WORLDWIDE · GLOWWORM CAVE TOURS

Glowworm Caves: the 15 Best Tours Worldwide

28 tours  ·  from $35 a head

Boats go dark and silent because light and noise make the larvae stop glowing. These 15 cover Waitomo, Te Anau and the rest, priced and clear about the no-camera rule and how long you actually spend under the ceiling.

Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat - The Cathedral is the tour’s acoustic surprise
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Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

1.Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,908 reviews · 1 hour · from $48Our pick

Walk through Waitomo’s limestone caves with an English-speaking guide, then glide quietly beneath thousands of glowworms. You may hear Māori stories, cave legends, and even a song in the Cathedral. Guides such as Ace, George, Big T, and Tummi have earned praise for their warmth and clear storytelling.

“The tour was awesome! Our guide, Stephen was fantastic. I learned so much about glowworms and the Māori culture. The glowworms themselves were quite incredible.”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch - Crossing the Hauraki Plains to Matamata
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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

2.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,677 reviews · from $229Top rated

Leave Auckland at 6:30 a.m. with a local guide such as Shelley, Liam, Martin, or Matt. Tour Hobbiton’s movie set, enjoy a café lunch and Green Dragon drink, then glide beneath Waitomo’s glowworms before returning through Waikato countryside.

“Excellent experience would recommend for everyone but do play on walking a lot. Not good for the walking challenged.”

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Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour - Check in at Lake Te Anau before the cruise
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Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

3.Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,611 reviews · 2h 15m · from $77

Cruise across Lake Te Anau, follow a guide through young limestone caves with waterfalls and whirlpools, then take a small boat into a silent glowworm grotto. Expect low entrances, steps, darkness, and no cameras. Guides such as Emma, Nathan, and Alex bring the geology and Maori legends to life.

“An Amazing and romantic experience, indescribable ! Definitely a Must-Do in any visit to New Zealand, either on the Northern or Southern island. Don’t be afraid, the track through the cave is perfectly maintained, so anyone can do it ;) Thanks to our lovely guides !”

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From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch - The early start and scenic road south
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From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

4.From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,505 reviews · 11 hours · from $221

Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 14 for Hobbiton’s 2.5-hour movie-set tour and a 45-minute boat ride beneath Waitomo’s glowworms. A local guide such as Danny, Shelley, or Stephen handles the long day, scenic stops, lunch, and commentary.

“Really fun and a great value!! The glow worm caves were so peaceful and beautiful!!!!”

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Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience - Check-in six kilometres from State Highway 3
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Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

5.Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,673 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

You’ll climb, scramble, slide, and float through Ruakuri Cave with trained English-speaking guides. Expect cold water, narrow passages, waterfall jumps, glowing ceilings, provided wetsuits, and a hot shower afterward. Groups are capped at 12, with guides such as Evie, Cole, Molly, and G often praised for calm support.

“An incredible experience! I was terrified at first, but the guides were so so nice and encouraging. I 100% recommend this experience. It was One of my favorite things I did during my honeymoon in beautiful New Zealand.”

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Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour - The spiral entrance and the walk underground
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Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour

6.Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,249 reviews · 1h 30m · from $69

Walk through Ruakuri Cave with an English-speaking local guide such as Anna, Jayden, Garth, or Jetta. Expect a spectacular spiral entrance, limestone formations, underground water, and close views of glowworms. The small-group tour allows time for questions and photography, including inside the cave.

“Amazing cave with beautiful rock formations, glowworms and a river. Great experience overall, our guide was stellar! It is a bit pricey, but worth the money. As a note, definitely do check out the Ruakuri Bush Walk nearby (it's free) - it takes you through a beautiful fores, inside a large cavern with river and some waterfalls .”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland - The early Auckland departure
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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

7.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,117 reviews · from $235

Leave Auckland at 6:00 am for Hobbiton’s detailed movie set and a guided boat ride through Waitomo’s glowworm caves. Cheeky Kiwi guides such as Timmy, Pearl, Simon, and Grant add local stories, snacks, and scenic stops. Lunch, entry fees, and Auckland pickup are included.

“Even though the weather was terrible, this tour was well worth it. Also, combining the glow worms with Hobbiton works very well for a tour from Auckland.”

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour - The Underground Boat and Glowworm Grotto
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

8.Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,027 reviews · from $50

At Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a local guide leads you through Cathedral Cave before a quiet boat ride beneath thousands of Arachnocampa luminosa. Allow 45 minutes, arrive 30 minutes early, wear sturdy shoes, and expect stairs, darkness, and no personal photography.

“Well worth the visit. The boat ride was a highlight and the guide we had was very welcoming and informative.”

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Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour - The 30-minute cruise across Lake Te Anau
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Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

9.Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 960 reviews · from $80

Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard the Luminosa, then walk through Cavern House and ride a small punt beneath thousands of glow worms. Guides such as Anne, Emmy, and Josh have led informative visits. Expect wet footing, low cave sections, rushing water, and complimentary tea or coffee.

“Unique experience Boat trip was special Learnt something new I hope we didn’t disturb their natural habitat”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch - Waitomo’s glowworms in a quiet underground world
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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

10.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 796 reviews · from $271

Leave Auckland at 7:45 am for Waitomo’s glowworm-lit caverns and Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata. Expect about 12 hours on the road, a 48-person maximum, a picnic lunch, and commentary from guides such as David, Rachel, Nicky, and Em.

“David was our tour guide! Very kind, informative, and funny! The caves were stunning, and I had a blast at Hobbiton! I would definitely recommend this trip!”

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From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch - Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the boat beneath the lights
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From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch

11.From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 789 reviews · 11h 30m · from $261

Travel from Auckland by premium coach to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton. Expect guided cave and movie-set tours, a picnic lunch, Wi-Fi, and lively commentary from driver-guides such as Rachel, Dave, Kenny, and Nicki.

“This tour was very fun! Our bus driver Rachel was very informative and made the drive go by fast. The glowworm caves were very cool to see and our host Cody was great! Hobiton was the star of the show! Such a cool tour and our guide Keith was great there! Overall a great tour and would highly recommend!”

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Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland - Te Puia brings together geysers and Māori culture
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Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland

12.Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 681 reviews · from $253

This small-group day tour links Waitomo’s glowworm caves with Rotorua’s Te Puia geothermal and Māori cultural centre. You’ll travel in a group of up to 15, with hotel pickup, entry tickets, snacks, water, and guides such as Ben, Matt, Simon, or Grant sharing stories along the way.

“The tour was great, our driver did an amazing job. He was very attentive to our needs. And taught us all about new zealand thank you for all the hospitality your tour ❤️ group provides”

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Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch - Hobbiton’s 12-acre movie set
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Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch

13.Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 607 reviews · 13 hours · from $226

Spend 13 hours with Cheeky Kiwi Travel visiting Hobbiton and Waitomo from Auckland. Expect a maximum 16-person minibus, a 2.5-hour Hobbiton tour, a Green Dragon drink, lunch, scenic Waikato stops, and a silent boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms.

“The Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves trip was absolutely fantastic; a perfect blend of fun and learning. It was definitely time well spent. A big shoutout to our guide, Aled, who made the experience even better with his knowledge of New Zealand and the places we visited. He kept us engaged throughout the journey, was incredibly friendly, and made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Thank you, Aled!”

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Byron Bay: Glowworms, Waterfalls & Rainforest Experience - The first lookout gives you the big picture
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Byron Bay: Glowworms, Waterfalls & Rainforest Experience

14.Byron Bay: Glowworms, Waterfalls & Rainforest Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 497 reviews · 5h 30m · from $91

From Byron Visitor Centre, you’ll travel into the hinterland with guides such as Chris, Douglas or Magnus for rainforest walks, waterfall views and a secret glowworm stop. Expect scenic lookouts, a light vegetarian dinner, environmental stories and some uneven walking in the dark.

“Magnum was a very friendly, knowledgeable tour guide who really got the most out of our tour. Thank you!”

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Brisbane: Rainforests, Waterfalls and Glow Worm Cave Tour - Curtis Falls begins the rainforest walk
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Brisbane: Rainforests, Waterfalls and Glow Worm Cave Tour

15.Brisbane: Rainforests, Waterfalls and Glow Worm Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 376 reviews · 10 hours · from $133

Spend 10 hours with guides such as James, Shane, Pete, or Bruce exploring Curtis Falls, Natural Bridge, Cedar Creek Glow Worm Caves, and Hinze Dam. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned van, walk rainforest tracks, spot wildlife, and have free time for lunch and shops at Gallery Walk.

“We loved seeing the rain forest and all the amazing views”

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New in Glowworm Cave Tours

★ 4.8From Auckland: Waitomo Caves and Kiwi House Group TourFrom $20920 reviews
★ 4.7From Auckland: Two-Day Hobbiton, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves TourFrom $80659 reviews
★ 4.7From Auckland: Day Trip to Waitomo Glow Worm CavesFrom $16660 reviews
★ 4.8Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River CruiseFrom $8722 reviews
★ 4.6Auckland: Rotorua Māori Village & Waitomo Caves with LunchFrom $24818 reviews
★ 4.5Auckland: One-Way Tour to Rotorua with Waitomo CavesFrom $18144 reviews
★ 5.0Auckland North Shore Glowworm Tour22 reviews

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