The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a stunning natural wonder located on the North Island of New Zealand. These underground caves are famous for their thousands of luminescent glowworms that create a breathtaking display likened to a starry night sky.
Location
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are situated in the Waitomo region, about 12 km northwest of Te Kuiti and 75 km southwest of Hamilton in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island.
Opening Hours
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours during the summer months. Tours depart every 30 minutes, with the last tour leaving at 4:30 pm.
Highlights
- Unique underground cave system
- Thousands of luminescent glowworms
- Stunning boat ride through the glowworm grotto
- Impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations
- Educational guided tours
Activities
- Guided cave tours
- Boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto
- Viewing impressive cave formations
- Learning about the geology and history of the caves
Admission Fees
Admission to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves includes a guided tour and boat ride. Prices as of 2021:
- Adults: NZD 55
- Children (4-14 years): NZD 25
- Infants (0-3 years): Free
Facilities
- Visitor center with information and ticket sales
- Gift shop
- Restrooms
- Cafe and dining options
- Parking
Accessibility
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves have limited accessibility due to the nature of the underground environment. The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and boarding a boat. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the operator for more information.
How to Get There
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves can be reached by car or bus:
- By car: approximately 2 hours drive south of Auckland via State Highway 3
- By bus: regular bus services operate from Auckland, Hamilton, and Rotorua
Nearby Attractions
- Ruakuri Cave
- Aranui Cave
- Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk
- Marokopa Falls
- Waitomo Museum of Caves
Insider Tips
- Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction
- Bring a warm jacket, as the caves maintain a constant cool temperature
- Photography is not permitted inside the caves to protect the glowworm
What Visitors Say
Visitors to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are consistently amazed by the otherworldly beauty of the glowworm display. Many describe the boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto as a magical and unforgettable experience. For more highlights and tour reviews see real experiences from our guests: The Road Trip Testimonials.
Photos and Videos
For photos and videos of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, visit the official Discover Waitomo website: https://www.waitomo.com/
Contact Information
Discover Waitomo
Phone: +64 7 878 8227
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.waitomo.com/
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