Waitomo Caves Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by The Mighty Waikato
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves
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$171 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
NZ$171
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 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! (114 reviews)
"Great place to stay to visit the glow worm caves. Tavern was very close where the food & service was great."

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka
Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
4 out of 5
12 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves
The price is NZ$150 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
NZ$150
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star holiday park in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (280 reviews)
"Great top 10, well set out well located"

Reviewed on 26 Oct. 2024

Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
Woodlyn Park
Woodlyn Park
3.5 out of 5
1177 Waitomo Valley Road, Waitomo Caves, Waikato
The price is NZ$257 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$257
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 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! (219 reviews)
"Quirky properties, clean and comfortable. Some don't have air conditioning. Overall good."

Reviewed on 9 Nov. 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! (219 reviews)
"Quirky properties, clean and comfortable. Some don't have air conditioning. Overall good."

Reviewed on 9 Nov. 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 ...
"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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (20 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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Activities

Reviews of Waitomo Caves

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
45
" "5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 13%
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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