NEW ZEALAND CAVE TOURS

New Zealand Cave Tours: the 15 Best Glowworm and Rafting Trips

27 tours  ·  from $35 a head

Waitomo does it by boat, by raft and on an abseil rope; Te Anau does it quietly. These 15 are priced by how wet and how vertical you are prepared to get.

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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Waitomo Caves Black Abyss Ultimate Caving Experience - Check-in, equipment, and the first safety lesson
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Waitomo Caves Black Abyss Ultimate Caving Experience

14.Waitomo Caves Black Abyss Ultimate Caving Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $192

You’ll abseil 35 meters into Ruakuri Cave, zip through glowworms, float through black water, and climb underground waterfalls with a small English-speaking team. Guides such as Evie, Xavier, Tim, and Rebecca are known for calm instruction and close safety care. Expect cold water, tight spaces, and a very wet five hours.

“The Black Abyss tour was incredible! An abseil, a zip line, black water rafting, glow worms, climbing through the cave and in water falls. Guides were amazing - helpful, informative and really good fun! I would 100% recommend this tour, definitely worth the money!”

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Auckland: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia Small-Group Tour - The road south through Waikato
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Auckland: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour

15.Auckland: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 223 reviews · 13 hours · from $244

Travel from Auckland by air-conditioned minibus to Waitomo’s limestone caves and glowworm grotto, then continue to Te Puia for geysers, Māori arts, a kiwi encounter, and cultural stories. Guides such as Liam, John, Ben, and Matt add commentary, snacks, and care to this very full day.

“Our trip to Waitomo Caves was terrific! John was a fabulous guide and driver. He added much fun to time in the van with interactive chat and great music. The caves were unbelievable! The sulphuric springs were amazing! Highly recommend this tour.”

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New in New Zealand Cave Tours

★ 4.8From Auckland: Waitomo Caves and Kiwi House Group TourFrom $20920 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
★ 4.9Aranui Cave 1-Hour Guided TourFrom $4722 reviews

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