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Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave Experience - Small Group Tour From Auckland

Offered by ExperienceKart

From

$450.00 per person

5.0 (26 reviews)

Instant Confirmation

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Tour Overview

Embark on a journey from the bustling streets of Auckland to the enchanting underground world of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Our day begins with a comfortable pickup from various locations within the Auckland CBD, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure. As we travel south, we pass through the scenic Bombay Hills, a modest yet significant range that marks the transition from Auckland to the Waikato region. This geographical marker not only serves as a boundary but also introduces you to the lush landscapes that define the area.

After enjoying a brief coffee stop, we continue to our main destination, the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Here, you are treated to a spectacle like no other. Inside the cave, thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand, illuminate the darkness, creating a starry effect on the cavernous ceiling. Your guided tour includes a silent boat ride through these radiant, starlit passages, where the quiet is only broken by the soft drip of water echoing through the limestone formations.

In addition to the glowworms, your visit extends to the impressive limestone corridors of Ruakuri Cave. This part of the tour offers a chance to admire intricate stalactites and stalagmites up close, and learn about the geological history and the unique ecosystem within these subterranean environments.

As dusk falls, we conclude our tour and head back to Auckland, leaving you with vivid memories of a remarkable day spent exploring some of New Zealand's most spectacular natural wonders.

What's Included

  • Leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature
  • 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
  • Luxurious temperature controlled transportation
  • Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the the iconic Glow-worm Caves
  • Admission to fully guided 90 minutes experience Waitomo Ruakuri Cave
  • Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
  • Experience top best North Island destinations in one day on an all-encompassing tour
  • Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Go deeper into the story as you descend the dramatic spiral entrance
  • Discover Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour as you explore Ruakuri Cave
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
  • Marvel at unique rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glow-worms
  • 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
  • See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head!
  • 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

    Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms. The subterranean cave system is located beneath the rolling green countryside of the Waikato, one of New Zealand’s prime farming regions. Your guided Waitomo Caves tour will be an unforgettable sightseeing experience as you walk through majestic caverns, explore limestone shafts, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a boat ride through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny native glowworms. ​ Glowworm caves in New Zealand offer visitors the chance to explore dark caves that are lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms (scientifically known as Arachnocampa Luminosa) who shine bright as a way to attract their prey.

    1 hour

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    Ruakuri Cave

    Offering a captivating blend of the most compelling subterranean experiences (including glowworms), it will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Begin the tour by journeying down through the spectacular, man-made spiral entrance, marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries while listening to the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls. If you want to see glowworms up-close and personal and learn about their fascinating life, then this is the tour for you.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  7. 7

    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.
  • Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave so bring your camera to click the best shots.
  • 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.

Cancellation Policy

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