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Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience - Small Group Tour from Auckland

24 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 24 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Auckland, New Zealand

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Join us on a small group day tour from Auckland to visit one of New Zealand's most iconic and famous attractions, the amazing Waitomo Caves, where you'll be in awe of the cave formations and the thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. The subterranean cave system is most unforgettable sightseeing experience as you walk through majestic caverns, exploring limestone shafts, marvelling at the stalactites and stalagmites and ride a boat beneath thousands of tiny glow-worms that inhabit the cave and put on a mesmerising light display likened to the twinkling night sky. This Waitomo Caves tour provides an immersive experience into the heart of New Zealand's underground treasures, allowing you to witness the magic of the glowworms and the breathtaking geological formations that make these caves unique.

What's Included

  • Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
  • Complimentary refreshments and water on board
  • Unrivalled boat ride through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We pick up passengers from selected hotels in Auckland CBD. If your hotel is not in this list, please choose the closest alternative pickup location. If you require assistance in choosing the closest alternative pickup location, please contact the operator in advance so that we can assist you.Please see below timings of your pickup based on your selected pickup location. Please make sure you are present at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. We cannot hold the bus if you are late, and no refunds will be provided to late or no-show passengers.Scheduled Pick-Up Timings[06:00 AM - Sofitel Auckland, Park Hyatt, Swiss Bel-Suites Victoria Park]; [06:05 AM - M Social, Hilton Auckland]; [06:10 AM - Mövenpick Hotel, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Adina Apartment Hotel]; [06:15 AM - Pullman Auckland, JW Marriot, voco Auckland City Centre, Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, ibis Budget Auckland City Centre]; [06:20 AM - Crowne Plaza Auckland, SkyCity Hotel, The Grand By SkyCity, Heritage Auckland, Rydges Auckland]; [06:25 AM - Four Points By Sheraton Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, VR Auckland City Hobson Street]; [06:30 AM - Cordis Auckland, Mercure Auckland, Kiwi International, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites]

OR
Meeting point

Customs Street East
Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

Options & Pricing

Start Time • Daily 6:30 AM

What To Expect

Auckland Central

We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bombay Hills (Pass By)

The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.
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Robert Harris

We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Te Awamutu (Pass By)

Te Awamutu calls itself the ‘Rose Capital of New Zealand’. During the blooming season, November to April, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as 2000 rose bushes turn on the charm.
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Auckland Central

After an exhilarating fun-filled experience at Waitomo, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Waitomo if you are staying locally in the region.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
  • No backpacks or large bags allowed in cave due to delicate formations.
  • Please do not touch the formation in the cave as it discoloured easily, please help us protect our cave.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience – Small Group Tour from Auckland?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-168163P8

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Reviews

4.92
24 reviews

Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 24 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
22
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
  • Complimentary refreshments and water on board
  • Unrivalled boat ride through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto
  • Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the tour of the iconic Glow-worm Caves
  • Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
  • Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Admission to fully guided 45 minutes experience Waitomo Glow Worm Cave
  • Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
  • Witness the history created over thousands of years
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Experience one of the best North Island destinations in one day on an all-encompassing tour
  • WiFi on board
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
  • See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head
  • Be captivated by the thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
  • Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Lunch

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
  • Easy and good fitness level required.
  • This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
  • No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
  • No backpacks or large bags allowed in cave due to delicate formations.
  • Please do not touch the formation in the cave as it discoloured easily, please help us protect our cave.
  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness.
  • Please note that the actual tour of the Waitomo Caves including boat ride is 45 minutes long.
  • We highly recommend booking the "Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave Experience - Small Group Tour From Auckland" if you have a bit more time in your day and spend it wisely and explore both the caves given the travel time from Auckland to the caves is approximately 3 hours each way.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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