The Silence
Inside the Glowworm Grotto, you must remain completely silent; noise causes the worms to "turn off" their lights.
Description
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand feel magical—floating in a boat through dark caves while thousands of glowworms light up the ceiling like a starry sky. The experience is peaceful and surreal. The rock formations and underground rivers add beauty. It’s nature’s own light show. Pure wonder.
Highlights
- Glowworms illuminate underground caverns.
- Boat ride gliding under twinkling ceilings.
- Magical natural light show.
Location
-
39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo, Te Kūiti 3977, New Zealand
Know Before You Go
No Photos
To protect the delicate cave environment and the worms, photography and filming are strictly prohibited.
The Boat Ride
The highlight is a silent boat ride through the pitch-black grotto lit by thousands of blue "stars."
Constant Temperature
The cave is always 16°C (61°F); bring a light jacket even if it’s a hot New Zealand summer day.
Aranui Cave
If you want to see incredible stalactites (but no worms), book a combo ticket that includes the nearby Aranui Cave.
Example Itinerary
-
07:30
Leave Auckland by Bus
Riding with Intercity, board your bus from Skycity Auckland. -
10:30
Do the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
For your first stop, arrive in Matamata for the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, where you get to immerse yourself in Hobbiton with a guided tour and a visit to the Green Dragon pub after for a drink and lunch. -
14:30
Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and do the full cave and boat tour, marvelling in this incredible feat of nature. -
18:00
Arrive Rotorua
Arrive in Rotorua by nightfall.
