Waitomo Glow Worm Caves Tours & Activities Guide
We highly recommend checking availability & booking tickets in advance for your Waitomo Caves Tours today, as tours are very popular.
〰️
We highly recommend checking availability & booking tickets in advance for your Waitomo Caves Tours today, as tours are very popular. 〰️
Te Tiro Glamping & Cottages hosts, Angus and Rachel, were Waitomo cave guides for many years and two of the first guides at Black Water Rafting. They have thoughtfully curated some of their favourite guided cave tours. Discover the wonders of Waitomo and make the most of your visit!
Waitomo's Subterranean Magic
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand, Waitomo offers a wonderland beneath the surface. Explore majestic caves adorned with glittering stalactites and stalagmites. Embark on a magical boat ride under a breathtaking canopy of twinkling glow worms. Whether you seek a Relaxing Glow worm Cruise or exhilarating black water rafting, Waitomo has something for every adventurer.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and shorter tour, consider the classic Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour.
Relaxing Glow Worm Cruise
Short on time? The classic Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour is perfect. This 45-minute guided boat ride lets you witness the mesmerizing glow of thousands of glowworms.
Magical Ruakuri Cave Tour
Don’t miss the Magical Ruakuri Cave Tour, a real highlight for Angus, where you’ll experience the wonder of subterranean landscapes and get up close to the glow worms in the Ruakuri Cave.
Unveiling Ruakuri's Wonders
A must-do for Angus is the Magical Ruakuri Cave Tour. Experience the awe-inspiring subterranean landscapes and get up close to the glow worms that call Ruakuri Cave home.
Waitomo Caves Black Water Rafting
A personal favourite for Angus and Rachel is the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co’s Black Labyrinth and Abyss tours, perfect for those seeking action-packed thrills.
Plunge into adventure!
Plunge into adventure! Take on the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company's Black Labyrinth or Abyss tours for an adrenaline-pumping journey through Waitomo's hidden waterways.
Waitomo’s Aranui Cave
For a more delicate and intimate experience, explore the Aranui Cave, where you can discover its unique features.
Want a unique cave experience?
Explore Aranui's delicate formations and glow worms on an intimate guided tour.
On your way to Waitomo Caves?
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Hobbiton Detour
Travelling from Auckland? Your Lord of the Rings-loving host Angus suggests adding a visit to Hobbiton. Step into the Shire, grab a hobbit-sized drink at The Green Dragon Inn, and explore the charming hobbit holes.
Rotorua Rafting - Kaituna River
Angus and Rachel have both rafted the Kaituna River a number of times, absolutely stunning river to raft! If you're looking for an adrenaline rush during your Rotorua visit, this is it.
Rotorua Rafting - Kaituna River White Water Rafting
Tackle the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall, Tutea Falls, at a thrilling 7 meters. With an all-Kiwi crew guiding you through three impressive waterfalls, it's no wonder this river is ranked as the world's best white water rafting spot. Whether you're a first-timer or an adrenaline junkie, they'll tailor the adventure to match your excitement level!
Mitai Maori Village: Authentic Māori Culture Comes Alive
Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua
If you're visiting Rotorua before or after staying with us, start your journey at Mitai Maori Village. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of Māori traditions. Witness a powerful haka performance, savour a traditional hangi feast, and explore the magical glowworm-lit bush.
Want to kick off your Rotorua visit with an unforgettable taste of Māori culture? We love the Mitai Maori Village experience! Run by the local Iwi, it's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Aotearoa. Your evening starts with a handy bus pickup right from your accommodation. You'll get to see warriors paddling a waka down the river (very impressive!), enjoy some amazing traditional performances, and even explore a bush lit up by glowworms.
The highlight for us is the mouth-watering hangi feast - it's absolutely delicious! It's why we think this is the best way to get an evening show, traditional meal, and authentic cultural experience all in one go. If you're after a genuine introduction to Aotearoa's indigenous heritage to start your Rotorua adventure, let us book this enriching experience for you.
Waitomo Caves Free Activities:
Waitomo has many wonderful places to visit, including spectacular waterfalls, natural bridges, and rugged West Coast black sand beaches.
Short walk guide
Check walkway status: before you go, check the Department of Conservation website to see if walkways are open or closed.
〰️
Check walkway status: before you go, check the Department of Conservation website to see if walkways are open or closed. 〰️
| DOC Guides & Walkway Status | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Ruakuri Bush Walk | Map | Discover a forested gorge, natural sculpted cliffs and low limestone arches on this spectacular loop walk - plenty to keep kids interested. 1km - 45min |
| Mangapohoe Natural Bridge | Map | Walk through an impressive limestone gorge that passes underneath a 17 m high natural arch. 700 m return via same track. 20 min |
| Piri Piri Caves | Map | Piripiri Cave offers the chance to soak in the majesty of a cave in one of the few free caves open to the general public in the area. 300 m return return via same track. 5 min |
| Marakopa Falls | Map | Walk to the beautiful 35 m high Marokopa Falls. 600 m return via same track. 20 min |
Our favourite Waitomo Caves Village eateries
Other local attractions
Museums: Waitomo Caves Museum, Google map directions 12 mins drive
Westcoast Beach: Marokopa Beach, Google Map directions 44 min drive
View from Te Tiro Glowworm grotto Photo: Angus Stubbs
Discover a forested gorge, natural sculpted cliffs, low limestone arches on this loop walk. 15 mins Drive
Photo: www.waikatonz.com