spellbound glowworm and cave tours

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New Zealand’s brightest glowworm cave experience. Our tours are safe and completely suitable for everyone from young children to older folk. Bring a camera for some photos and let us give you wonderful memories of Waitomo. Discover something new.

Waitomo's Brightest Glowworm Cave as filmed by Sir David Attenborough and the BBC!

Glowworm and cave explorer

Adult $75 NZD Child $26 NZD - 0 to 14 yrs

Glowworm cave essential

Adult: $64 NZD Children: $22 NZD - 0 to 14 yrs

Spellbound Private Tour

A private tour ensures that you enjoy an exclusive tour all to yourselves!

Camera friendly

Suitable for all ages.

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Spellbound – Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours

Waitomo glowworm tourist attractions , waitomo glowworm cave tours.

Waitomo – Visit the Spellbound Glowworm Caves to enjoy Waitomo’s biggest and brightest glowworm show. Experience two wonderful caves softly lit by 30,000 glowworms in the Mangawhitiakau cave system, 12km south of Waitomo.

Drift slowly through the first cave where you will be rewarded with the soft glow of many of thousands of glowworms, enough to gently light up an entire cave.  Walk through Cave of the Spirit, a lovely succession of chambers to find speleothems, fossil remains of extinct moa and cathedrals filled with natural light, softly falling to the floor.

You will have, 1 guide, 2 caves to visit and up to 12 people. Lots of time is taken so you can truly enjoy one of nature’s greatest light spectacles. 

Spellbound Essential Glowworm Tour

One cave  tour to see the Glowworms up close then Drift slowly through our glowworm cave by raft on flat water where you will be rewarded with enough glowworms  to gently light up the  entire cave

Spellbound – Glowworm & Cave Excursion

Note – This is the same as our explorer option, but with pickup and return from the Waitomo Village

In the first cave, see glowworms close up to discover their real identities. Then board a raft to experience a spellbinding drift down the mysterious cave river. Sit beneath the closest, densest and most sweeping glowworm display you could wish for. Our second cave is approached via a scenic gorge path retracing a lost river. At the cave we turn on soft lighting and introduce you to the ancient world of the Cave of the Spirit. Be prepared to be surprised by this cave.

• Our tour visits 2 different caves, the first is a cave with a boat ride, and the second is a walk-through cave.
• We take you on an inflatable raft to view glowworms – there are no rapids in the cave, it’s very gentle and serene.
• Our caves are presented very naturally, we’ve modified them as little as possible and they are located on a very beautiful, backcountry farm. You will encounter few other visitors – if any at all. Our tour is worth doing just for the drive out there!
• Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
• The tour takes place in the outdoors and cave temperatures are cool even in summer (10°C/50°F) 
• We stay dry – the tour does not involve using a wet suit or abseiling or river rapids, it’s very easy
• You are welcome to bring your camera to snap some memories.
• Hot drinks and biscuits are provided. Toilets are also provided.
• We travel to private caves in certified transit van with seat belts commentary is given along the way.
• During times of flooding the raft may not operate for safety reasons.

Tour Itinerary

• We drive to the caves via very scenic backcountry roads and farm tracks with commentary along the way. (20 minutes each way)
• You arrive at private caves situated on a sheep and cattle farm, then walk among limestone rock outcrops before descending into a gorge to meet a picturesque stream.
• Get ready to go underground ( for 45-55 minutes).The Spellbound Glowworm cave is almost totally adorned with glowworms. We walk through half of it and float through the other half on flat water using an inflatable raft. We keep our lights very dim or off as much as possible to give you the best possible glowworm experience.
• By now you have been with us for 1.5 hours. We stop for toilets and refreshments (tea, coffee or hot chocolate and biscuits)
• After tea and coffee, it’s time to walk along a dry gorge to the Cave of the Spirit. This cave has stalactites and stalagmites, fossils and tomo. We spend 40 – 45 minutes here, then drive back to Waitomo Village.
• The tour Itinerary sometimes changes – we may visit the caves in opposite order or avoid walks between caves in heavy rain. If you don’t feel comfortable doing all the walks you will be able to ride in the van as an alternative.

Spellbound Cave Explorer

Our Most Popular Tour

2 cave tour starting at our new visitor centre (334 Boddies Rd. Oparure, Te Kuiti) – Take a 5 minute ride, then 5 minute walk in the Waitomo countryside to visit our Glowworm Cave. The highlight is boat ride with spectacular glowworms.Then continue , walking through an ancient river gorge to Te Ana o te Atua , the cave of the Spirit. Inside , be impressed by its limestone formations, fossils and spectacular views to the sky through tomo( sinkholes) also includes tea/coffee refreshment stop between the 2 cave visits.

This option includes the Essential tour,  plus Spirit cave,  plus refreshments.

Booking ahead is recommended because we can be very quiet or very busy!!

Private & Exclusive Photography Tour

Over the last 2 years we have had  lead many groups for private exclusive photo tours. This  is a more affordable way to do a photography tour. Join in with a few others (maximum 6 people). You must have a tripod and a camera, with equipment suitable to use in low light. You also need to be familiar with the functions of your particular camera too achieve this –  A typical Glowworm shot would be  30 seconds f4, Iso 6400 , depending how much extra reflections you like in your picture.  You must bring spare batteries and memory cards as there is nothing available at the site. You also must feel confident focusing your camera in very low light conditions. Your guide will be able to recommend the best places to setup, and  assist if necessary.

Bring a warm top or jacket, walking shoes (trainers) and your camera. If you have any questions about visiting our caves, please contact us for more information. We do like to know about any fitness issues or injuries which may affect you during your tour, then we can give you a good indication if our tour will be suitable for you

Email: [email protected]             Visit our Website:   www.glowworm.co.nz/

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Our glowworm display is spellbinding and incomparable

Float beneath a galaxy of Glowworms in a small group

Spellbound Glowworms are easily seen on cave ceiling

The Cave of the Spirit

Ancient Moa bones

Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tours

334 Boddies Road Te Kuiti , Waitomo Caves , New Zealand .

Raft gently beneath Waitomo’s largest and most impressive glowworm display. In a small group of 12 or fewer you are guaranteed an unhurried and relaxed experience. Photography is welcome in these exceptional caves. Suitable for visitors of all ages.

Pricing and Conditions

Commission rate is offered on application, escorts/interpreters may come for free.

Cancellation may occur during flooding, full refunds may be given. Cancellation by clients will result in 20% cancellation fee.

Our first priority is to take you in a small group so we can personalize your experience, our next is to give you the best possible opportunity to see and appreciate everything these exceptional caves offer. A close look at glowworms is a great way to start the tour, our guides can explain and show you everything. Giving you lots of time with the lights out, your eyes will fully adjust to the many thousands of small lights above, then an unhurried boat ride beneath them will simply amaze you. Short walks and warm refreshments are a great way to appreciate the beautiful surrounding above the caves and lastly a visit to the Cave of the Spirit is a really wonderful way to picture Waitomo’s treasure trove of ancient mysteries and stories.

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8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, what are the best cave and glowworm tours in waitomo.

By now, you probably know about the marvels that hide beneath the rolling farmland of Waitomo. The Waitomo caves are among some of the most popular attractions in New Zealand, but many travellers only discover just how many glowworm cave tours there are once they get to Waitomo, by which point, you’re already booked onto the first cave tour you came across. There are five different companies taking you into the caves of Waitomo to either do some caving, walking or floating in a raft, boat or even a rubber tube. Don’t get stuck with taking the first cave tour you hear about- there are many options to suit a range of budgets, ages, abilities and personalities.

So, pick the best Waitomo experience for you with this list of the best Waitomo cave tours. Plus, while you’re here, you might want to plan the rest of your trip starting with The Complete Guide to Waitomo .

1. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

Combine the adrenaline adventure that New Zealand is famous for with the majesty of the Waitomo caves networks on a cave tour with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. Go cave tubing complete with underground waterfall jumps on the three-hour Black Labyrinth tour or go all out on the five-hour Black Abyss tour with abseiling, waterfall climbing, ziplining and more. Both options give you the opportunity to see small clusters of glowworms, as well as a few interesting limestone formations along the way. All in all, this activity is all about adventure. See how the tours compare in What is the Best Black Water Rafting Tour in New Zealand? or head to Viator and Tripadvisor to book your tour.

Location: 585 Waitomo Caves Road

2. Cave World Waitomo

Escape the crowds of Waitomo’s more popular caves on a small-group experience with Cave World Waitomo. This 1h15min walking tour ventures through native bush and waterfalls to the breathtaking Footwhistle Cave. The cave scenery is dimly lit, just enough for you to admire the stunning limestone formations and glowworm displays. The tour concludes with a traditional New Zealand kawakawa tea in native forest surroundings. Learn more about Cave World Waitomo on Viator and Tripadvisor .

Location: 23 Waitomo Village Road

3. Ruakuri Cave

One of the most accessible cave tours in Waitomo, the Ruakuri Cave is not only suitable for all ages but is also wheelchair and stroller accessible. After delving down a spiral walkway, the 1h25mins experience takes you through tunnels to various chambres displaying some of the most impressive stalactite formations in Waitomo. You’ll have the opportunity to see small glowworm displays glowing on the ceilings, as well as close-up. The tour is a good option to enjoy a comprehensive glowworm cave experience without getting wet. Learn more about Ruakuri Cave on Viator or Tripadvisor .

Location: Tumutumu Road

4. Glowing Adventures

See the Waitomo caves exactly as nature intended on the glowworms cave tours with Glowing Adventures. There are no concrete floors, no walkways or artificial lighting in this cave network on a family farm giving you an authentic caving experience. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t magnificent features to behold, in fact, it’s quite the opposite with what looks like limestone waterfalls frozen in time, stalactites and, of course, beautiful displays of glowworms. Groups are limited to six people, while private tours and even photography tours are available. Find out more about the different tours available on Viator and Tripadvisor . Plus, we list this experience in the 9 Luxury Activities in Waitomo .

Location: 1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti

5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Easily the most popular cave tour in Waitomo, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is affordable, quick and has one of the best glowworm displays in the country. Delve into a giant limestone chamber known as Cathedral Cave where you’ll experience the amazing acoustics, before getting a quick chance to marvel at some of the glowworms close up. The highlight of the 30 to 45-minute trip, however, is the gentle float in a boat underneath one of the largest known displays of glowworms in New Zealand – just magical! See Viator and Tripadvisor for more details on the tour.

Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road

6. Waitomo Adventures

Offering the largest array of adventure activities in Waitomo, Waitomo Adventures is the perfect option for travellers who want to get into the true New Zealand spirit of adventure. Six different tour options allow you to experience some or all of Waitomo Adventures’ underground challenges among giant caverns, such as a 100m (328ft) free-hanging abseil, waterfall abseils, gentle ziplines, tubing (also known as black water rafting), climbing, scrambling and more. The caves are full of dramatic stalactites, as well as clusters of glowworms to admire. On-site is also the children’s activity the Troll Cave, a cafe and a day spa. Find out more about the Troll Cave in the 10 Things to Do in Waitomo with Kids .

Location: 1227 Waitomo Valley Road

7. Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

One of the best-value cave tours in Waitomo, Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tours offers an incredible 3h15min experience seeing breathtaking glowworm displays and admiring awe-striking limestone formations. Their combined glowworm and cave tour takes you to two separate caves, starting with the Spellbound Cave where you’ll gently float on a raft down an underground river with a galaxy of glowworms above your head. Next, it’s the Spirit Cave with stalactites, tomo and sinkholes, as well as the chance to see the remains of the long-extinct moa. Tours to see just the Spellbound Cave, as well as private tours, are also available.

Location: 15 Waitomo Village Road (in the general store)

8. Aranui Cave

Last, but by no means least, the Aranui Cave is an intimate cave experience that offers something a little different from glowworms. With no running stream through the cave, you’ll instead find intriguing creatures like the giant native insect, the weta. You’ll follow the boardwalks to narrow chambers awash in magnificent limestone features, long stalactites and even various shades of colour. This cave tour is definitely a must for those more interested in seeing spectacular cave landscapes than glowworms.

Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road.

More About Tours in Waitomo

• 8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples
• 15 Free Things to Do in Waitomo
• 10 Waitomo Must-Dos

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
• Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Waitomo Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tour Full Day from/to Rotorua

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• Main pick up point is the Rotorua I-site, however, will pick up from other Rotorua CBD locations as required. We do not pick up outside of Rotorua.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Waitomo Caves Stop: 3 hours See details
• 2 Arapuni Swing Bridge Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 3 Ruakuri Walk Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Veronan186 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles DO THIS TOUR! DO THIS TRIP! This was incredible. I have only really done simple rockclimbing before, but felt safe and comfortable throughout the tour. Our guides were so helpful and comforting. My husband and I were the only ones on the tour so we had a private trip which was amazing. It was an amazing experience to abseil down into the cave, I was so comfortable that I was able to take in the incredible views throughout. The guide took some amazing photos throughout for us. I was expecting this tour to be pretty amazing, but this trip took the cake- it was the best thing we did on our entire NZ trip. Read more Written August 4, 2023
• Pedroetania 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Simply spectacular A New Zealand highlight for sure! Super fun 4h tour, these guys know what they're doing! Our guides were Joel and Craig, loved them both! Uber safety-conscious, double-checked every single stitch of clothing and piece of equipment. They have lockers for your belongings. Footwear and overalls are provided, just remember to bring knee-high resistant socks. The 100m abseil was an absolute thrill. I was terrified, but Joel and Craig were sooo supportive and encouraging, always with a positive word and a smile. Thanks for that. The cave walk part was pefectly doable, even for a 5ft-2 human like myself. And sitting in the dark hearing a waterfall and looking at glow-worms.. just magical! Heads-up, there is a teeny tiny ladder you must go up in order to finish the tour. But nevermind, as long as you're in decent shape, your guides will get you through even that! Read more Written February 19, 2023
• Tania M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Spectacular trip TrThis is one of those trips not to be missed. It is so different and beautiful. Descending 100m down into the Lost World is spectacular....looking up and down. The climb out is a real adventure with a wonderful glow worm as a bonus. Felt safe at every stage of the trip. Excellent, friendly guide who gave informal talks about caves, glow worms and geology.We travelled to Waitomo in own transport. Read more Written November 3, 2020
• 492sparshk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Glowworm Cave Adventure Absolutely amazing trip, the service was incredible and the tubing was amazing in the Waitomo Glowworm caves! Definitely a must try if you’re in rotorua! Read more Written December 23, 2019
• Hdkyu10 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience! Went in with very little expectations but was blown away—one of the best experiences that’s I’ve had. It was surreal! The guides were awesome and made it even more enjoyable with their fun facts and jokes. I’d say that it’s definitely not for the weak. It was quite exhausting. Also not for the claustrophobic because you have to navigate very tight spaces. But overall, if you’re relatively fit then you’ll have a good time! Read more Written December 15, 2019

More to explore in Rotorua

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Waitomo Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tour Full Day from/to Rotorua provided by Thermal Shuttle - Waitomo Tours (from/to Rotorua)