Discover the best walking tours in Waitomo - from sightseeing tours and cultural experiences to adventure activities and day trips with top-rated local guides.
Best Walking Tours in Waitomo
Discover the beauty of Waitomo on foot with our curated
walking tours. Whether you're visiting for the first time
or looking to uncover hidden gems, exploring Waitomo by walking lets you
experience its culture, history, and landmarks up close.
Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above on this 45-minute, small 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.
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Not that cave — the other one!
A hidden gem off the tourist trail and the #1 rated glowworm cave tour in the Waitomo District.
If you're after crowds, handrails and concrete paths… this probably isn’t for you. We’re the other glowworm tour — small groups, big adventure, and none of the tourist trap stuff.
What makes us glow?
• Glowworms galore!
• Snap away! Phones welcome and we’re proudly selfie-approved
• Just the right amount of adventure
• No railings, no footpaths – just pure underground magic
• Hosted by our awesome local guides
• Family-owned, eco-proud – we’ve planted over 8,000 trees
• Complimentary photos, tea, coffee & bikkies
• TripAdvisor’s #1 Rated Tour in Waitomo
This is caving the way it used to be — real, rugged, and unforgettable.
Come and see why so many travellers say: “This was the highlight of our whole New Zealand trip.”
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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.
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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 2 hours sightseeing tour, your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites.
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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.
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A journey through the enchanting Ōkahua Glowworm Cave offers a unique blend of exploration and relaxation. Begin at Tumu Tumu Station, where expert guides prepare you for a memorable experience. Traverse the limestone farmland to discover hidden entrances, then float along an underground river illuminated by thousands of glowworms. Marvel at stunning formations as you navigate through tranquil pools and even enjoy a natural rock slide. After your underground adventure, unwind in a cedar hot tub, surrounded by nature’s beauty. With a small group limit of six, this eco-friendly tour ensures a personal touch and an unforgettable experience beneath the surface.
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Wear comfortable shoes — Waitomo streets may be cobblestoned.
Don’t miss trying local food or drink
Look out for public fountains to refill your water.
Book tickets in advance to skip the lines at popular attractions.
Guided vs. Self-Guided Walking Tours
A guided walking tour offers expert insights, historical
context, and often includes skip-the-line access to major landmarks. If you
prefer flexibility, a self-guided route lets you explore
Waitomo at your own pace using maps and mobile apps.
Combining both options is ideal for a complete experience.
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