Top Waitomo Walking Tours

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-visit North Island attraction, and while many day tours depart from Auckland, this handy tour is ideal for independent travelers who can make their own way to the caves. The Ruakuri Cave is the longest, with impressive rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glittering glowworms. Explore the magnificent cave on a guided walking tour and learn more about Māori culture as you go.

Embark on a thrilling Blackwater Rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave. Choose between two exhilarating tours: the original Black Labyrinth, where you'll float under glowworms and jump off waterfalls, or the longer Black Abyss, which includes abseiling, ziplining, and cave exploration. Both experiences offer unforgettable encounters with the natural beauty of the cave and take you to places impossible to reach on your own.

Explore Waitomo’s hidden glowworm cave on a private, premium adventure with The Waitomo Experience. As the exclusive operator of the breathtaking Okohua Glowworm Cave, we offer an intimate small group journey designed for those seeking a more private underground experience. Float on tubes beneath thousands of glowworms, swim through clear underground passages, climb over ancient limestone formations, and wade through crystal pools to hidden waterfalls. A good baseline of fitness and confidence in water is required as our expert guides lead you through this adventurous journey, providing top of the line caving equipment and sharing their deep local knowledge along the way. After emerging, enjoy a peaceful bush walk back to base before relaxing in a cedar hot tub overlooking native forest and rolling farmland. With a maximum of just six guests per tour, this eco-friendly experience delivers an intimate, adventurous, and unforgettable journey beneath Waitomo’s magical surface.

With several caves in the Waitomo area, it can be hard to know which experience offers something truly different. This guided walking tour of Aranui Cave reveals a lesser-known side of the region, combining striking natural features with rich Māori history. Follow your guide through beautifully lit chambers to see intricate rock formations up close. Along the way, learn how the cave was formed and why it holds cultural importance, making this a rewarding alternative to more crowded cave experiences.

Escape the crowds and get off the beaten track on this exclusive glowworm cave tour based out of a family farm. This private tour is tailored to your group and lets you move at your own pace through the caves. See the mesmerizing glowworm displays and traverse the caves with your knowledgeable guide, with equipment provided. Don’t forget your camera on this intimate tour through this stunning natural wonder.

Experience one of the wonders of New Zealand’s natural world on this glowworm caving adventure in Waitomo. Pull on your boots and helmet before heading through the private farmland and native forest to the Mangarongapu Cave system with a local guide and small group. With your headlamp to light the way, hike around huge boulders and through shallow streams, and marvel at the millions of bright green glowworms illuminating the rocky limestone.

Photograph New Zealand's spectacular scenery both inside and outside of the caves on a private photography tour with your own photographer-guide. Visit a pristine glow worm cave in the Waitomo district, and take your time to capture great shots of the glow worms and other sights. You can use larger cameras and equipment like small tripods on this photography tour, with the freedom to take more time for your photography than on standard tours. Includes guide, use of wet weather gear, and snacks.