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Home/New Zealand/North Island/Waitomo Caves

Unforgettable Waitomo Caves Adventures & Glowworm Tours

Embark on an enchanting journey into the heart of New Zealand with a visit to the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of bioluminescent glowworms illuminating the subterranean caverns like a starry night sky. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure, a peaceful boat cruise through limestone wonders, or a private guided tour, our Waitomo cave experiences offer something for every traveler. Discover unique geological formations, immersive nature tours, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Book your Waitomo adventure today to experience one of the most iconic natural attractions in New Zealand!

4.86/5 avg ratingFrom $168 per person45 unique experiences71% free cancellation

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.86★ average

Based on 8,918 pooled reviews with ~89% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$226–$536 typical

Median price is $304, with a full range of $168–$1,026

Tour Length

Tour Length

7–12 hours typical

Median duration is 11 hours

Tour Type

Tour Type

Nature & Sightseeing

93% of options focus on nature, 69% are sightseeing tours

Booking Info

Booking Info

Flexible & Instant

71% offer free cancellation and 89% offer instant confirmation

Tour Format

Tour Format

Guided & Private options

91% are guided tours, 51% are private tours

71 Products

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

11 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.94 (3,247 reviews)
95.36%
4.64%
great tour guideGreat experienceGreat tour
Viator
$212
Book now
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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch
Summary

Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, in one easy day trip from Auckland. Our tour is the new extended Hobbiton Experience (now 2.5 hours) where you can venture beyond the door to a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. Immerse yours...

Inclusions
  • Later Departure of 7:30am also offered subject to availability and once earlier departure sold out
  • Light Kiwi-style cafe lunch; what most Kiwis would have for lunch; caters for dietary requirements.
  • Hotel pickup/ drop-off from Downtown Auckland City ONLY. Closest other options if staying in suburbs
  • Complimentary Drink at the Green Dragon
  • Local taxes
  • Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Tour Start Time is NOT the pickup time; pickups are from CBD Hotels in the preceding 20-25 minutes
  • Local driver/guide
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
Itinerary
  • Auckland Central
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, A maximum of 14 people per booking (We can provide this tour to groups larger than 14 by discussions with Viator and ourselves), Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Not Wheel-Suitable Friendly as these are walking tours, We can provide NZ Safety Approved Child Car Seats and Booster Seats. We do not provide strollers or infant back packs, We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland; only the Downtown CBD and 1 location in South Auckland for those staying near the airport-The Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau, There is no photography allowed in the area of the Caves where the glowworms are as the glowworms react negatively to flashlight and will turn their lights off and they then take 2 hours to return to their full luminescence., Tour leaves Auckland at 6:30am with everyone on board-the pickups occur across the CBD in the 25 minutes prior to that, We offer a later tour leaving Auckland at 7:30am subject to availability and once the earlier 6:30am departure is sold out
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland

Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland

12 hrsFree cancellation
4.91 (1,310 reviews)
93.33%
6.67%
amazingGreat tourgreat guide
Viator
$244
Book now
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Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland
Summary

One day. Two worlds you won't find anywhere else. Above ground, step into the storybook setting of Hobbiton Movie Set, where rolling green hills and tiny Hobbit holes bring Middle-earth to life. Then head underground into the darkness of Waitomo, where thousands of glowworms turn the caves into a na...

Inclusions
  • Fully Guided Small Group Tour with local driver/guide
  • Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off in Auckland CBD (select locations only)
  • Water & snacks provided
Exclusions
  • Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
Itinerary
  • Auckland Central
  • Waikato Region
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Karapiro
  • Otorohanga
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Auckland
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund., Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately., The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required, Due to uneven surfaces. steps & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland

Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland

12 hrsFree cancellation
4.91 (706 reviews)
93.82%
6.18%
Great tourexcellentgreat experience
Viator
$256
Book now
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Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland
Summary

Visit two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions in one unforgettable journey through movie magic and natural wonders. Begin at the Hobbiton Movie Set with a professionally guided 2.5-hour tour through the landscapes of the Shire, where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were brought t...

Inclusions
  • Professional Driver / Guide
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • All entry tickets & guided tours
  • Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from most Auckland CBD hotels
Itinerary
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Infant seats must be requested at least 24 hours in advance (extra charges apply), A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to operate
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland

Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland

13 hrsFree cancellation
4.76 (779 reviews)
87.87%
12.13%
amazinggreat experienceGreat tour
Viator
$232
Book now
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Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland
Summary

New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes aren’t always found in plain sight. Journey from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny lights illuminate an underground world hidden beneath the hills of the Waikato. Then continue to Rotorua and Te Puia to experience steaming geoth...

Inclusions
  • Water available & snacks provided
  • Entry Tickets & Guided Tour - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Small Group Fully Guided Bus Tour from Auckland & Return
  • Complimentary hotel pickup & drop off in Auckland CBD (select locations only)
  • Entry Tickets & Guided Tour - Te Puia
Exclusions
  • Lunch - not included, but there are plenty of opportunities to purchase food during your journey.
  • Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
Itinerary
  • Auckland Central
  • Waikato Region
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Te Puia
  • Rotorua
  • Auckland
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund., Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear., Due to uneven surfaces, stairs & a moderate amount of walking, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

12 hrsFree cancellation
4.59 (855 reviews)
81.15%
18.85%
amazinggreat tourlovely lunch
Viator
$266
Book now
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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch
Summary

Visit the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a guided 45-minute tour through this underground wonder, seeing stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling glowworms. Then head to a hidden gem near the township of Matamata, the Hobbiton Movie Set which is a world-famous film location for the Lord of the...

Inclusions
  • Pick up from selected hotels - please call to book
  • Transport by luxury coach
Itinerary
  • GreatSights
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

12 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.96 (285 reviews)
96.72%
3.28%
amazinggreat guidegreat experience
Viator
$298
Book now
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Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland
Summary

Experience two North Island icons on a day tour from Auckland. Travel south from Auckland to Hobbiton. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the Party Tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo a...

Inclusions
  • Shopping voucher at Hobbiton Gift Shop
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Inner City Auckland Hotel Pickup + Drop-Off
  • Admission to Hobbiton Movie Set & tour
  • Admission to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Buffet Lunch in Green Dragon Marquee
Itinerary
  • Taupiri
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please wear comfortable walking shoes and suitable outdoor clothing, Pick up and drop off from inner city Auckland accommodation included, Please reconfirm your pick up time 24 hours before the tours departure, Please note the tours at Hobbiton and Waitomo are walks - including stairs, Tour available for ages 5+ - not suitable for infants, Not recommended for travellers with walking difficulties
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

From Auckland: Spellbound, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small Group Tour

From Auckland: Spellbound, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small Group Tour

9 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.92 (255 reviews)
95.16%
4.84%
amazingFantastic tourAmazing experience
Viator
$175$185
Book now
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From Auckland: Spellbound, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small Group Tour
Summary

Discover New Zealand’s wonders with our Spellbound Glowworm Cave and Explorer Tour. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this tour offers a blend of bioluminescence and natural beauty that will captivate you. Begin your adventure with our expert guide leading you through mesmerizing cav...

Inclusions
  • An english speaking tour guide
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
  • Fully Guided Small Group Tour
  • Admission to a fully guided 180 minutes experience of the Spellbound Glowworm Twin Caves
Itinerary
  • Auckland Central
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Otorohanga
  • Auckland
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, You do need to be able to walk for at least 40 minutes at a time over gentle terrain and pathways. We do not climb or crawl anywhere in our caves. There are no stairs in our caves. For those with mobility concerns, you will need to step up 40cm into and out of a transit van and down 40cm into and out of our raft. We do not take wheelchairs or walking frames. If you are concerned or unsure if your fitness is adequate, please contact us.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

45 minsFree cancellation
4.37 (1,279 reviews)
76.23%
23.77%
great experienceglow wormsexcellent guide
Viator
$48
Book now
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Summary

Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above on this 45-minute group guided tour, as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Many of the current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable hi...

Inclusions
  • Local guide
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Itinerary
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Good to know
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Bring comfortable waking shoes and a warm jacket, You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs ., Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability, No photography allowed, Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

12 hrsFree cancellation
4.98 (64 reviews)
96.44%
3.56%
amazingAwesome experiencewonderful day
Viator
$244
Book now
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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland
Summary

Discover two of New Zealand’s top attractions in one unforgettable day. Our small-group Hobbiton & Waitomo tour gives you more - more time to explore, more comfort, and thoughtful touches that set us apart. With a maximum of 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed pace, surprise photo stops, and secret encount...

Inclusions
  • Complimentary Auckland CBD Hotel pickup (select locations only)
  • Fully Guided Small Group Tour with local driver/guide
  • Water & snacks provided
  • Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Tour
Itinerary
  • Auckland Central
  • Waikato Region
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Otorohanga
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Auckland
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund., Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately., If you are visiting off a cruise ship, please be aware we cannot guarantee to be back in time for a 6:30/7:00/7:30 PM cruise departure, The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves In a Private Small Group Tour-Auckland.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves In a Private Small Group Tour-Auckland.

7 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (19 reviews)
98.26%
1.74%
greatgreat tripAwesome experience
Viator
$477
Book now
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves In a Private Small Group Tour-Auckland.
Summary

This Private Tour is offered to those that have time constraint and want to visit one of New Zealand’s unique natural wonder Waitomo Glowworms Cave with its thousands of starry Glowworms.

Inclusions
  • All Fees and Taxes
Itinerary
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, This product is subject to availability please check availability before booking, Cancellation may be initiated due to bad weather or non Availability of entry tickets with full refund
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

...

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Waitomo Caves.

Ruakuri Cave
Learn more

Ruakuri Cave

9.8 km away • from $68

Hobbiton Movie Set
Learn more

Hobbiton Movie Set

67 km away • from $77

Matamata
Learn more

Matamata

77 km away • from $146

Tongariro National Park
Learn more

Tongariro National Park

112 km away • from $15

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Among the 64 tours and tickets we compare across booking platforms, the majority (58%) are private tours. This makes private experiences a very prominent option if you are looking for a more tailored visit to the caves.

Prices vary significantly depending on the level of exclusivity and duration. Most options fall within a range of $244–$587, though the full spread across the platforms we check ranges from roughly $166 to $1,510.

You should plan for a significant portion of your day. Most tours typically last between 7 and 12 hours, with a median duration of about 11 hours.

Yes, sustainability is a factor for many operators. About 23% of the options listed are tagged as eco-friendly, which is a notable presence for this destination.

It is wise to plan ahead. While most options offer instant confirmation, about 12% of the tours we compare are flagged as likely to sell out, so booking early can help secure your preferred time slot.

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Across 9,045 pooled reviews, the experiences hold an average rating of 4.78★. Travellers frequently describe their visits as excellent, amazing, and fantastic.

Yes, there is good variety for international visitors. The options we compare are offered in 8 different languages: English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German, Chinese, Hindi, and French.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket. The caves stay at a constant cool temperature year round.

Flash photography is strictly prohibited. Bright lights can disturb the glowworms and ruin the experience for others.

Most tours are family friendly. However, some adventures involve walking on uneven surfaces or dark passages.

Ruakuri Cave9.8kmWaikato River55.3kmHobbiton Movie Set67.3kmMatamata77.4kmLake Taupo90.6kmOrakei Korako94.2kmCraters of the Moon94.8kmMine Bay Maori Rock Carvings94.9kmHuka Falls96.3kmTaupo Museum96.7kmVelocity Valley97kmAgrodome97.2km