Waitomo Caves Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by The Mighty Waikato
One of New Zealand's most popular attractions, the sparkling glow worms and echoing acoustics make this underground palace an unforgettable experience.

Stroll through the deep limestone chambers and listen in for the sound of the underground waterfalls throughout the cavernous darkness. Visitors will glide over the dark black waters and gaze up at the dazzling glow worms that line the roof of the Waitomo Caves. For those looking for a more physical experience, abseil down into the caves and tube through this underground labyrinth on a “black-water rafting” tour. The Waitomo Caves have been a major attraction in New Zealand for over 100 years. Most visits focus on the Ruakuri, the Aranui and the Glowworm Cave, but a further 300 are in existence in the area. The entrance to the Glowworm Cave is situated just behind the main visitor centre. A 45-minute tour is available to visitors and begins with a descent into The Cathedral, so called for it cathedral-like acoustics. A boat then takes visitors into a smaller area of the cave which is entirely illuminated by thousands of glow worms, a truly remarkable sight. To explore other caves in the area, visitors should be prepared to walk for an hour or arrange transport via the visitor centre. The Aranui cave is dry and does not therefore have any glow worms. What it lacks in glow worms though, it makes up for in size and natural beauty. The majestic rock formations look almost sculpted into the walls and ceiling of this beautiful underground sanctuary. You can take a 2-hour tour of the Ruakuri cave, which begins at a spiral staircase and takes visitors on a 1.6-kilometre visit of the caverns, passing stunning waterfalls and areas of glow worms on the way. For those wanting to inject a bit more excitement into the experience, adventure tours are on offer where visitors can abseil down dark tunnels and climb along narrow ledges. Rafting and swimming through the rivers is another way in which visitors can spice up their cave viewing tours. For more information about adventure tours, visitors should ask at the visitor centre or book in advance online. The visitor centre has a café and provides guests with a brief history of the region.Situated an approximate 1 hour’s drive south of Hamilton, the Waitomo Caves are open daily and run tours at regular intervals. If you wish to visit more than one cave, it’s best to purchase a “Cave Combo” ticket from the visitor centre for a discount.

Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka
Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka
3 out of 5
Hotel Access Rd., Waitomo Caves
The price is NZ$175 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
NZ$175
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (108 reviews)
"Great location, quiet and lovely facility"

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024

Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka
Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
3 out of 5
7 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$171 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
NZ$171
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (408 reviews)
"Everything was quite lovely and the beds were comfortable we do wish there had been a simple egg offering however and the WiFi was adequate by the way"

Reviewed on 26 Oct. 2024

Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
Woodlyn Park
Woodlyn Park
3.5 out of 5
1177 Waitomo Valley Road, Waitomo Caves, Waikato
The price is NZ$257 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
NZ$257
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Woodlyn ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (218 reviews)
"It was a pleasurable stay in the Train Car hotel for our stopover in Waitomo. Very cute and cozy. Had all the amenities we needed. Just recommend keeping the interior doors open at night to keep both the bathroom and kitchen/living room area warm."

Reviewed on 29 Sep. 2024

Woodlyn Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Woodlyn Park
Woodlyn Park
3.5 out of 5
1177 Waitomo Valley Road, Waitomo Caves, Waikato
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Woodlyn ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (218 reviews)
"It was a pleasurable stay in the Train Car hotel for our stopover in Waitomo. Very cute and cozy. Had all the amenities we needed. Just recommend keeping the interior doors open at night to keep both the bathroom and kitchen/living room area warm."

Reviewed on 29 Sep. 2024

Woodlyn Park
Waitomo Woodlyn Park Hobbit Guest House
Waitomo Woodlyn Park Hobbit Guest House
Waitomo
Stay at this vacation home in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Woodlyn Park are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
"Really nice property with some great surroundings and local attractions."

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

Waitomo Woodlyn Park Hobbit Guest House
Te Tiro Accommodation
Te Tiro Accommodation
2 out of 5
970 Te Anga Rd, Waitomo Caves, Waikato
Stay at this cottage in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Aranui Cave are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"Up on top of a mountain surrounded by a farm. Incredible views. Angus gave us a warm welcome. 10 minutes from the glow worm caves. We stayed in cabin 1. Rustic. A short walk to a private glow worm grotto."

Reviewed on 4 Oct. 2024

Te Tiro Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Waitomo Caves

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
45
" "5 - Excellent 59.21052631578947%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 27.63157894736842%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 13.157894736842104%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I highly recommend staying over night in Waitomo. Apart from the caves, you can also do a night time bush walk and see Glow Worms as well.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The caves were amazing. We did the 3hr black water rafting tour. 5 stars for that.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Weird little town, Waitomo Caves 45 min boat tour a waste of time and disappointing but the Ruakaki Cave was spectacular and well worth the money and time

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Worth a visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The glowworm caves are a must, plus some of the bush walks that are suitable for children, such as the natural bridge and Matokopa Falls (stunning).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very expensive

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