyser
Free Admission
Pohutu is the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, erupting up to 20 times a day, sometimes reaching 30 meters into the air.
2. Māori Arts and Crafts Institute
Free Admission
This is the heart of Māori culture in Rotorua, where you can watch traditional carving and weaving, preserving skills passed down through generations.
Passes by
Rotorua City
7
END POINT
Auckland CBD
Explore Waitomo’s glowworms and Rotorua’s geothermal marvels in one day.
- Best for culture and nature lovers looking to combine iconic Waitomo caves with Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Maori cultural experiences.
- Book this if you want: A seamless day trip that includes a Waitomo glowworm tour, Rotorua geysers, mud pools, and a visit to a Maori village.
- Everything you get: Guided tours, small-group access, round-trip transfers, snacks, and entry to Waitomo, Te Puia, and the Kiwi Bird Enclosure.
- Make the most of the glowworms in the quiet darkness of Waitomo, then explore Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools, geysers, and rich Maori culture.
Explore Waitomo’s glowworms and Rotorua’s geothermal marvels in one day.
- Best for culture and nature lovers looking to combine iconic Waitomo caves with Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Maori cultural experiences.
- Book this if you want: A seamless day trip that includes a Waitomo glowworm tour, Rotorua geysers, mud pools, and a visit to a Maori village.
- Everything you get: Guided tours, small-group access, round-trip transfers, snacks, and entry to Waitomo, Te Puia, and the Kiwi Bird Enclosure.
- Make the most of the glowworms in the quiet darkness of Waitomo, then explore Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools, geysers, and rich Maori culture.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, and Te Puia
- 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Cave
- Waitomo River boat ride
- 1.5-hour guided tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley, Rotorua
- Visit to Puhuto Geyser, Mud Pools, and Maori Village
- Kiwi bird-watching
- English-speaking guide
- Small-group tour
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
- Snacks and water
- Entry to Te Puia Geothermal Valley
- Access to Kiwi Bird Enclosure
- Tip: Watch master carvers demonstrate their skills at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and get the chance to ask about their craft.
- Photography is not allowed at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
- This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Infants aged 0 to 2 can travel for free if they do not occupy a seat.
- The minimum number of guests required for booking one ticket for this experience is two.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Budget-friendly guided tour of Waitomo Caves with boat ride.
- Best for Nature enthusiasts and curious travelers who want a gentle cave walk and peaceful boat ride, marveling at glowworms overhead.
- Book this if you want: A serene 45-minute guided tour where you’ll drift quietly under a glowing canopy of glowworms along the Waitomo River.
- Everything you get: A small-group tour, expert Maori-descended guide, and a magical boat ride through glowworm-lit caves.
- Make the most of the calm of the underground cave as glowworms softly light your path and learn about the land’s legacy from your Maori guide.
Budget-friendly guided tour of Waitomo Caves with boat ride.
- Best for Nature enthusiasts and curious travelers who want a gentle cave walk and peaceful boat ride, marveling at glowworms overhead.
- Book this if you want: A serene 45-minute guided tour where you’ll drift quietly under a glowing canopy of glowworms along the Waitomo River.
- Everything you get: A small-group tour, expert Maori-descended guide, and a magical boat ride through glowworm-lit caves.
- Make the most of the calm of the underground cave as glowworms softly light your path and learn about the land’s legacy from your Maori guide.
Inclusions
45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Grotto (if option selected)
- English-speaking guide of Maori descent
- Waitomo River boat ride
- Small group of up to 15 people
- Entry to Waitomo Cave
1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave (if option selected)
- English-speaking guide of Maori descent
- Small group of up to 14 people
- Wheelchair accessible
- Photography allowed
- Entry to Ruakuri Cave
3-hour guided tour of Waitomo Caves (if option selected)
- English-speaking guide of Maori descent
- Small group of up to 8 people
- Snack
- Hot drinks
- Safety equipment
- Warm clothing (thermals, fleece jumper, shorts, boots, socks)
- Caving helmet
Full-day tour of Waitomo Caves from Auckland (if option selected)
- English-speaking guide/driver
- Small-group tour of up to 11 people
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
- 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Grotto
- Waitomo River boat ride
- Snacks and water
- Entry to Waitomo Cave
- Tip: Take the time to visit the small but significant Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre, which shares the cultural history of the caves.
- Waitomo Grotto is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Ruakuri Caves are accessible for wheelchair users.
- The small-group 3-hour guided tour is unsuitable for the elderly or those with mobility issues.
- Guests under 12 years are restricted from participating in the 3-hour guided tour.
- Photography is permitted in designated areas of the Ruakuri Caves. However, photography is strictly prohibited in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.6
1,268 ratings
886
267
66
26
23
Guests from Australia, United States, Germany and over 42 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
GRILLET
May 2025Verified booking
Our guide was exceptional and what we saw had a touch of mystic. We could feel the mana of the cave and learned about its importance in Maori culture!
Barbera
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our guided tour was amazing! The guide was knowledgeable and funny, and we much enjoyed it. Beautiful natural formations in the caves and few small areas with glow worms. Easy walks manageable for all.
Padmaja
Apr 2025Verified booking
Well organised tour guided journey.At the cathedral I got an opportunity to singing a birthday song for my grandson's 10th birthday.
Ashley
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very enlightening and educational. The tour guide had great communication skills and explained everything clearly. A great tour ending with boat ride out of the caves.
Ailsa
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our guide was very welcoming and gave us some great history and facts. The boat ride was the best way to observe the glow worms.
Naomi
Mar 2025Verified booking
We really enjoyed the tour, I enjoyed the history of the caves and the tour guide 'Ocean' was fabulous and was a great singer and also had a great sense of humour😁
Gary
Mar 2025Verified booking
This trip was one of our best experiences in New Zealand. The river valley was beautiful, the caves were stupendous and the stalactites and stalagmites were breath-taking... and then the glow-worm cavern itself was wonderful. Ash was a great guide. Can't recommend this highly enough.
Tarnya
Apr 2025Verified booking
Everything was awesome the tour guide was lovely so helpful friendly well worth the cost
Kyeanne
Mar 2025Verified booking
Amazing tour with an amazing tour guide in Ocean! A must see whilst in NZ. Thank you :)
William
Mar 2025Verified booking
Our Guide was funny considering it was his first day!
LIU,
Mar 2025Verified booking
Astonished ！Glowworm just like stars in the dark sky
Lucienne
Jun 2025Verified booking
most of the staff were friendly. they assisted with access queries for disabled company. they offered an earlier time slot than what we scheduled, if preferred. the guide we had was also very accommodating! the interior of the cave structure was well done, ensuring the people on different tours where times almost overlap, did not cause any congestion. the experience was diverse but the boat ride itself was disappointing in the sense that there wasn't really much 'tour around' that happened. Although, the sight was to behold indeed.
Christine
Jun 2025Verified booking
Our young guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining He sang in the cathedral cave with a beautiful voice. The boat ride through the glow worm cave was awesome.
Raewyn
Jun 2025Verified booking
Levi our tour guide was awesome and the caves was amazing everyone should do this tour magnificent tour learnt a lot about the glowworms 5 star ⭐️
Robyn
May 2025Verified booking
Our tour guide was amazing, knowledgeable and funny. Seeing the caves and then glowworms was awesome, definitely recommend as a must do.
Camina
May 2025Verified booking
I appreciated that the tour guides were descendents of Chief Tanetinorau. Being onthe boat and gently gliding on the water as we looked up at the glowworms was a very soothing and beautiful experience.
Christopher
May 2025Verified booking
This was a brilliant morning. We were in such good hands. Our guide, Ash, was informative and extremely entertaining, but most important of all we felt we were in safe hands. We were in a lovely small group of 6. We were fully kitted out with clothes (which did get wet!), boots, helmet and headlamp. Upon our return we enjoyed hot drinks and cookies whilst 'debriefing'. The caves were beautiful and the 10 minutes we sat in silence and darkness with the roof of the cave lit by the glowworms was just magical. The morning did involve wading through water, and clambering over and under rocks, but because Ash was so supportive it all felt very manageable. The icing on the cake was receiving a lovely collection of photos which Ash had taken during our adventure. Thank you Ash for a truly memorable morning, and also Michelle back at base for helping get us kitted out.
Tracey
May 2025Verified booking
The detailed guided tour ...... all the history and knowledge our guide had was amazing 🤩 George was such a lovely person full of knowledge and kindness ♥️
Patricia
May 2025Verified booking
The guide was great, knew his stuff and was also lots of fun. The float through the cave was a really great experience. We were also lucky enough to have a couple of singers in our group that put on a great show in the cathedral.
Rhonda
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ticketing was extremely easy from headout in Australia. Our guide Cody was an excellent guide combining humour and knowledge with a diverse group of people. Hope he'll stay around for many more adventures.
GIRI
Apr 2025Verified booking
Overall the experience was good. Our guide was great in showing us the caves and the glowworms. But felt bit underwhelmed as your photos on web site and marketing exaggerate the amount of glowworms present.
Stephen
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our guide was so sweet, informative and we felt like we were welcomed home. God bless you guys. You are amazing caretakers of the land
DAVID
Apr 2025Verified booking
Tickets were bought before travel so that experience was simple. The guided tour was good and the guide was informative which made the tour fun. However, as an older person in my 70's it was a little dark in places and I had to be careful when moving. Also when we arrived there was little signage as there are more than one set of caves. Overall the trip was worthwhile.
Kay
Apr 2025Verified booking
I thought boat trip would have been longer to see more glow worms. Guide was a pleasant young girl. Had been to Hobbiton the day before and had 2 1/2 hour tour with refreshment at end and it was quite a bit cheaper than your trip which was barely 45mins.
Samantha
Apr 2025Verified booking
The caves were a fantastic opportunity to see such an unusual creature and learn about its life cycle and habitat. Our guide Levi was passionate and knowledgeable, he was the perfect guide. Our ticketing existing wasn't great as tickets only arrived the day before after I chased them.
Adrenaline and wonder in one experience, perfect for gentle thrills.
- Best for adventure-loving teens and adults ready to tube and raft through waterfalls and glowworm-lit caves, without needing caving experience.
- Book this if you want: A 3-hour adrenaline rush that involves tubing and rafting through Waitomo’s winding cave systems, with an upgrade for ziplining.
- Everything you get: Safety gear, wetsuits, expert guide, and entry to one of New Zealand’s most exciting underground cave systems.
- Make the most of floating through underground rivers by tube, surrounded by glowworms as you raft through magic.
Adrenaline and wonder in one experience, perfect for gentle thrills.
- Best for adventure-loving teens and adults ready to tube and raft through waterfalls and glowworm-lit caves, without needing caving experience.
- Book this if you want: A 3-hour adrenaline rush that involves tubing and rafting through Waitomo’s winding cave systems, with an upgrade for ziplining.
- Everything you get: Safety gear, wetsuits, expert guide, and entry to one of New Zealand’s most exciting underground cave systems.
- Make the most of floating through underground rivers by tube, surrounded by glowworms as you raft through magic.
Inclusions
- 3 or 5-hour black water rafting tour (based on option selected)
- Underground tour of Ruakuri Cave
- Ziplining, abseiling, rafting and tubing (based on option selected)
- English-speaking guide
- Small group of up to 8 or 12 people (based on option selected)
- Helmet, light, and black water rafting tube (based on option selected)
- Safety equipment
- Wetsuits, socks and shoes
- Safety briefing and training
- Changing rooms with hot showers
Exclusions
- Photos
- Tip: Just 30 minutes from Waitomo, Mangaokewa Reserve is a rock climber's paradise with over 200 routes catering to all skill levels.
- All participants on this tour must weigh at least 45 kg.
- Guests aged 12 and under are restricted from participating in this experience.
- Guests aged under 16 years are restricted from participating in the 5-hour black water rafting experience.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.
- Prior caving or swimming experience is not required as you will have tubes and will be accompanied by expert guides.
- The water temperature is approximately 10 degrees Celsius.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.7
118 ratings
89
23
5
1
0
Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, Germany and over 15 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Megan
Mar 2025Verified booking
The was truly a once in a lifetime experience! It was a fantastic combination of adrenaline rush fun, interesting local and cultural knowledge, and marveling at the natural world. Our guides were knowledgeable, fun, and kind. We felt at ease and well looked after throughout. I would highly recommend this experience.
Michelle
May 2025Verified booking
The Labyrinth Blackwater rafting experience has been one of the highlights during our NZ holiday. Our guide was amazing, she was knowledgeable, kind and fun to be with. The glo worms were like twinkling starlight as we floated under them. The booking and ticketing was a breeze. Will definitely be recommending to friends.
Bertrand
Apr 2025Verified booking
Great experience with good guides. Only suggestion for your photos options at the end of the tour : none were showing the glow worms... The only photos of the worms are the ones from your web site.
Georgia
May 2025Verified booking
The guides were great and the experience is pretty incredible
Michael
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ellen and Paddy were awesome guides!!
Chase
May 2025Verified booking
Ariel
May 2025Verified booking
Cynthia
May 2025Verified booking
Krystal
Apr 2025Verified booking
Melanie
Feb 2025Verified booking
Epic experience! Our guides Isaac and Grace weee amazing. Our daughter Elly who is claustrophobic freaked out a little at the start and they were so good at calming and encouraging her and she was able to enjoy the experience. Gloworms and adventure all in one!!
Carol
Mar 2025Verified booking
Ticketing ahead of time was easy and everything ran smoothly. The adventure itself was over the top fun because it's such a unique experience and more than a little exciting. We had two great gals Hailey and Grace as our fearless leaders and they kept the jokes coming and we all felt confident following their instructions -even when they had us flinging ourselves backwards over a waterfall. What's not to love?? We had the A Team ! Highly recommend this trip - do it while you can.
Michelle
Feb 2025Verified booking
It was really well organised and our two guides did an amazing job! It was an adventurous experience and the glowwormes were amazing.
Aileen
Feb 2025Verified booking
Knowledgable guides, chatty and super patient. Lots of scrambling and climbing rocks which was great. Tubing is really fun, the amount of glowworms was a little disappointing but a very fun experience.
Mark
Feb 2025Verified booking
The Labyrinth was great fun, with a lovely bunch of people and great guides. The glow worms were amazing. The guides were very careful and everything felt very safe and comfortable.
Molly
Jan 2025Verified booking
Grace and Reuben were absolutely fab guides, they were friendly, funny and very adaptable! The glow worm caves are already such a brilliant experience, we had so much fun rafting and exploring the caves!
Jakeb
Jan 2025Verified booking
Ticketing experience was just fine. The guides on the tour, Dan and Jess were great, very knowledgeable and the experience was unforgettable.
Graeme
Jan 2025Verified booking
Our blackwater rafting experience was great! Our guides were very good and escorting us through the caves and looking after everyone in the group to ensure we all had a fun experience. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to see some glowworms!
Kylie
Dec 2024Verified booking
1. We loved the magical experience of the journey with the glow worms and underwater cave tubing in the waterways 2. The extensive knowledge of the guides 3. The attention to safety details was excellent
Lim
Mar 2025Verified booking
The glow worms were awesome and the guide was detailed and experienced. Great experience!
Tanya
Feb 2025Verified booking
Had a great time with the worms
Ayush
Feb 2025Verified booking
Beth Aanya and Alicia all were very helpful and all in all a very memorable experience. Thank You 🙏🏻
Kerry
Feb 2025Verified booking
Had a really great tour. All the guides were very enthusiastic and informative.
Manuel
Feb 2025Verified booking
The personal was very friendl and professional.
Amelia
Feb 2025Verified booking
Our guides were really lovely and it was a super interesting experience!
Kevin
Jan 2025Verified booking
Loved the fact that it was as advertised!
Float, climb, and wade through Waitomo’s caves for a deeper dive into nature.
- Best for Thrill-seekers and adventurers who crave ziplining, abseiling, and rafting through dark, subterranean rivers in Waitomo’s caves.
- Book this if you want: A black water rafting adventure with ziplining, abseiling, and tubing through Ruakuri Cave’s underground waterways.
- Everything you get: Expert guide, wetsuits, helmets, all safety equipment, plus access to changing rooms with hot showers after the thrill.
- Make the most of rafting through the glowworm-lit darkness, plunging through underground waterfalls, and drifting peacefully through the quiet caves.
Float, climb, and wade through Waitomo’s caves for a deeper dive into nature.
- Best for Thrill-seekers and adventurers who crave ziplining, abseiling, and rafting through dark, subterranean rivers in Waitomo’s caves.
- Book this if you want: A black water rafting adventure with ziplining, abseiling, and tubing through Ruakuri Cave’s underground waterways.
- Everything you get: Expert guide, wetsuits, helmets, all safety equipment, plus access to changing rooms with hot showers after the thrill.
- Make the most of rafting through the glowworm-lit darkness, plunging through underground waterfalls, and drifting peacefully through the quiet caves.
Inclusions
- 5-hour black water rafting tour
- Underground tour of Ruakuri Cave
- Ziplining, abseiling and tubing
- English-speaking guide
- Small group of up to 8 people
- Helmet, light, and black water rafting tube
- Safety equipment (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
- Wetsuits, socks and shoes
- Safety briefing and training
- Changing rooms with hot showers
- Tip: If you're looking to push your boundaries, Haggas Honking Holes offers an intense caving experience with tight squeezes and vertical climbs.
- All participants on this tour must weigh at least 45 kg.
- Guests aged 16 and under are restricted from participating in this experience.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.
- Prior caving or swimming experience is not required as you will have tubes and will be accompanied by expert guides.
- The water temperature is approximately 10 degrees Celsius.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
24 ratings
13
10
1
0
0
What our guests say
Megan
Mar 2025Verified booking
The was truly a once in a lifetime experience! It was a fantastic combination of adrenaline rush fun, interesting local and cultural knowledge, and marveling at the natural world. Our guides were knowledgeable, fun, and kind. We felt at ease and well looked after throughout. I would highly recommend this experience.
Michael
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ellen and Paddy were awesome guides!!
Chase
May 2025Verified booking
Krystal
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ashley
Feb 2025Verified booking
Emma
Jan 2025Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Excellent tour with excellent guides Hannah and Katie. Despite being in our sixties and a little nervous ( although reasonably fit) we had a great afternoon. The guides explained everything and were attentive and watchful and we felt in safe competent hands. The highlight was floating through the black caves seeing the vivid glowworm show above us.
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
My partner and I had a great time doing this! I’m somewhat apprehensive when it comes to water (especially in the dark) but really wanted to do something different to see the glow worms and I’m so glad I did. Felt completely safe the whole time and had great fun. Definitely recommend.
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
This was an unbelievable experience. The glow worms were very cool to see, but more notably, we had a great group and excellent guides! I was a bit worried my mother would struggle but the guides did a great job helping her! The chauffeur they provided to the rafting sight was very comfy, and their entire staff was welcoming and made it a worthwhile trip!
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
MAMI
Sep 2024Verified booking
Camille
Jul 2024Verified booking
The black abyss tour was absolutely incredible! For something that I'd been looking forward to for so long it's surprising that it actually exceeded expectations. The staff were all fabulous and accommodating even when we were late to the location. It doesn't hurt that our guides George and Mitch were also 🔥.
Etienne
Sep 2024Verified booking
The guides were great at communicating whilst keeping the tour fun. Hands down one of the best experiences I've had!
Aven
Jun 2024Verified booking
George and Mitch were amazing and super funny. We had such a great time. Thanks!
Pardis
Jul 2024Verified booking
Harry
Jun 2024Verified booking
james
Jun 2024Verified booking
One of the best things i've ever done in NZ. Such a unique experience and amazing friendly instructors we had such a good time!
Edward
May 2024Verified booking
Eco-conscious small-group cave adventure through the cave's quieter sections.
- Best for Eco-conscious adventurers seeking an intimate, small-group cave experience with an emphasis on preserving nature and glowworm habitats.
- Book this if you want: A total 3-hour guided adventure through the lesser-known, eco-friendly parts of Waitomo Cave, including 2 hours of active exploration and 1 hour for close encounters with glowworms in the caves.
- Everything you get: Eco-focused small-group tour, safety gear, thermal clothing, snacks, and a hot drink for warming up afterward.
- Make the most of stream-wading and climbing through glowworm-lit caves, while your guide shares Waitomo’s natural wonders.
Eco-conscious small-group cave adventure through the cave's quieter sections.
- Best for Eco-conscious adventurers seeking an intimate, small-group cave experience with an emphasis on preserving nature and glowworm habitats.
- Book this if you want: A total 3-hour guided adventure through the lesser-known, eco-friendly parts of Waitomo Cave, including 2 hours of active exploration and 1 hour for close encounters with glowworms in the caves.
- Everything you get: Eco-focused small-group tour, safety gear, thermal clothing, snacks, and a hot drink for warming up afterward.
- Make the most of stream-wading and climbing through glowworm-lit caves, while your guide shares Waitomo’s natural wonders.
Inclusions
- 3-hour guided tour of Waitomo Cave including 2-hour hiking experience
- Expert local guide
- Small group of up to 8 people
- Snack
- Hot drinks
- Safety equipment
- Warm clothing (thermals, fleece jumper, shorts, boots, socks)
- Caving helmet
- Tip: On your way back, take a detour to the Waikato town of Matamata, the filming location for The Shire in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 12 years and over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb).
- Your safety comes first so elderly or visitors with mobility issues are restricted from participating in this experience.
- Guests under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- This experience involves 2 hours of hiking to get to Waitomo Caves. This involves climbing over boulders, walking up hills, and wading through streams with rocks underfoot, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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5.0
50 ratings
50
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Guests from United States, Australia, Germany and over 15 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Gary
Mar 2025Verified booking
This trip was one of our best experiences in New Zealand. The river valley was beautiful, the caves were stupendous and the stalactites and stalagmites were breath-taking... and then the glow-worm cavern itself was wonderful. Ash was a great guide. Can't recommend this highly enough.
Christopher
May 2025Verified booking
This was a brilliant morning. We were in such good hands. Our guide, Ash, was informative and extremely entertaining, but most important of all we felt we were in safe hands. We were in a lovely small group of 6. We were fully kitted out with clothes (which did get wet!), boots, helmet and headlamp. Upon our return we enjoyed hot drinks and cookies whilst 'debriefing'. The caves were beautiful and the 10 minutes we sat in silence and darkness with the roof of the cave lit by the glowworms was just magical. The morning did involve wading through water, and clambering over and under rocks, but because Ash was so supportive it all felt very manageable. The icing on the cake was receiving a lovely collection of photos which Ash had taken during our adventure. Thank you Ash for a truly memorable morning, and also Michelle back at base for helping get us kitted out.
Roger
Mar 2025Verified booking
The company is family owned and operated out of a farm house. Everyone was exceptionaly nice, inluding homemade treats after the tour. Nice to have the clothing all provided, Ash our guide was great, knowlegable and funny and personable. I highly recommend.
kim
May 2025Verified booking
Terri
May 2025Verified booking
Luis
Apr 2025Verified booking
Anukriti
Apr 2025Verified booking
Giulia
Mar 2025Verified booking
Michele
Feb 2025Verified booking
fantastic. 3 hours of walking through the woods and the cave. Beautiful experience. The parking lot is very spacious and clothes are provided by those who organize the trip. The group consisted of 6 people plus the guide, and we all moved together, no one stood behind. The cave is sometimes not spacious so I do not recommend the visit to people who suffer from claustrophobia and being a cave in the case of rains the trip is canceled. At the end coffee, cake and laughter
Divij
Jan 2025Verified booking
Ashley was amazing. It's a decently good trek! Fun. Really enjoyed.
Julia
Feb 2025Verified booking
We loved that the caves are owned buy the tour guide! They meant a lot to them. A very personal experience with the locals. Ash was great!! We wish you guys the best!!
Charles
Jan 2025Verified booking
The tour lead by Esh was awesome. It was fun, educational and unforgettable. I will say that for 4 fit seniors late 60's early 70's, it was the maximum of our capabilities. Thanks Esh for taking it slow for us. We had a very enjoyable memorable day.
James
Jan 2025Verified booking
Our guide was knowledgeable and made the visit fun for everyone. We were not rushed and allowed to make the most of our time in the caves. I would recommend this small group experience to anyone interested in seeing the glow worms.
Laura
Dec 2024Verified booking
Super fun and adventurous ! They provide all clothing so you don't need to worry about that. Great guide and experience!
Chiu
Jan 2025Verified booking
Small group, intimate experience, great guide, not the usual commercial experience.
RAUL
Jan 2025Verified booking
Quite different! Less touristic!, and some exercise!!! :-) Excellent guide!!!
Sarah
Dec 2024Verified booking
We liked that we weren't rushed. We also liked that we got to go caving. It was a unique and fun experience.
YUJI
Mar 2025Verified booking
Janina
Feb 2025Verified booking
Rafal
Feb 2025Verified booking
Nicolas
Feb 2025Verified booking
Hürlimann
Jan 2025Verified booking
Matthias
Jan 2025Verified booking
Jeet
Jan 2025Verified booking
Abhilash
Dec 2024Verified booking
Smaller chambers than other caves for a more personal experience.
- Best for explorers and photographers eager to see one of Waitomo’s quieter, picturesque caves without the large crowds of the main attractions.
- Book this if you want: A relaxed 1-hour cave tour to experience natural formations, deep caverns, and Maori legends, in a more intimate setting.
- Everything you get: Guided tour, small-group access, permission to photograph throughout the tour, and entry to the stunning Aranui Cave.
- Make the most of photographing intricate limestone formations from rich caramels to soft pinks and pristine whites, and the massive stalactites.
Smaller chambers than other caves for a more personal experience.
- Best for explorers and photographers eager to see one of Waitomo’s quieter, picturesque caves without the large crowds of the main attractions.
- Book this if you want: A relaxed 1-hour cave tour to experience natural formations, deep caverns, and Maori legends, in a more intimate setting.
- Everything you get: Guided tour, small-group access, permission to photograph throughout the tour, and entry to the stunning Aranui Cave.
- Make the most of photographing intricate limestone formations from rich caramels to soft pinks and pristine whites, and the massive stalactites.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of Aranui Cave
- English-speaking guide of Maori descent
- Small group of up to 15 people
- Photography allowed
- Entry to Aranui Cave
- Tip: Ask your guide about the "Whisper Room," a hidden chamber off the main path, with acoustics allowing whispers to be heard from 30 feet away.
- Photography and video are permitted inside the cave.
- It's recommended to wear a warm jacket along with comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.2
13 ratings
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What our guests say
Hannah
Jan 2025Verified booking
I love that the Aranui cave is a bit more intimate, and you can get up close to the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. Mere our guide was friendly and knowledgeable.
Karen
Dec 2024Verified booking
Our 1pm guide was very friendly and informative. All photos of our whanau in it will be for our private viewing only. Thank you until next time
Nikki
Jan 2025Verified booking
The cave was amazing. Some interesting details and facts.
Matthias
Dec 2024Verified booking
Should warn people that there are hugh spider at the entrance of the cave. My wife is afraid of them
Thorsten
Jan 2025Verified booking
Arkan
Jan 2025Verified booking
Ittichai
Jan 2025Verified booking
Gianfranco
Nov 2024Verified booking
Lovely! I will be back 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Rhoderick
Jul 2024Verified booking
The website was not cleared ... my kids was expecting Glow Worms in the Aranui Cave thus with an assumption that all caves have glow worms hence for us especially having a vacation here from California was a disappointment and waste of our money....
Marie
Mar 2024Verified booking
We actually wanted to see the glow-worm cave but the only cave that came up on your booking site on my phone was for the Aranui cave and unknowingly I booked this tour the night prior . We were travelling with an overseas tourist and she especially wanted to see the glow-worms. We were told on arrival of my mistake and that unfortunately the glow-worm cave tours were booked out for the rest of the day. We did however enjoy our tour of the Aranui cave, our guide obliged us by singing a waiata inside the cave which all the overseas guests really appreciated. He was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Elena
Mar 2024Verified booking
The guide was very friendly and did a good job, however it was very expensive for the amount of time we were there. The tour was not as long as mentioned, therefore we felt overcharged.
Cat
Jan 2024Verified booking
Ka rawe. The cave is amazing and the guide was wonderful.
Lyle
Mar 2024Verified booking
High-speed ziplining through the scenic Waitomo countryside with aerial views.
- Best for families, groups, and adrenaline seekers looking for an outdoor adventure ziplining through scenic landscapes in Waitomo.
- Book this if you want: A 2-hour adrenaline rush through a 10-line zipline circuit, surrounded by Waitomo’s beautiful nature.
- Everything you get: Safety equipment, expert guide, up to 2 hours of ziplining, and the chance to zoom through New Zealand’s lush forests.
- Make the most of soaring through treetops, catching glimpses of the native bush below, and feeling the rush as you zip through 10 thrilling lines.
High-speed ziplining through the scenic Waitomo countryside with aerial views.
- Best for families, groups, and adrenaline seekers looking for an outdoor adventure ziplining through scenic landscapes in Waitomo.
- Book this if you want: A 2-hour adrenaline rush through a 10-line zipline circuit, surrounded by Waitomo’s beautiful nature.
- Everything you get: Safety equipment, expert guide, up to 2 hours of ziplining, and the chance to zoom through New Zealand’s lush forests.
- Make the most of soaring through treetops, catching glimpses of the native bush below, and feeling the rush as you zip through 10 thrilling lines.
Inclusions
- Entry to Waitomo Caves Zipline Park
- Expert guide
- Up to 2 hours of ziplining
- Access to 10 in a 1km circuit
- Safety lesson
- Safety equipment
- Tip: For a hearty meal to replenish your energy, head to Huhu Cafe, a local favorite known for its lamb burger and selection of local craft beers.
- There is some walking on uneven terrain including uphill walking, however, the activity is achievable with a low level of fitness.
- Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted for those over 120kg (287 pounds), and guests under 7 years old.
- Groups with participants under 18 years old must have at least one adult participating in the adventure.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.8
13 ratings
12
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What our guests say
Pam
Apr 2025Verified booking
had a fabulous time doing this event. such caring people, made sure the children and old people were well looked after, felt like a family day out. just awesome. would highly recommend to everyone.
Ashley
Apr 2025Verified booking
Passionate people running a fun adventure Had a blast
Andrew
Jan 2025Verified booking
IRIS
Dec 2024Verified booking
Karlee
Oct 2024Verified booking
Sophia
Jul 2024Verified booking
Fantastic time zip lining through the trees. Great laughs together as we worked our way through the course. Our guide was excellent.
Kath
Mar 2023Verified booking
We had a wonderful time at the waitomo cave zip line park - we were well looked after by our wonderful instructors who made our day fun, exciting & safe. Explaining to our mixed ability group so that everyone felt comfortable & able to take part & really enjoy the adventure - happy to recommend this & plan to return with family.
Petra
Apr 2024Verified booking
We had a great time! A family with two kids - 9 and 12 Years old. Rob and Kelly are lovely people. We had a lot of fun and felt very safe. Thank you for this exciting family adventure!
Amit
Dec 2023Verified booking
This was an amazing experience! A must do for anyone who is in the Waitomo area. Rob and Kelsey were really great and made sure that we had a great time ziplining!
Edward
Dec 2022Verified booking
The teaching on the small runs and building up to the fast ones was perfect. I really loved the speed of the lines. Well worth it and one of my favorite activities so far in New Zealand.
Chun
Apr 2024Verified booking
Lovely owner/ operator , very well organized. Enjoyed very minitutes with the crew. Special experience for a young man
Andrea
Mar 2024Verified booking
Super fun activity and super instructors. Perfect organisation.
Marlen
Jan 2024Verified booking
AucklandWaitomo Glowworm Caves