The 10 Best Things to Do in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

February 16, 2018 Venice Greaves

Discover the best top things to do in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand including Waitomo Adventures, Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours, Kiwi Cave Rafting, Caveworld, The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co., Marokopa Falls Walk, Ruakuri Walk, Ruakuri Cave, Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Restaurants in Waitomo Caves

1. Waitomo Adventures

654 Waitomo Caves Road | Waitomo Adventure Centre, Waitomo Caves 3943, New Zealand
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Waitomo Adventures

Waitomo’s Premier activities. Waitomo Adventures has been operating safely and reliably for over 30 yrs and has been granted exclusive access to these special caves. Overall there are 7 options described in more detail on our website each with different levels of physicality and challenge. Some are “DRY” (you wear overalls) and some are “WET” (you wear a wetsuit). No prior experience required. We supply everything including boots; overalls or wetsuits. Photos are provided to clients completely FREE. Lost World – our flagship - within the Lost World Cave there are 3 Options: Lost World 4 Hr Option; Lost World 7 Hr Epic & Lost World Through The Window; Other Caves: TumuTumu ToObing – a slightly more adventurous version of Blackwater Rafting. Haggas Honking Holes - Waitomo’s most concentrated action. St Benedicts Caverns – Surprisingly gentle. Abseil then explore NZ’s prettiest cave Trollcave – A fantasy adventure for the young at heart in the world's first underground eco-sanctuary

Reviewed By Liza B

We were privileged to take the 7hr Lost World tour today....what an incredible space, like nothing we have ever seen before! The whole tour was very well planned and delivered, with thrills and spills as well as time to appreciate the splendour of our surroundings....MoreHi Liza - thanks so much for your generous words. As the Philosopher George Santayana said: "The earth has music for those who listen"...you've clearly got a fine talent for hearing !

2. Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

15 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

Our tours are friendly, informative and fun. With no more than 12 people on board, raft beneath many thousands of fabulous glowworms to see them at their very best. We visit private caves away from the regular, more commercial tours. Our caves are on a beautiful hill country farm and your guide is also your host, so expect a really enjoyable and memorable tour of our two magical caves.

Reviewed By Claire D

We’ve previously done a couple of tours at Waitomo caves, but this trip, with a two year old, our options were limited. Spellbound ended up suiting our needs perfectly. Although they mention their tours are aimed at 4 years +, they will take younger children. The small group size (12 max) and lack of steps and stairs made it easy for a small child to partake. Our guide, Hop, was friendly, funny and knowledgeable. The tour goes through two caves - a wet cave (includes boat trip) with easily the most glow worms we’ve seen in any cave in Waitomo. Then a “dry” cave with great stalactite and stalagmite formations.
We never felt rushed, nor did the trip feel too long for a small child to handle. It’s a great option to see the best of what the caves have to offer whilst not feeling like you’re being herded through amongst the crowds.

3. Kiwi Cave Rafting

95 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 952 reviews

Kiwi Cave Rafting

Kiwi Cave Rafting (origionally Rap Raft 'n' Rock) combines 5 spectacular caving adventures into one great value 5 hour tour. Clients abseil down into the cave then go caving, blackwater rafting, see a huge glow worm display and rock climb out. We are 100% locally owned and operated. Our cave is totally natural. We take small groups with a maximum of 6 people. To join the adventure call: 0800 228 372.

Reviewed By adamfr0my0rkshire - Driffield, United Kingdom

First of all, all the ‘squeezing through tight spaces’ are optional, so don’t let that stop you booking this awesome tour!
Our guide Sam was so nice, she knew everything about the cave, glow worms, local area all sorts! And she made us feel safe and relaxed doing loads of stuff, like abseiling, for the first time ever!
Would highly recommend this place, best 4/5hrs of fun we’ve had in New Zealand and we’ve lived here for nearly a year!

23 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand +64 7-878 6577
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 392 reviews

Caveworld

Caveworld offer two fantastic tours with the aim to create memorable caving and glowworm experiences for all our customers. Either choose our fun-filled black water rafting adventure Tube It, or bring your family and friends along and join our Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour, a relaxed one hour guided walk down through glowworm displays and formations. We are A family-run, locally owned and operated business, Cave World specialises in providing the personal and professional touch on our authentic Waitomo tours, with over 10,000 satisfied visitors experiencing our unique piece of New Zealand each year.

Reviewed By Emsy5 - Brisbane, Australia

We went to Waitomo specifically to see the glowworms; our only decision was which company we would go with. We booked the Tube It tour with Caveworld purely based on availability, but we had a great time. You are suited up with wetsuits on-site and then driven out to the cave. A small amount of walking to the cave entrance is required (in a wetsuit and carrying a tube, not easy!) before you make your descent. Once inside, we turned our headlamps off - the glow worms were amazing to see. We waded through water until it became chest deep. After a small jump into the water, our tubes were connected up and our guide towed us along, so we could concentrate on staring at the glow worms above us. The tour finishes off with a waterslide at the end. Our guide (whose name I’ve forgotten!) was entertaining and informative. He took photos throughout our trip and I was impressed that at the end we were given a link to download them for free.

5. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
Excellent
79%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

Waitomo’s Original Black Water Rafting Operator & Legendary for 30 Years! We’ve been sharing thrills and excitement for over 3 decades and have experienced guides who’ll take you safely through the stunning underworld of Ruakuri Cave. We will take you deep underground on the most unreal subterranean journey that’ll have you begging for more! After you’ve jumped off a few Waterfalls and pushed yourself to the limits, warm up with a hot shower and treat yourself to some hot soup on bagels, on us. Black Labyrinth: The original Waitomo black water rafting tour that will have you exploring and tubing through mysterious Ruakuri Cave. Grab a group of mates, some rubber tubes, and let’s take you on an unreal underground adventure you will never forget. Black Abyss For the ultimate in adventure caving tours, look no further than the Black Abyss. You'll descend into the black, seemingly bottomless depths of Ruakuri Cave, zipline through a gallery of illuminating glowworms and climb underground.

Reviewed By Markus_Ldn - London, United Kingdom

Excellent worthwhile experience. No if’s and when’s. Yes it’s a little expensive, we signed up for the full 5 hour Abyss experience but it was an amazing, out of our comfort zone experience.
James and Branton were super guides and I will never forget the life of a glowworm for the rest of mine :)
We thoroughly enjoyed the time with you and will happily recommend!

6. Marokopa Falls Walk

Te Anga Road | Waitomo Region, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand +64 7-878 1050
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 391 reviews

Marokopa Falls Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Peter_dR_NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand

It's a bit of a drive from pretty much anywhere, unless of course you're already in the Waitomo area. But even if you aren't, the drive is worth it. This really is one of the most beautiful Waterfalls of the North Island. The walk is very easy, and the falls are very much worth it.

7. Ruakuri Walk

Off Tumutumu Road, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand +64 7-878 1050
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 294 reviews

Ruakuri Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Lwdzeeuw - Putaruru, New Zealand

We took our two boy (3yrs and 9 months) for a hike around Waitomo. Started in Waitomo and walked all the way to the Ruakuri Walk. It was awesome! The caves are amazing, the natural tunnels were a bit of a challenge with a baby on my back but still doable. Our oldest loved it and also we! We're definitely going back for this hike with the rest of the family :) It's not just straight, bit of going uphill and stairs but still easy for not-experienced hikers !! Even my 3 yr old can do it !

8. Ruakuri Cave

Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand +64 800 456 922
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 664 reviews

Ruakuri Cave

Reviewed By Peter_R_NZ - Auckland, New Zealand

This is a fantastic cave walk taking around 1.5h and yes, you get to see some glow worms from close distance. The guides are very knowledgeable and we sometimes were walking with hardly any light, which made it more interesting. The various parts of the...MoreHello and thank you for taking the time to place feedback. We are glad you had a wonderful experience with us at the caves. Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you again!

9. Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk

Te Anga Road, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand +64 7-878 1050
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 248 reviews

Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Peter_dR_NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand

The natural bridge is very impressive and well worth a visit. It is a very short walk to the bridge, and the site is easily accessible if you're already in the Waitomo area. There is no entrance fee, so really there is no reason at all not to stop by here!

10. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943, New Zealand
Excellent
53%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 4 reviews

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been guided since 1889 and occupy a high place in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. Stare in wonder at the thousands of illuminating glowworms above as you glide silently by boat through the glowworm grotto. Many of our current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.

Reviewed By Steve C

Could have explored more of the caves, but still interesting and nice to see and learn about glow worms. A little “touristy” but then anything worth seeing often is.

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