Waitomo Glowworm Cave

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The Waitomo Glowworm Cave is the main cave in the Waitomo Caves complex. It was first opened to tourists in 1889 and is the most touristy and least adventurous option and for many years was the only way to visit the caves.

Admission is by a 45-minute tour that culminates in a boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Cameras are not allowed on this tour.


Our address

Address:
39 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3943
Telephone (07) 878 8228
Website www.waitomo.com
Admission $51
    Open Jan–Mar 8.30am–5.30pm daily; Apr–Oct 9am–5pm daily; Nov–Dec 8.30am–5.30pm daily

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    There are 30 comments from Foursquare

  • Kelly, 05 Feb 2020


    The boat ride was short but really amazing!

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  • Marcos Henrique, 14 Oct 2019


    so cool I loved it!

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  • Road Unraveled, 23 Nov 2018


    It’s kind of like the Pirates of the Caribbean ride but without pirates, and with glow worms, and completely different. Very cool!

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  • Christopher, 15 Oct 2018


    Beautiful and tranquil

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  • Melby, 26 Mar 2018


    Not sure why but you have to be silent on the boat

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  • Pamela, 18 Jan 2018


    Wish the tour was longer

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  • Taiate, 11 Jan 2018


    Book a tour with a group cause it'll be cheaper! Be open to experience cause we will always give opportunitys to have fun

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  • Cla, 29 Oct 2017


    Do the Black Water Rafting labyrinth tour. 3h in the cave submerged in the water in you wet suit. A lot of fun

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  • Tamires, 26 Oct 2017


    So beautiful! It’s a little fast but it’s ok. Good experience.

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  • Persephone, 02 Mar 2017


    Beautiful although short visit. Check out the discounts in the AA magazines you find in the I-sites. We got a 20% discount.

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  • Robin, 25 Dec 2016


    Decent cave tour to see the magical glow worms. No photos allowed inside caves.

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  • Gabriela, 16 Dec 2016


    One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! Loved! You have to live it to understand

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  • Roana, 06 Oct 2016


    The Glow worm cave (45 mins) was nice as it included a short boat ride in the dark to see the glow worms. A magical experience. Ruakuri cave is longer (2 hours) but the walk is easy and interesting.

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  • L bomb, 12 Aug 2016


    Cool and fairly short (30 mins) tour.

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  • Elizabeth, 19 Jun 2016


    Worth the visit but definitely overrated for the time it takes to arrive at the caves and the short time you're actually in the cave. If you can, go on a weekday, less busy.

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  • Gerardo, 01 Jun 2016


    Increíble la cueva de los gusanos, algo único en el mundo!

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  • Mimi, 03 Mar 2016


    You see more glow worms than a night sky filled with stars, it's absolutely divine. It's a bit sad how they don't let you record or take photos in this cave though.

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  • Douglon, 01 Oct 2015


    Super educational and beautiful. Just pray that you are with a quiet tour group or the noisy chatter will ruin the experience.

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  • Jolene, 15 Sep 2015


    So amazing loved it only wish I could take a photo inside.

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  • Spasm, 13 Sep 2015


    Nice place to visit. The Ruakuri and Aranui caves are definitely worth to visit along with the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. Shame on careless tourists who with their equipment manages to damage glowworms.

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  • Lily Suzlini, 19 Aug 2015


    Great experience though boat ride was just for a while

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  • Jamshed, 09 Apr 2015


    Don't let cameras into the cave, so take your best mental pictures :)

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  • Josh, 21 Feb 2015


    Awesome experience but too short. This is a magical place though!

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  • Alina, 27 Dec 2014


    Skip the mediocre food and drinks.

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  • Ali, 30 Nov 2014


    Amazing tour! Do the black water canyoning - you will ab-sail, zip line, float, walk, and climb. Worth the ticket price for the experience. Staff is supper supportive and helpful the entire way.

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  • Lewis, 29 Nov 2014


    One of the best things I've done in New Zealand

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  • Kass, 22 Nov 2014


    One of my favourite experiences in New Zealand. A must do! Dry and wet options available

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  • Ilusha, 20 Nov 2014


    Absolutely must see, The Glow Warm Cave is the easiest way to see a beautiful cavern full of the glowwarms.

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  • AFiq, 25 Oct 2014


    closed at 0500

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  • Onyx, 15 Sep 2014


    Whereas some of the other tours do not allow it, you CAN take photos during the hour long Footwhistle Glowworm Cave walking tour. Our tour guide Rob was highly knowledgeable and friendly.

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