Waitomo Cave Tours

Waitomo Cave Tours and Activities

Underneath the rolling farmland south of Hamilton lies a vast network of limestone caves, home to New Zealand's own glowworm, Arachnocampa Luminosa, found nowhere else on earth. Our Waitomo cave tours and activities cover glowworm boat rides, guided walking tours, black water rafting and eco cave tours.

The Original Glowworm Boat Ride

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Discover Waitomo walks through dry upper chambers before a silent boat ride along an underground stream lit by thousands of glowworms, finishing in the cave's Cathedral chamber, with the caves holding a steady 16 to 17 degrees year round.

Ruakuri and Aranui Caves on Foot

The Ruakuri Cave Tour begins through a unique spiral entrance and is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible, one of the few Waitomo caves where photography is allowed, while the Waitomo Aranui Cave Guided Tour covers a smaller, drier cave known for its delicate limestone formations. The Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Aranui Cave Combo and Most Popular Combo at Waitomo Caves pair the glowworm boat ride with either cave in a single day.

Black Water Rafting Underground

The Black Water Rafting Labyrinth Tour is the beginner friendly introduction, tubing through Ruakuri Cave's underground rivers and glowworm passages over three hours, while the Black Water Rafting Abyss Tour raises the stakes with a 35 metre abseil into Ruakuri Cave, ziplining beneath the glowworms and five hours of underground adventure for confident thrill seekers.

A Smaller Group Eco Experience

The Small Group Eco Cave Tours in Waitomo takes visitors through a quieter glow worm cave system away from the main tour crowds, with a smaller group and a more personal pace throughout.

Why Book Your Waitomo Cave Tour with Everything New Zealand

We are your local travel partner across Waitomo, not the operator, so we only list cave tours and activities we would genuinely recommend to family and friends. Compare glowworm boat rides, walking tours and black water rafting side by side, book online in a few minutes and get instant confirmation. Less scrolling, more strolling, straight underground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Waitomo glowworm unique? The Waitomo caves are home to Arachnocampa Luminosa, a glowworm species found only in New Zealand, best seen from the boat ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

What is the difference between the Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss tours? The Black Labyrinth is a beginner friendly three hour tubing tour, while the Black Abyss adds a 35 metre abseil and ziplining over five hours for a more extreme experience.

Is Ruakuri Cave wheelchair accessible? Yes, Ruakuri Cave is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible, entered through a distinctive spiral entrance, and is one of the few Waitomo caves where photography is permitted.

Can I combine the glowworm boat ride with another cave in one visit? Yes, both the Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Aranui Cave Combo and the Most Popular Combo at Waitomo Caves pair the boat ride with a second walking tour.

Is there a minimum age for black water rafting in Waitomo? Yes, the Black Labyrinth Tour requires a minimum age of twelve, while the more intense Black Abyss Tour requires a minimum age of sixteen.