Waitomo Caves Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Waitomo Caves. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

• Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour with Lunch from Auckland

• Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

• Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland

• Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland

Tickets to the Waitomo Caves cost NZ$81 for adults and NZ$37 for children; family packages and combo deals are available as well. Because tours of the caves fill up, it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance or book a sightseeing tour that includes admission.

Yes, the Waitomo Caves are worth visiting, providing an awe-inspiring glimpse of millions of glow worms in caverns—a beautiful and rare natural spectacle. Touring the caves is also a unique chance to explore an underground river amid total darkness, all from the comfort of a small boat.

Per one customer who booked the From Auckland: Spellbound, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small Group Tour, "This is a FANTASTIC tour of the Waitomo caves. You see two caves, and you have a coffee break between. The first cave is FULL of glow worms and is so magical. The second cave is beautiful with formations. I would do this daily if I could."

It doesn’t matter when you visit the Waitomo Caves because the temperature within the caves stays consistent at 53-57°F (12-14°C). However, most people prefer to visit New Zealand’s North Island, where the Waitomo Caves are located, between late spring and early autumn (October–April), when the weather is most pleasant.

Tours through the Waitomo Caves are of varying lengths, from less than one hour to several hours. You can take a quick Glowworm Cave tour that lasts just 45 minutes, a half-day black water rafting tour through the caves, or tours that fall somewhere in between.

Yes, you can swim in the Waitomo Caves, but it's not generally done as a standalone activity. Some tours of the caves include black water rafting, or tubing along the underground rivers, which may involve some swimming although you will be holding on to a tube so independent swimming isn’t required.

Yes, it’s a good idea to book a tour of the Waitomo Caves in advance if you’re traveling in peak season (December–March) or if you’re in a large group. Advance booking may not always be necessary outside peak season, but it’s advisable to avoid disappointment.

The Waitomo Caves are a consistent 53-57°F (12-14°C) year-round, so bring a light jacket for most tours, as well as comfortable shoes with some grip that are suitable for uneven or slippery surfaces. Wetsuits are supplied on black water rafting tours, but you’ll need to wear your own swimwear underneath.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Waitomo Caves. According to travelers, these are some of the top North Island attractions:

• Hobbiton Movie Set

• Auckland Harbour Bridge

• Te Puia

• Government Gardens Rotorua

• Mt. Victoria Lookout

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions on the North Island.