Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland

Auckland, NZ
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (15 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    On-board wifi
  • inclusion
    Leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature
  • inclusion
    Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
  • inclusion
    Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
  • inclusion
    Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
  • inclusion
    Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide
  • inclusion
    Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the iconic Glow-worm Caves tour
  • inclusion
    Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
  • inclusion
    Admission to 45 minutes guided experience at Waitomo Glow Worm Cave
  • inclusion
    See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head!
  • inclusion
    Discover Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour as you explore Ruakuri Cave
  • inclusion
    Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
  • inclusion
    Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • inclusion
    In-vehicle air conditioning
  • inclusion
    Lunch
  • inclusion
    Admission to 90 minutes guided experience at Waitomo Ruakuri Cave
  • inclusion
    All Fees and Taxes
  • inclusion
    Complimentary refreshments and water on board
  • inclusion
    Private transportation
  • inclusion
    Be captivated by thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat
  • inclusion
    A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Dinner
  • exclusion
    Breakfast

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Aarangi Motel
Abaco On Jervois
Abstract Hotel
Acapulco Motel
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Adina Citylife Auckland
Airedale Boutique Suites
Airport Harbour View Motel
Alpers Lodge
Anzac Court Motel
Ascot Epsom Motel
Ascotia Off Queen
Auckland Airport
Auckland City Hotel - Hobson St
Auckland Harbour Suites
Auckland Intl Airport
Auckland Newmarket Motel
Auckland Phoenix Palm Motel
Auckland Rose Park Hotel
Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
Avondale Motor Inn
Best Western Ellerslie International Hotel
Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites
City Towers
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Cornwall Park Motor Inn
Crown on Cintra Lane
Crowne Plaza Auckland, An Ihg Hotel
CT Motor Inn
Devonport Motel
Dilworth Motel
Dolphin Court Motel
Eastern Motel
Econo Lodge City Central
Ellerslie Palms Motel
Elliott St Apartments Hotel
Emerald Inn
Epsom Motel
Epsom Motor Inn
Fable Auckland, MGallery
Florence Court
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
Greenlane Manor Motel
Greenlane Motel
Greenlane Motor Inn
Greenlane Suites Auckland
GreenPark Motel
Heritage Auckland
Hilton Auckland
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG hotel
Horizon By SkyCity
Hotel DeBrett
Hotel Fitzroy By Luminous
Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
Hotel Indigo Auckland, An Ihg Hotel
Ibis Auckland Ellerslie
ibis Budget Auckland Central
Imagine Beach Road
InterContinental Auckland, an IHG Hotel
Jw Marriott Auckland
Kingsgate Hotel Greenlane Auckland
Kiwi International Hotel
Knights Inn Auckland
La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie
M Social Auckland
Mercure Auckland Queen Street
Mount Eden Motel
Movenpick Hotel Auckland
Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments
Novotel Auckland Ellerslie Hotel
Oaktree Motel
Ocean Inn Motel
Ohtel Auckland
Park Hyatt Auckland
Parklane Motor Inn
Parklane Motor Lodge
Parkside Hotel & Apartments
Parnell City Lodge
Parnell Pines Hotel
Peninsula Motor Hotel
Plum Lodge
Poenamo Hotel
President Hotel Auckland
Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments
QT Auckland
Quest Mount Eden
Quest on Mount
Quest Parnell
Quest Ponsonby
Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
Ranfurly Evergreen Motel
Rayland Epsom Motel
Rockfield Motel
Royal Park Lodge
Rydges Auckland
Sai Motels
Siesta Motel
SkyCity Hotel
So/ Auckland
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Soho Hotel Auckland
Sudima Auckland City
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland
Sylvia Park Motel
Takapuna International Motor Lodge
Takapuna Motor Lodge
The Chancellor on Hobson
The Devereux Boutique Hotel
The Esplanade Hotel, Bar & Restaurant
The Grand by SkyCity
The Hotel Britomart
The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre
The Quadrant Hotel and Suites
The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
The Sebel Quay West Auckland
The Shakespeare Hotel
The Spencer Hotel
The Surrey Hotel
Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter
Tudor Court Motor Lodge
Unicorn Motel
Voco Auckland City Centre, An Ihg Hotel
VR Auckland City
VR Queen Street
VR Takapuna
Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre

What to expect

1

Auckland Central

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.

Duration 15 minutes
2

Bombay Hills

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.

3

Robert Harris

We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.

Duration 15 minutes
4

Te Awamutu

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.

5
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

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.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
6
Ruakuri Cave

The second attraction included in this package; Ruakuri Cave, offers views of the 'other' side of Waikato cave systems. 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. After exploring the top New Zealand visitor attractions, your driver guide will take you back to Auckland, returning in the early evening.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
7

Otorohanga

Enjoy a delicious café style lunch.

Duration 60 minutes
8

Auckland Central

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.

Duration 15 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Caves average at a temperature of 16-17 degrees Celcius year round
  • Additional information
    Easy and good fitness level required.
  • Additional information
    No backpacks or large bags allowed in cave due to delicate formations.
  • Additional information
    No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
  • Additional information
    Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave so bring your camera to click the best shots
  • Additional information
    Please do not touch the formation in the cave as it discoloured easily, please help us protect our cave.
  • Additional information
    Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Specialized infant seats are available
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
  • Additional information
    This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
  • Additional information
    Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
  • Additional information
    You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain
Provided by ExperienceKart

What our experts say

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    Wear comfortable walking shoes.
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    Bring a light jacket; caves are cool.
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    Stop for coffee at The Coffee Shack.
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    Capture photos in Ruakuri Cave only.
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    Plan to dine at Huhu Cafe post-tour.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in a truly enchanting experience as you delve into the magical underground world of the Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave. This private day tour from Auckland will take you on an unforgettable journey filled with sparkling glowworms and fascinating caverns. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a must-do experience, featuring the exclusive Arachnocampa Luminosa species of glowworms found only in New Zealand. But this tour doesn't just stop at one cave; it combines the famous Waitomo glowworm cave with a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave, ensuring you get the ultimate Waitomo experience.

What to expect?

During this 10-hour adventure, prepare to be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations, explore majestic caverns, and witness the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites. As you continue your journey to the Ruakuri Cave, be captivated by the intricate limestone formations and crystal tapestries. Here, you'll also get the chance to discover the fascinating life of glowworms up-close and personal.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone with a sense of wonder. Whether you're traveling alone, with your partner, or with a group of friends or family, the Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave tour offers an experience that will leave you in awe. It's a family-friendly activity, suitable for kids and adults of all ages. Everyone can appreciate the beauty and magic of the glowworm caves, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

Why book this?

Embarking on this private tour means you'll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, without the crowds often found on group tours. You'll have an experienced guide who will share fascinating insights and stories about the caves, making the journey all the more enriching. This tour also includes a delicious BBQ buffet lunch, giving you the chance to refuel and relax amidst the stunning natural surroundings. Don't miss the opportunity to witness one of nature's most remarkable displays in an intimate and exclusive setting.

Good to know

The total duration of this tour is approximately 10 hours, with pick-up and drop-off available from most locations in the Auckland CBD area. Along the way, you'll have the chance to enjoy great coffee and take comfort breaks. Please note that this tour involves walking and boat rides, so wearing comfortable footwear and clothing is recommended. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the mesmerizing glowworms and the beauty of the caves.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave tour have been left in awe of the incredible sights they encountered. They were spellbound by the thousands of magical glowworms illuminating the caves, describing the experience as "mesmerizing" and "breathtaking." Many praised the knowledgeable guides who enhanced the tour with their informative commentary, making the journey even more memorable. Visitors were particularly impressed with the exclusive access to both the Waitomo and Ruakuri caves, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of these underground marvels. Whether it's solo travelers, couples, or families, everyone agrees that this tour is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting New Zealand.

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