Ticket Hall

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

5.044 reviewsDay trips

  • 11 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Get the most out of your visit with a package to explore more than just one unforgettable cave at Waitomo in this small group day tour from Auckland. Visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a must-do experience, with the Arachnocampa Luminosa species of glowworm only found in New Zealand. This most popular combo combines the famous Waitomo glowworm cave with a walking tour of the stunning Ruakuri Cave providing an ultimate Waitomo caving experience.

Inclusions

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

What's not

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Itinerary

  1. 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 min

  2. 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.

    Passes by

  3. 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 min

  4. 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.

    Passes by

  5. 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 hAdmission included

  6. 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 hAdmission included

  7. 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 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 542
  • 42
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10

Ratings come from 44 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
Please meet at the Four Points By Sheraton Main Forecourt. This meeting point is well connected with Auckland's public transport network. Kindly advise us if you will be meeting us at this location.
Pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 16 travellers
Operated by
ExperienceKart
  • 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.

How it compares in Auckland

  • Its from-price is 10% below the median of the 356 day trips we list in Auckland.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 52 of 356.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, spreads across an isthmus between two harbours, dotted with volcanic cones, beaches and island-studded bays.

The Sky Tower rises above the central city and the waterfront, where the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are lined with restaurants and yachts, fitting Auckland's nickname, the City of Sails. Mount Eden and One Tree Hill, two of the many volcanic cones scattered across the city, give panoramic views.

Top-ranked sights in Auckland: Auckland Harbour Bridge, Waiheke Island, North Head Historic Reserve (Maungauika).

See all 900 experiences in Auckland

Special offers in Auckland

Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

Similar experiences

Hop-on hop-off in Auckland

1 / 6

Three steps to add it

Plan with AIYour trip, day by day