Waitomo Glowworm Caves Entry Ticket

Take the opportunity to explore two of Waitomo's famous caves. This entry pass offers the most in underground exploration, with guided tours throughout the labyrinth of limestone caves, view sparkling Glowworm Caves by boat and the tranquility of the Aranui Caves.

The spectacular natural "decorations" of stalactites, stalagmites and sculptures have developed over thousands of years and are the result of water dripping from the roof of the cave or flowing over the exposed limestone walls.

Schedule details

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Entry Ticket

Departure Point:

Departure Time:

Waitomo Cave

• The Glowworm Cave is open daily
• Tours depart every half hour from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily
• An additional tour departs at 5.30pm from Labour Weekend (mid Oct) to Easter Monday (mid Apr).
• An additional tour departs at 8.00pm from December 26 until February 28
Aranui Cave

• The Aranui Cave is open daily
• Tours depart daily at 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm

Pricing information

Click the link below for a price quote on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Entry Ticket

Inclusions:

• Entrance into Glowworm Cave and/or Aranui Cave
• Guided Tour

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop off

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Due to cave capacity and operational restrictions, the maximum group size is 20 guests for the Aranui Cave Tour and 50 guests for the Glowworm Cave Tour.
• Peak times are between 10:00am and 2:00pm daily, it is recommended to take tours outside these times as they are less crowded
• Strong footwear is recommended
• The caves are easily accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths
• No smoking, photography (including video), food or pets are permitted inside the caves

Itinerary:

Discover the ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos that are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Experience natural history in the making! Immediately, when you enter this mysterious underground world, you will marvel at the amazing 'decorations' created by Mother Nature.

These natural 'decorations', stalactites, stalagmites and sculptures have formed as a result of water dripping from the roof of the cave or flowing over the exposed limestone walls. As the water flows down through the earth towards the cave roof and walls, it dissolves limestone in its path. This limestone is then left as a crystalline deposit within the cave. These spectacular formations have developed over thousands of years and must be treated with respect. They are very delicate and can be severely damaged simply by the touch of a human hand.

Your guided tour will take you through over 250 meters ( 820 feet ) of stunning underground scenery including the magnificent 'Cathedral'. The acoustics in this particular cave are world-renowned. Acclaimed New Zealand Opera Diva, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has performed here and was delighted with the purity of the sound. The highlight of your guided tour is the boat trip in the Glowworm Grotto. For more than 100 years, visitors from home and abroad have journeyed into this 'starry wonderland' and have been fascinated and intrigued by the tiny insect that can perform such magic. The Grotto provides the perfect natural environment for the Glowworm to thrive and continue to enthrall visitors for many years to come.

Located just a few miles past the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the less crowded Aranui Caves is set in the forest of a scenic reserve. A guide will take you along safe boardwalks into narrow chambers to see the finest limestone formations of all the caves in the Waitomo area. The high chambers, magnificent limestone formations and pale brown, pink and white shades of the huge stalactites in the Aranui Cave are truly spectacular.

After the conclusions of your tour, take the time to relax amongst the pleasant surroundings, walk through the surrounding forests or enjoy the cafe and souvenir shop at the Waitomo Caves.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.