Waitomo Tours
Private Tours that will take you to any of our Glow Worm Caves or Black Water Rafting
“Arachnocampa luminosa, commonly known as the
New Zealand glowworm”
Waitomo Glow Worm Cave and Boat Ride
Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glowworm 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.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours are made up of two levels. The upper being dry and decorated with stunning, delicate cave formations and the lower level consisting of stream passages, glowworms and the Cathedral, the tallest chamber in the cave.
Many of the guides are direct descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave, bringing the cave to life through story-telling and explaining the history, features and legends of the world-famous cave. More Info. Pre Booking is Essential, Tour is approximately 50 minutes.
Ruakuri Cave
This is an experience that must be seen to be believed. 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. Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave, and we also offer photography tours.
Major features of the Ruakuri Cave tour include; Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden who first opened the cave to the public, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage. Find out More. Pre Booking is Essential, Tour is approximately 90 minutes.
Black Water Rafting
The ultimate underground experience and the most fun you’ll have in the dark.
A weekend adventure like no other, Black Water Rafting is a bucket list must-do and guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Head 80-metres below ground, raft in tubes through underground rapids, jump off waterfalls and float below a sky of glow worms, all whilst exploring one of New Zealand’s most diverse cave systems. What are you waiting for?
After checking in and meeting your friendly and passionate guides, it’s time to gear up and test your tubing skills. Once you’re comfortable in your tube, you’ll enter the cave through a hole in the rock and be straight into the underground waters. Spend your time underground weaving around and climbing over rocks, jumping off not-too-high waterfalls, floating beneath a sky of glow worms.
Allow a total of 3 hours for this adventure called the Black Labyrinth. There is also the 5 hour Black Abyss tour. Find out More.