Waitomo Caves Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by The Mighty Waikato
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves

This underground labyrinth of spectacular rock formations, with dazzling glowworms and enchanting acoustics, is one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions.

Glide over the ink-black waters and look up to the roof of the Waitomo Caves to see the twinkling glow worms. Take a walk through deep limestone chambers and listen for the eerie echo of the underground waterfalls. Experience the thrill of abseiling down to and tubing through the dark network of caves on a “black-water rafting” tour.Waitomo Caves have been explored by tourists in New Zealand for over a hundred years. Most visits involve the Ruakuri, the Aranui and the Glowworm Caves, but there are about 300 similar underground limestone formations in the area. Just behind the visitor centre is the entrance to the Glowworm Cave. A 45-minute tour leads you deep into The Cathedral, so named for its near-perfect acoustic quality. A boat waits for you towards the back of the cave and will carry you into a smaller, darker area, which is lit up by the neon lights of thousands of glowworms.If you want to visit the other caves, be prepared to walk west for an hour or to arrange other transport at the visitor centre. Aranui cave is dry, and therefore void of glowworms. It has Gothic-like rock formations and a colony of native insects, the cave “weta”. Head to Ruakuri cave to take the two-hour underground tour, which begins at the spectacular spiral staircase and takes you for 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) past gushing waterfalls, vast caverns and further enclaves of glowworms. Adrenalin junkies can book in for one of the adventure tours on offer. You can abseil down dark tunnels, climb along narrow ledges, ride a raft down the rapids and swim through rivers. Ask the staff in the visitor centre for more details or book ahead on the website. The visitor centre has a café, exhibitions and a short film about the region.The Waitomo Caves, a one-hour drive south of Hamilton, are open daily. Tours run regularly. If you plan to visit more than one cave, purchase a “Cave Combo” ticket from the visitor centre to receive a discount.

Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge

Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge

3 out of 5
7 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves
The price is AU$142 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$142
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka

Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka

3 out of 5
Hotel Access Rd., Waitomo Caves
The price is AU$91 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
AU$91
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and ...
Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka
Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

4 out of 5
12 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves
The price is AU$115 per night from 11 Sept to 12 Sept
AU$115
11 Sept - 12 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star holiday park in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Woodlyn Park

Woodlyn Park

3.5 out of 5
1177 Waitomo Valley Road, Waitomo Caves, Waikato
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Woodlyn ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (244 reviews)
"Very cute Hobbit Home on the exterior. The interior was not hobbit themed ( so much potential for a great motel stay) and a rather mediocre motel."

Reviewed on 27 Aug. 2025

Woodlyn Park
Te Tiro Accommodation

Te Tiro Accommodation

2 out of 5
970 Te Anga Rd, Waitomo Caves, Waikato
Stay at this cottage in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Aranui Cave are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"We cannot say enough about this property. We were absolutely floored by the views, the hospitality, and the comfort. Angus is the best host I've ever interacted with. He was so welcoming, had great recommendations, and we loved talking to him. We also adored the onsite kitty!"

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025

Te Tiro Accommodation
Waitomo Woodlyn Park Hobbit Guest House

Waitomo Woodlyn Park Hobbit Guest House

Waitomo
Stay at this vacation home in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Woodlyn Park are located ...
Waitomo Woodlyn Park Hobbit Guest House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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