An underground wonderland illuminated by thousands of glowworms
Waitomo (Wai = water, Tomo = hole) is world-renowned for its extensive underground cave systems. The highlight is undoubtedly the Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm excitingly unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their luminescent light in the darkness, creating a starry sky effect on the cave ceilings.
Whether you want a peaceful boat ride to gaze at the lights or an adrenaline-pumping rafting trip through underground rapids, Waitomo is unmissable.
The classic tour. Walk through the Cathedral Cave (incredible acoustics) and take a silent boat ride under the galaxy of glowworms. magical and suitable for all ages.
For the adventurous! Put on a wetsuit, grab a rubber tube, and float, jump, and abseil your way through the Ruakuri Cave river system. Legendary fun.
Waitomo's longest guided underground walking tour. Famous for its spectacular spiral entrance, roaring waterfalls, and close-up glowworm encounters. Wheelchair accessible!
A dry cave with no stream, meaning no glowworms, but it features the most stunning limestone formations—stalactites, stalagmites, and curtains—in the region.
A short drive from the caves. One of New Zealand's most beautiful waterfalls (35m high). A short, easy walk through native forest takes you to the viewing platform.
A stunning 17m high limestone arch that remains from an ancient cave system. A beautiful loop walk through a gorge filled with fossils.
Experience the magic of the underground in Waitomo.