DocentPro
MOBILE APPBLOGFAQsGet App

Save places from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more

Waitomo Glowworm Caves 1
Waitomo Glowworm Caves 2
Waitomo Glowworm Caves 3
Waitomo Glowworm Caves 4
Waitomo Glowworm Caves 5
Waitomo Glowworm Caves 6

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

attraction

Attraction

star

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?
6 facts
100+
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.

Free
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.

Water Hole
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.

1904
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
@seeshots
North Island Road Trip: Four Days of Scenery and Delights
Wellington, Waiheke Island, Redwoods Treewalk
North Island New Zealand Must-Do Activities And Attractions
@globetrottingheels
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
@unearth_hq
Explore Incredible Underground Attractions Worldwide
Wieliczka Salt Mine, Cu Chi Tunnel, Postojna Cave
New Zealand Road Trip: Top Spots and Travel Tips
@thetravelingdans
New Zealand Road Trip: Top Spots and Travel Tips
Skyline Queenstown, Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway). Leslie Road entrance is closed., Polynesian Spa
Twelve Destinations For Your Next Global Adventure
@vigilanthought
Twelve Destinations For Your Next Global Adventure
Pico do Arieiro, Villa Monastero, Seychelles
Natural Wonders With Unique Bioluminescent Phenomena
@travalier
Natural Wonders With Unique Bioluminescent Phenomena
Uyuni Salt Flat, Ijen, Mount Bromo
New Zealand's Natural Wonders And Film Locations
@_nonameaccount_lol_
New Zealand's Natural Wonders And Film Locations
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Franz Josef Glacier, Roys Peak
North Island New Zealand's Top Six Attractions
@travelzwithtmcl
North Island New Zealand's Top Six Attractions
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway). Leslie Road entrance is closed., Redwoods Treewalk
Waitomo Caves Glowworm Black Water Rafting Adventure
@Facebook
Waitomo Caves Glowworm Black Water Rafting Adventure
Eight Breathtaking Natural Wonders Around the World
@earthpix
Eight Breathtaking Natural Wonders Around the World
Cappadocia, Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses
Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Nature's Underground Galaxy
@earth.is.unreal
Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Nature's Underground Galaxy
New Zealand Glowworm Caves Adventure
@NZadventures
New Zealand Glowworm Caves Adventure
The Waitomo Experience