Waitomo Caves

You can only visit the Waitomo Caves with a tour guide, and tours typically include a walk through the caves and a boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Expect to see all sorts of interesting formations, many with creative names such as the "Pipe Organ" and the "Banquet Chamber." You can take a Waitomo Cave tour from Auckland or Rotorua and many tours are combined with other Waitomo region attractions, such as the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings.

• Waitomo Cave tickets are included in the cost of guided tours. 

• Facilities at the Waitomo Caves Discovery Center include restrooms, a café and restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.

• It can get cold in the caves, so bring a warm jacket and wear comfortable shoes.

• Cameras and GoPros are not permitted inside the caves.

• The caves are not wheelchair accessible and access might be tricky for those with mobility problems. However, the nearby Ruakuri Cave offers wheelchair access.

The Waitomo Caves are located in Waitomo on the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island. The nearest international airport is in Auckland. The city is roughly 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of the caves, or 2.5 hours by road. Tours also run from Rotorua, 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of the caves, or two hours by road.

The Waitomo Caves are open year-round, but summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit. It can get busy, so be sure to book in advance and opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour if you want to avoid crowds.

Along with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, visitors can explore nearby Aranui Cave, Ruakari Cave, and Marokopa Falls. Adventurous types can get their adrenaline fix by black-water rafting, abseiling (rappelling), cave tubing (gliding along the river in a giant inner tube), or canyoning through the caves.

It doesn’t matter when you visit the Waitomo Caves because the temperature within the caves stays consistent at 53-57°F (12-14°C). However, most people prefer to visit New Zealand’s North Island, where the Waitomo Caves are located, between late spring and early autumn (October–April), when the weather is most pleasant.

Tours through the Waitomo Caves are of varying lengths, from less than one hour to several hours. You can take a quick Glowworm Cave tour that lasts just 45 minutes, a half-day black water rafting tour through the caves, or tours that fall somewhere in between.

Yes, you can swim in Waitomo Caves, but it's not generally done as a standalone activity. Some tours of the caves include black water rafting, or tubing along the underground rivers, which may involve some swimming although you will be holding on to a tube so independent swimming isn’t required.

Yes, it’s a good idea to book a tour of Waitomo Caves in advance if you’re traveling in peak season (December–March) or if you’re in a large group. Advance booking may not always be necessary outside peak season, but it’s advisable to avoid disappointment.

The Waitomo Caves are a consistent 53-57°F (12-14°C) year-round, so bring a light jacket for most tours, as well as comfortable shoes with some grip that are suitable for uneven or slippery surfaces. Wetsuits are supplied on black water rafting tours, but you’ll need to wear your own swimwear underneath.

Yes, most travelers consider a trip to the Waitomo Caves worth the time and cost. It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the North Island. Visitors to the Waitomo Caves learn about the area's nature, geology, and Māori culture and experience outdoor adventures.