Save places from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more






Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Attraction
4.5 (10143 reviews)
Cave with a modern visitor centre & home to a population of glow worms found only in New Zealand.
39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
+64 800 456 922
Did You Know?
Cave Count
While the Waitomo Caves are famous for their glowworm caves, there are actually hundreds of caves in the Waitomo region, with around 10 open for exploration with tours.
Glowworm Viewing
You can see glowworms for free in Waitomo by taking a torch to the Ruakuri Bushwalk in the evening, where you'll find them along the trail.
Meaning of Waitomo
The name 'Waitomo' comes from the Maori words 'wai' (water) and 'tomo' (hole or opening), reflecting the region's abundance of caves and underground waterways.
Tourism Begins
Maori guides started taking tourists into the Waitomo Caves in 1904, making it a popular destination for over a century.
Featured in
North Island Road Trip: Four Days of Scenery and Delights
Wellington, Waiheke Island, Redwoods Treewalk
North Island New Zealand Must-Do Activities And Attractions
Viaduct Harbour, Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway). Leslie Road entrance is closed.
Explore Incredible Underground Attractions Worldwide
Wieliczka Salt Mine, Cu Chi Tunnel, Postojna Cave
New Zealand Road Trip: Top Spots and Travel Tips
Skyline Queenstown, Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway). Leslie Road entrance is closed., Polynesian SpaTwelve Destinations For Your Next Global Adventure
Pico do Arieiro, Villa Monastero, Seychelles
Natural Wonders With Unique Bioluminescent Phenomena
Uyuni Salt Flat, Ijen, Mount Bromo
New Zealand's Natural Wonders And Film Locations
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Franz Josef Glacier, Roys PeakNorth Island New Zealand's Top Six Attractions
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway). Leslie Road entrance is closed., Redwoods TreewalkWaitomo Caves Glowworm Black Water Rafting Adventure
