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Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience - Small Group Tour from Auckland

Offered by ExperienceKart

From

$350.00 per person

4.8 (25 reviews)

Instant Confirmation

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

8 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Tour Overview

Embark on a journey from Auckland through the picturesque landscape to the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Our day begins with a comfortable pick-up from most Auckland CBD locations, ensuring a smooth start to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

As we travel south, we'll pass through the gentle Bombay Hills, a notable divide between the Auckland and Waikato regions. This small range of hills, steeped in history from its namesake, the ship Bombay, offers a serene backdrop as we transition into the lush Waikato countryside.

Upon arrival in Waitomo, prepare to be captivated by the world-renowned Glowworm Caves. This extraordinary natural wonder invites you to board a quiet boat and glide under a canopy of the radiant glowworm species, Arachnocampa luminosa, unique to New Zealand. As you navigate the peaceful underground river, the cave's ceiling illuminates with a constellation of bioluminescent lights, creating an ethereal atmosphere that feels like sailing under the stars.

The journey doesn't end at the water's edge. On foot, explore the vast caverns where dramatic limestone formations tell a story of a landscape 30 million years in the making. Each stalactite and stalagmite around you is a testament to the slow yet persistent pace of nature's artistry.

As the tour concludes, we return to Auckland, dropping you off at your hotel with a new sense of wonder for the natural marvels tucked away beneath the rolling hills of the Waikato region. This tour not only showcases the magical Waitomo Caves but also offers a glimpse into the tranquil beauty of New Zealand's landscapes, making for a truly memorable day out.

What's Included

  • Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
  • Complimentary refreshments and water on board
  • Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
  • Admission to fully guided 45 minutes experience Waitomo Glow Worm Cave
  • Unrivalled boat ride through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto
  • Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the tour of the iconic Glow-worm Caves
  • Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
  • Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Witness the history created over thousands of years
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Experience one of the best North Island destinations in one day on an all-encompassing tour
  • WiFi on board
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
  • See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head
  • Be captivated by the thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
  • Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide

Not Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Bombay Hills

    The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Robert Harris

    We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.

    15 minutes

  4. 4

    Te Awamutu

    Te Awamutu calls itself the ‘Rose Capital of New Zealand’. During the blooming season, November to April, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as 2000 rose bushes turn on the charm.

    Pass by without stopping

  5. 5

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history. Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world.

    1 hour

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    Auckland Central

    After an exhilarating fun-filled experience at Waitomo, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Waitomo if you are staying locally in the region.

    15 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

We pick up passengers from selected hotels in Auckland CBD. If your hotel is not in this list, please choose the closest alternative pickup location. If you require assistance in choosing the closest alternative pickup location, please contact the operator in advance so that we can assist you. Please see below timings of your pickup based on your selected pickup location. Please make sure you are present at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. We cannot hold the bus if you are late, and no refunds will be provided to late or no-show passengers....

Or Meet At Meeting point

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland

8 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Our central meeting point in Auckland City is in front of Movenpick Hotel (8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010). This meeting point is well connected with Auckland's public transport network. Kindly advise us if you will be meeting us at this location.

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
  • Easy and good fitness level required.
  • This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
  • No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
  • No backpacks or large bags allowed in cave due to delicate formations.
  • Please do not touch the formation in the cave as it discoloured easily, please help us protect our cave.
  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness.
  • Please note that the actual tour of the Waitomo Caves including boat ride is 45 minutes long.
  • We highly recommend booking the "Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave Experience - Small Group Tour From Auckland" if you have a bit more time in your day and spend it wisely and explore both the caves given the travel time from Auckland to the caves is approximately 3 hours each way.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.