WAITOMO CAVES

This 3-hour Waitomo Caves tour is all about experiencing nature as it truly is, and a must for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. These caves were formed millions of years ago by underground rivers carving through limestone rock. Found in the late 1800s by a Maori chief, these intricate caves hide a magical secret: millions of glowworms that light up the darkness. The Hamilton Waikato region, where the caves are located, is also the same place where Peter Jackson filmed the Shire scenes for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies. So, there's a bit of movie magic in the air too! Explore like an adventurer With no paths, lights, or handrails, you’ll see the caves just as they’ve always been, hidden from most tourists. With a local guide leading the way and no more than 8 people in a group, it’s like exploring with friends. It starts with a relaxing walk through the New Zealand bush to the cave entrance. This is where the real fun begins. You'll climb over boulders and splash through streams. It’s a bit of a workout, but totally worth it for the incredible views and the glow worm show inside the caves. Inside the caves, it’s all-natural and raw – just you, the sound of dripping water, and the soft glow of worms lighting up the cave walls. After the tour, head back to base where you can change and warm up with some tea, coffee, and cookies.

Enjoy a zipline experience unlike any other at Waitomo Caves Zipline Park, nestled next to the world-famous Glow Worm Cave. Glide through native trees and limestone bluffs, mastering zipline gear skills with the guidance of professional instructors. The 1km circuit boasts 10 ziplines. Start at a lower level to get some practice in controlling your speed and using the gear. Work your way through zip lines that are higher and higher, before making your way to the final one that is 280 meters long and the fastest of the lot. On the 280m long zipline, you will reach speeds up to 80 km/hr!

Receive a safety briefing and learn the ropes of abseiling and tubing from an experienced guide before you enter the Waitomo Caves. Abseiling Slide down a rope and a device that lets you adjust your speed as you go down 35 meters into the cave. Your guides will keep an eye on you and ensure your safety at all times. Marvel at the streams that run through the cave system. Embrace the thrill of lowering yourself into the dark and discovering a new world. Zip lining At the bottom of the abseil, take a one-way zip through the dark cave, surrounded by thousands of glow worms. The ceiling is decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, and helicities that will dazzle you. This is a fun and magical experience that you will always remember. Snack break After the one-way zip line, you will have a short break to enjoy some snacks and drinks from your guides. Tubing Next, grab a rubber tube and jump into the water. Float along the underground river, under a canopy of glow worms, and through some rapids. You can also opt to jump off a ledge into the water. Climbing Finally, leave your tube and climb over rocks and up waterfalls, using your wetsuit’s buoyancy and your guides’ help. Explore different parts of the cave and see more amazing formations and features. Feel the adventure and the achievement as you master the cave. Return You will then leave the cave, take a hot shower, and change into dry clothes. Feel free to enjoy a meal at the restaurant or cafe, or shop for some souvenirs at your own cost at Waitomo Homestead.

Discover the natural wonders and cultural heritage of New Zealand on this guided tour from Auckland. The Glowworm Caves tour Hotel pickup from Auckland Enjoy a pickup service from your hotel in Auckland CBD. Relax and admire the scenic views of South Auckland and The Waikato region as you drive towards Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Arrive at Waitomo Glowworm Caves Explore one of New Zealand's natural wonders with a guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Learn about the history and significance of the caves, which have been attracting visitors for over 120 years. Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto Follow your guide through the limestone formations and chambers of Waitomo Grotto. Marvel at the natural light display created by thousands of tiny glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand. Boat ride along Waitomo River Hop on board a flat-bottom boat and glide along the Waitomo River. Experience the magic of the glowworms as they illuminate the dark cave ceiling like a starry sky. Hotel drop-off in Auckland After a full day of adventure and discovery, you'll be dropped off at your hotel in Auckland CBD.

Start with a hotel pickup in Auckland CBD, followed by a 2-hour scenic drive through Waikato's countryside. Enjoy views of the Kaimai Range along the way. Arrive at Hobbiton Movie Set Board the Hobbiton bus to the 12-acre movie set of 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit.' Explore Hobbiton, experiencing the same magical landscapes seen in Peter Jackson's famous trilogies, that has mesmerized audiences globally. Guided Tour of Hobbiton Join a guided tour through Hobbiton, exploring the colorful Hobbit Holes, including Bag End, home of Bilbo Baggins. Visit The Mill, and marvel at the picturesque Double Arched Bridge. Learn fascinating details about the set's creation and its transformation from farmland to a slice of Middle-earth. The tour includes a stop at the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary beverage. Drive to Waitomo Glowworm Caves Next, head towards the mystical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, renowned for their natural beauty and luminescent inhabitants. Waitomo Caves guided walk Embark on a guided stroll through the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. Marvel at spectacular limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about the cave's geological past and the natural forces that shaped these wonders. Waitomo River boat ride The tour's climax is a serene boat ride through the caves, where you'll encounter the Arachnocampa Luminosa, a species of glowworm native to New Zealand. These tiny creatures create a breathtaking luminescent display, lighting up the cave ceiling like a star-filled sky. Return to Auckland End your tour with a relaxing drive back to Auckland and a drop-off at your hotel.