Best Waitomo Walking Tours in 2026

Waitomo , North Island

From $ 47.85

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 history of the area. Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original, iconic New Zealand attraction.

Waitomo , North Island

From $ 129.37

Set out on an adventure into our private caves, hidden in the rolling hills of Waitomo — untouched, unspoiled, and alive with glowworms. This is caving as it was meant to be: immersive, awe-inspiring, and just a little bit magical. Gear up and follow your guide through native forest before stepping into our secluded cave system. With your headlamp lighting the way, you’ll scramble around giant boulders, wade through shallow streams, and admire ancient limestone formations — all while millions of glowworms light up the walls around you. Step away from the crowds — our small-group tours offer a truly authentic experience. Pocket-sized cameras welcome — with plenty of time and space to capture the magic. Connect with a guide who shares the caves’ secrets and stories, making your journey personal and unforgettable. Loved by travellers worldwide, with thousands of glowing 5-star reviews.

Waitomo , North Island

From $ 114.01

We offer two different Blackwater Rafting experiences through the Ruakuri Cave. The Black Labyrinth is the original, 3-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. You will jump off two small waterfalls (highest is 1.5 meters), float on a tube underneath an impressive display of glowworms and navigate through the cave’s natural streamway. All participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 45kgs. The Black Abyss is the ultimate 5-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. Abseil 35 metres into the cave and zipline across a river under a grotto of glowworms. You'll then float on a tube through the caves' natural streamway. All participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh 45kgs. An average level of fitness and mobility is required for both of our tours. It is important to understand that these tours take you into a completely natural cave environment. Please understand that your guides have final discretion of whether you will be able to participate on our tours.

Waitomo , North Island

From $ 68.52

Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, and marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries. Hear the distant thunder of the subterranean waterfalls and get up close to the glowworms. Spectacular and unique, Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. In this 1.5 hour sightseeing tour, your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites.

Waitomo , North Island

From $ 47.85

Discover serenity in the most delicate and intimate of the main caves in Waitomo. Begin your tour with a guided walk through an enchanted forest before discovering the most beautiful collection of decorative formations. Cave has a natural cave entrance and is the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's three main caves. As a dry cave without a running river through it, it houses very little life past its entrance. Walk through the cave with your guide on this 1-hour tour, with an additional 15-minute guided bush walk. Visit soon to see the richly varied cave formations within close-up view and enjoy an experience you will never forget. Choose from one of seven departure times when you book.

Waitomo , North Island

From $ 135.27

Explore Waitomo’s hidden glowworm cave on a private, premium adventure with The Waitomo Experience. As the exclusive operator of the breathtaking Okohua Glowworm Cave, we offer an intimate small group journey designed for those seeking a more private underground experience. Float on tubes beneath thousands of glowworms, swim through clear underground passages, climb over ancient limestone formations, and wade through crystal pools to hidden waterfalls. A good baseline of fitness and confidence in water is required as our expert guides lead you through this adventurous journey, providing top of the line caving equipment and sharing their deep local knowledge along the way. After emerging, enjoy a peaceful bush walk back to base before relaxing in a cedar hot tub overlooking native forest and rolling farmland. With a maximum of just six guests per tour, this eco-friendly experience delivers an intimate, adventurous, and unforgettable journey beneath Waitomo’s magical surface.