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Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waitomo Caves

4.1

#1 of 21 in Things to do in Waitomo Caves

Cave Nature / Park Must See

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Home to a species of glowworms found exclusively in New Zealand, Waitomo Glowworm Caves serve as one of the country's most popular natural landmarks. A magnet for both local and foreign visitors, this attraction offers guided tours through three underground levels linked by long vertical shafts made of limestone. Start at the visitor center, where you can learn about the history of this cave system. Guided tours depart from behind the center and take participants past huge stalactites and stalagmites. As you enter a giant cavern known as "the cathedral" and your eyes gradually adjust to the dim light, prepare to see thousands of tiny glowworms sparkling all around you. Plan my trip to Waitomo Caves with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5,263 reviews

Google

4.5

• By 485kirstenl

  The caves were very busy, felt like 3 or 4 groups of 40 people each inside at one go, which I think made you lose the impact of how beautiful the caves are and how the first Maori explorer into it...  more »

• By cloring13

  The glow worm cave was one of the worst cave tours I’ve ever taken. Yes there are thousands of glow worms at the end of the tour which you get all of 5 minutes to see. We were in a group of 50 people....  more »

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Google

• By Christy Abraham

  The time spent viewing the glow worm is only 10 minutes maximum, out of the 45 minutes. The rest of the time is used by the guide explaining the history behind that cave.. If we can spent at least 25 minutes viewing the glow worm, then that will be worth the money spent and the effort taken to reach there..

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• By Brad Vos

  The worms were cool but considering the drive from Auckland and the packed tours I think this was one stop we could have skipped on our Auckland trip. The boat ride was actually a guide pulling ropes through a small bit of cave and was pretty quick. Most of the tour was walking the lit caves.

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