Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

The glowworm caves were amazing, and Steven was awesome. He told us a ton about New Zealand on the way there and had us laughing pretty much the whole time. Super personable, easy to talk to, and just a fun guy to spend the day with. I’d definitely recommend the tour with Auckland and Beyond. Ask for Steven if you can!

We had an amazing experience! Our guide Adeal was very friendly and informative! We learned so much about New Zealand. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves were so magical and incredible to see in person. We highly recommend this tour!

We had an early morning & long trip from Auckland then on to Rotorua. Our guide Adil was great - arrived on time, provided lots of information on the journeys & really made an effort to be friendly & make our trip fun. The glowworm caves are amazing & the guide there Steven was great fun. Thank you!

Thanks to driver Raymond and Steve. Both made us feel welcome from the moment they picked us up, to when they dropped us off.

Such a calm, lovely experience. Glow worms are like a sky full of stars.

while the logistics were very convenient, the actual tour is a brief one, with hardly 10 minutes of viewing the glow worm. I travelled from Auckland so the drive one side was over 2 hours. The snack is also basic, may be a cookie or a small packet of chips. The guide was warm and kept us entertained.

As someone who wanted to see the glow warm caves without driving myself and wasn’t interested in the hobbiton movie set, I am glad to find this tour as majority of other tour combine sites which increases the price of the tour. Our tour guide throughout the tour was also quite informative and was fun to listen throughout the long drive. My favorite fact was learning that cows (you see them all the time on the green hills on the side of the road) will form a single file line whenever they want to get milked and each cow will go to their own designated spot in line every time.

The Caves were very interesting. Though I use a cane, I did manage to get through them ok. There are some great photo ops here. The tour was 2 - 2 1/2 hrs long and to be honest, we found it a bit too long, and thought that perhaps 1 1/2 hrs would be long enough. It would be nice if there were options for shorter tours, however the guide was very informative and kept it interesting just the same.

Excellent company and driver. He knew the sites and gave great information about the other sites to see on a trip to Auckland

There are several steps involved when going through the cave. There are plenty of hand rails and the tour guides would probably help you navigate the steps

We had a wonderful experience with Auckland & Beyond Tours visiting Hobbiton and the glowworm caves. Our guide Raymond was fantastic — knowledgeable, professional, and very friendly. He shared interesting stories along the way and made the entire day run smoothly. We were traveling with a toddler, and the trip was still very comfortable and manageable. Raymond was patient and accommodating, which made the experience stress-free for our family. The day was well organized, the transportation was comfortable, and we got to see two incredible places in one trip. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Auckland!

The driver was great. It was fun to see all of the sites and countryside outside of the city. The glowworm tour was fun and very educational.

This is my 2nd visit the first being in 2017 when the caves were in flood so limited trip, but my wife’s first and she loved it. This time however there were no problems, and it’s an amazing experience. The caves here in NZ amaze me, being an ‘ex’ pot holer I have experienced many caves and formations, NZ has amazing caves. And ‘Zeplin’ our guide (his grandmother had good taste in rock bands) was just great. It’s a ‘must see’

The trip was very amazing & pleasant. It started from 7am to about 2pm. It’s worth to go to see those historical nature caves and stared at the Glowworm in the cave just like looking at the galaxy 🌌. Our tour guide DAVE was very nice, friendly and mature person with enthusiasm to share lots of information around the road or this country. He has lived in this country more than 10 years. So, as a foreigner visitor, surprisingly he has so much more could share to us. And he drives was very steady and safe. He also has prepared some snacks and water for us. I would definitely recommend for everyone who love the nature and would love to explore New Zealand.

Dave, our driver was the ultimate driver providing extensive history and knowledge of NZ with his dulcet tones. A very relaxed kind trip. Top marks. The guide in the cave was super kind and friendly - one of the best guides I have had over many years. Kind, gentle and very knowledgeable. I can’t remember his name. Our tour started at 9.30. I would definitely recommend this trip. It’s a journey, but the final part of the glow work tour in the boat was magic. Kevin .

Guided tour of Waitomo Glow worms Caves and Boat ride was beyond awesome but NO glowing review for Aukland & Beyond Tours that deserves a ZERO star :-( The journey, crammed in like sardines in a cramped coach, was the most unpleasant trip we have taken since we started touring in Dec 11 to ANZ and NZ. The INAUDIBLE commentary for us sitting at the back of the bus, despite several requests to the driver, admittedly couldn’t be yanked up from a makeshift speaker (plonked in the front of the bus) as the front passengers would have their ears blown off! Not only did we learn nothing on the trip there and back but had the most uncomfortable coach journey ever.

My family and I booked a last minute trip to see Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Our driver, John, was super friendly and we all enjoyed spending the day with him. The Caves were a unique experience and we are glad to have taken this tour and seen them.

Great, unique experience. The short tour provided information about the limestone caves and resident glow worms. And seeing the glow worms was like viewing a star-filled sky. Glad we checked it out!

People were great to talk to and walk around is 1 hour in cave then a 15 min trail walk back through woods and large rocks Food and drink available Shame no photo aloud

We had an amazing time with Nancy—her expertly guided tour provided fascinating insights into the local history and geology, and the caves are truly awe-inspiring with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations!

Amazing experience from Auckland to Waitomo glowworm caves. Our driver Adil from Auckland and Beyond was very knowledgeable and gave us a very good history on New Zealand and made long drive smooth. Glowworm caves were once in life time experience worth the drive. You can’t take pictures or videos in caves but can get the green screen ones if you like.All in all a good half day tour near Auckland.

What an amazing day! Nancy was an outstanding tour guide, and our little German-Italian crew had an incredible time on our adventure. We had so much fun! The cave tour was truly impressive, and the journey itself was just as memorable - packed with fascinating information about New Zealand, its history, and its stunning nature. A huge thank you to Nancy for making our day absolutely unforgettable!

There were only three of us on this tour - my husband and me, and one other young woman who we didn’t know. The tour driver was very friendly and informative and adjusted the tour to our needs, especially as it was such a small group.

Nancy was driver, guide, docent on all things New Zealand when I traveled with 7 others to Waitomo glow worm caves. She moved from California to NZ 30 years ago, married, had kids, and now is happy to share her insights about Kiwi people, attitudes, language & Māori customs. She was a fount of knowledge & humor. Then the CAVES took center stage with one of most unusual ecosystems I have ever seen. Glow worms that lure insects in for their nutrition with bioluminescence. Walking through caves down steps then climbing into boat would be difficult for people with cane or walker, but all downhill so not strenuous. Our eyes need 20 minutes to dark adapt so guides had activities on way down to help accustom us to the dark. Really enjoyed explanations & demonstrations in caves. Be forewarned: NO cameras/phones allowed & silence expected to avoid disruption of worms feeding. Influencers & small children not welcome. Well worth 5 hour drive round trip from Auckland.

Long bus ride but worth it. Driver shared much info about area and guide into cave gave a very informative tour with knowledge and funny antidotes!

John was a great tour guide. He catered to us from the beginning to the end. The glow worm cave was majestic, like seeing jewels in the sky. John took pictures of us coming out of the cave on the boat. From Auckland it was a 2+ hour drive. John made a stop at a scrumptious bakery along the way and a yummy ice cream shop on the way home. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour.

We had an amazing experience with our guide, Jon, on our trip to the Waitomo Caves. He kept us entertained throughout the entire drive with his stories, fun facts, and great sense of humour. Jon was incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely made sure everyone felt comfortable and taken care of.

Our guide and driver, Adil, gave us very interesting information on the history of New Zealand and entertained us with lots of stories and little added extras. An excellent guide who really made the trip special! We would give him 11/10. Jan and John Carson

I was so lucky to get all on my own on this tour with my guide Stephen. He showed me so much more than was sceduled on the tour.

Seeing the glowworms in the dark caves is a truly surreal experience. A must do in Auckland! Jon was professional, kept everybody cheery, on time and helped make it a great experience!

We visit Waitomo cave in Nov 2025, the trip is amazing with driver Jon accopanied us all the way from Auckland to Waitomo. He was super helpful & friendly, shout out to you Jon. The quantity of the worms at the time we visit was quite low but in overall it is an anazing experience!

Seeing the glowworms in the dark caves is a truly surreal experience. A must do in Auckland! Jon was professional, kept everybody cheery, on time and helped make it a great experience!

Dave is a special guy. What a great opportunity is great stories through him. Thanks a lot. We got the road to waitomo caves and certainly were well succeeded

Incredible experience but quite short. Out driver was great, very knowledgeable but drove very fast on the twisty roads!

It’s pleasant and well organised but not worth the money. Consolation is the local economy / Maori community benefits. Nice cafe. Friendly staff.

Car is very clean & comfy. Our tour guide name ADIL is super duper friendly & kind. He explained about new zealand history clearly, complete & informatively. We got a surprise bonus feeding the ostrich on the way to waitomo. It's very nice. Aso, I'm asking about kiwi fruit plants & he stopped by the fruit shop & shown me how the plant is. I'm very happy & highly appreciate ro Mr. ADIL. You're the best. Thank you for the super experiences

It’s a 3 hour trip to the caves, We left our hotel very early, there was not much sightseeing as it was dark. Chris kept us informed of the sights we couldn’t see until our return trip. We stopped for snacks and restroom break at a small bakery. The caves are something you don’t want to miss.

A very comfortable van Amazing guide Wifi Unforgettable experience. The guide dropped us where we wanted to.

We were amazed by this tour. WOW! It exceeded anything we had expected. The glow worms were so cool. To add to our experience in this family owned cave, our guide Stephen told stories about being raised around the cave and the mischief they would get into. It added an extra layer of fun and enjoyment!

Fantastic views. Nancy was superb as our driver. She had so much knowledge about the area and its history. Very accommodating to us

We had a wonderful day with our guide Adil. He picked us up at our Park Hyatt hotel and returned us there. He was very prompt. Adil is very personable and knowledgeable man. The glow worms were fascinating altho the boat trip is really short. You can take a pic at the end but the pics aren't very good. They have fake pics with green screen you can buy. Adil narrated on the way there and even stopped to show us a surprise. We were only 4 in the comfortable van. It's a 2.5 hour drive but Adil made it very pleasant.

Adil was a fantastic guide and had a wealth of knowledge on NZ and the Maori culture. He was on time. He had water. Planned a nice stop. He was fantastic

This was a fascinating and beautiful adventure. Our guide Peter was excellent. The glow worms are magnificent to look at. With some patience you can take great photos with your i phone.

Maybe my expectations were too high. 6 hour round trip for a 40 minute tour. Weren’t allowed to take pictures in the cave even w/o flash. Glow worms were interesting. Tour guide in the caves was monotone but understandable. Not sure I would make that trip again with what I know now. Our driver kept us entertained with his knowledge of history of New Zealand.

Essentially a private driver round trip to the Waitomo Caves to see the glow worms. Six hour round trip for a 40 minute tour- so it must be something you want to do. Glow worms are fascinating. Monotone tour guide but at least he spoke so that we could understand him. No pictures in the cave until the end of the boat ride. Without flash, I could not get a picture worth keeping of the glow worms. Our driver Dave, of Auckland and Beyond Tours, was knowledgeable about New Zealand and kept us entertained for the trip.

Today, my teenage kids and I went on a tour to the stunning Glow Worms at the Waitomo Caves, and I can't recommend it enough! Our travel to guide, Raymond, truly made the journey getting there and back smooth . He was lovely, considerate, and genuinely caring, especially when he learned that I got car sick. The caves themselves were nothing short of magical, with the sparkling glow worms illuminating the darkness like a starry night sky. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and enchanting experience!

A must-do trip to see the gloworms! Raymond was very informative and accommodating throughout the journey to and from the Waitomo Caves

Auckland and Beyond was the only company that only visited the Glowworm caves from Auckland that I could find and it was a great choice. - Company was very responsive to inquiries - Guide (Adil) was on time and extremely friendly - wonderful commentary and conversation throughout the long 2-2.5 hour drive there and back. We traveled in a comfortable 8 person van. The ride went very fast due to Amil pointing out interesting scenery, birds and providing non-biased commentary on New Zealand. - Toilet and Coffee break on the way and optional toilet break on the way home. Water and snacks (chips, cookies) available. - Glowworm cave tour was really unique and we were very lucky with our guide. - Post tour Adil gave us some time in the gift shop and for a toilet stop.

This tour company was exceptional. Paul was our driver and guide. We really appreciated that what was advertised was exactly what was provided. Paul was incredibly knowledgeable and throughout the drive gave us a historical perspective on the country and culture. From booking to returning home at the end of the day, the whole experience was flawless and fun. Highly, highly recommend this company. Daniel and Ross