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Activity Waitomo, New Zealand

From Auckland: Spellbound, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small Group Tour

4.9 (242 reviews) 8–9 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

From Auckland: Spellbound, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small Group Tour

About this activity

Discover New Zealand’s wonders with our Spellbound Glowworm Cave and Explorer Tour. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this tour offers a blend of bioluminescence and natural beauty that will captivate you.

Begin your adventure with our expert guide leading you through mesmerizing caves. Learn about fascinating geological formations and history as you marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Step into the enchanting Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cave with their magical light. Enjoy a serene 20-minute boat ride, gazing up at lights resembling a starry night sky. Gain insights into the glowworms' life cycle and ecological significance from your knowledgeable guide.

This unique tour is ideal for those wanting an up-close experience with the glowworms and photography enthusiasts, as there are no restrictions on photos in the caves.

Experience all this as part of a small, intimate group of only 11 guests.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Likely to Sell Out Small Group Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration
8–9 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 11 people
People per booking
1–11
Guide
English
Operated by
Expedigo Tours and Travels Auckland

Ages: Children (0–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: An english speaking tour guide
  • Included: Bottled water
  • Included: Snacks
  • Included: All Fees and Taxes
  • Included: Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
  • Included: Fully Guided Small Group Tour
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea
  • Included: Admission to a fully guided 180 minutes experience of the Spellbound Glowworm Twin Caves

Not included

  • Not included: Breakfast
  • Not included: Dinner
  • Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

  1. Auckland Central

    2 h 45 min

    Embark on your expedition from the largest city in New Zealand. As we set out, your guide will kick off the day's adventures, laying the groundwork for an enthralling exploration.

    Proceed with a picturesque drive to the Waitomo region, winding through the scenic New Zealand countryside on the way to the Spellbound Glowworm Caves.

    Travel journey time from Auckland to Spellbound Caves is approximately- 2 hours, and 30 minutes

  2. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    2 h 45 min Admission included

    Embark on the unforgettable Spellbound Glowworm Cave & Explorer Tour in Waitomo.

    This unique adventure offers an up-close encounter with enchanting glowworms and a journey through breathtaking caves, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

    Begin your journey with an expert guide through spellbinding caves.

    Learn about geological formations and the history of these natural wonders. Marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites as you navigate fascinating passages.

    Enter the captivating Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cave with bioluminescent light.

    Glide silently on a small boat, gazing up at sparkling lights resembling a starry night sky.

    Gain insights into glowworms' life cycle and behavior from your knowledgeable guide.

    Soak in the peaceful ambiance and capture stunning photographs of the natural landscape.

    Benefit from a personalized experience with our small group tours, ensuring a more intimate and immersive adventure.

  3. Otorohanga

    30 min

    Recharge with a delectable lunch at a local eatery in Otorohanga (suggestions will be provided by your guide), savoring regional flavors. (Lunch is not included in the tour price)

  4. Auckland

    2 h 45 min

    Reflect on the day's adventures during a leisurely drive back to Auckland, relishing the memories of both the enchanting Caves and the captivating glow worms

    3 hours travel time back to Auckland

    Hotel Drop-off:

    Conclude your day with a convenient drop-off at your Auckland hotel/accommodation

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
  • M Social Hotel Auckland
  • So/ Auckland
  • SkyCity Hotel Auckland
  • Oaks Auckland Hotel
  • Grand Millennium Auckland
  • Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
  • Adina Auckland Britomart
  • Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
  • Rydges Auckland
  • Four Points by Sheraton Auckland

and 11 more pickup points

  • If your accommodation is not yet confirmed, we suggest selecting The SkyCity Hotel for now—you can update it later if needed!
  • We offer convenient pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option and meet us there.
  • Pick-ups start up to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please be ready and waiting outside by then for a smooth start.
  • Pick-up locations are planned based on each tour and may vary by day. If there are any changes to your pick-up spot, please let us know in advance.
  • Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To keep the tour on schedule, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late arrivals.
  • As our hotel pickups operate from downtown CBD, guests located near the airport or South Auckland can be picked up from The Sebel, Auckland Manukau at 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104,

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

  • You do need to be able to walk for at least 40 minutes at a time over gentle terrain and pathways. We do not climb or crawl anywhere in our caves. There are no stairs in our caves. For those with mobility concerns, you will need to step up 40cm into and out of a transit van and down 40cm into and out of our raft. We do not take wheelchairs or walking frames. If you are concerned or unsure if your fitness is adequate, please contact us.

Traveller ratings

4.9 out of 5 · 242 reviews
5
96%
4
2%
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1%
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1
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

From Auckland: Spellbound, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small Group Tour

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