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Waitomo glowworm guides

Everything to know before you go underground: whether it is worth it, which cave to pick, what tickets cost, how to get there from Auckland, what glowworms are, and what to wear.

Is Waitomo Glowworm Caves Worth It? 2026 VerdictWhat the caves give you for the time and money, how long to allow, and who each cave suitsRead the guide →Best Glowworm Cave Waitomo 2026: All 11 Tours ComparedThe Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri, Aranui and the adventure caves weighed by boat, photos, length and priceRead the guide →Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tickets 2026: Prices & BookingOfficial NZ$ prices for every cave, family passes, opening hours, check-in and booking aheadRead the guide →Waitomo Day Trip from Auckland 2026: Tours & DriveThe drive, the three day trips side by side, Hobbiton and the caves in one day, and Rotorua one way.Read the guide →Glowworms Explained 2026: What They Are, When They GlowFungus gnat larvae, titiwai, why not to touch, when they glow, the free night walk and the 1887 story.Read the guide →Waitomo Caves Photos & What to Wear 2026: RulesThe photo rule in each cave, 16 to 17°C inside, shoes and jackets, black water rafting kit and access.Read the guide →

Tours

Choose your cave

The three tours most people choose between. Every tour has its own page with which cave it enters, where it starts and what guests say.

Ruakuri Cave Glowworm Walking Tour Photos allowed ★ 4.71.5 hoursFree cancellation

Ruakuri Cave Glowworm Walking Tour
Glowworms on footPhotos allowedWheelchair access

New Zealand's longest guided underground walk: down a spiral ramp into Ruakuri Cave, past underground waterfalls and formations to glowworms you can see up close, with photos allowed in selected areas.

What's included
  • 90-minute guided walk
  • Glowworms and formations
  • Entry fees
  • Own transport to Tumutumu Road
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$67per person Reserve
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour by Boat Most booked ★ 4.545 minutesFree cancellation

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour by Boat
Boat rideThe CathedralNo photos inside

The original Waitomo tour and the most booked: 45 minutes through the upper levels and the Cathedral, then a silent boat ride under the Glowworm Grotto, with a local guide from the village.

What's included
  • 45-minute guided tour
  • Glowworm Grotto boat ride
  • Entry ticket
  • Photos and video not allowed inside
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$47per person Reserve
Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland Top rated ★ 4.911 hoursFree cancellation

Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland
Hotel pickupHobbiton tourLunch included

Two of the North Island's best-known sights in one day from Auckland: a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set with a drink at the Green Dragon, a café lunch, then the 45-minute Glowworm Cave tour by boat.

What's included
  • Pickup from downtown Auckland hotels
  • Hobbiton guided tour and a drink
  • Light café lunch
  • 45-minute Glowworm Cave tour
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$207per person Reserve

Plan your date before you go

The most booked Waitomo tour: 45 minutes and a silent boat ride under the Glowworm Grotto.

Check dates for the Glowworm Cave boat tour