Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves The Original Waitomo Glowworm Caves and a New Zealand must do. Discover your moment of magic and add this to your bucket list now. http://www.waitomo.com
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Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.

When the cave tour ends but you’re not quite ready to leave the glow behind. ✨Take a little piece of Waitomo home with y...
22/08/2026

When the cave tour ends but you’re not quite ready to leave the glow behind. ✨

Take a little piece of Waitomo home with you from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves gift shop, whether it’s something practical, something to remember the trip by, or just an excuse to keep talking about how good the glowworms were.

Souvenir mug secured. ☕️

Before the boat ride, before the glowworms overhead, there’s time to capture the moment. ✨ kicked off their Waitomo Glow...
04/08/2026

Before the boat ride, before the glowworms overhead, there’s time to capture the moment. ✨

kicked off their Waitomo Glowworm Caves experience with a photo beneath one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable underground skies.

A pretty good way to start the tour!

Every carving tells a story.The Tāne Mahuta Pou standing outside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre is more than ...
18/07/2026

Every carving tells a story.

The Tāne Mahuta Pou standing outside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre is more than a welcome. It tells the story of this land, its people, and the native species that call it home.

Join us as we take a closer look at the stories carved into this treasured taonga, recently restored by master carver Desmond Te Kanawa, so it can continue welcoming visitors for generations to come.

As the Matariki stars rise, we come together to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the futu...
09/07/2026

As the Matariki stars rise, we come together to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

At Discover Waitomo, we're proud to celebrate this special time of year by sharing the stories, culture, and connections that make our region so unique. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to reconnect, Matariki reminds us that everyone has a place to gather, learn, and create lasting memories.

This Matariki, take a moment to slow down, look up, and celebrate together.

Mānawatia a Matariki 🌟

09/07/2026

More than a carving. A legacy being preserved.

Standing proudly at the entrance to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre, a beautifully crafted Pou has welcomed generations of visitors while telling the story of this special place.

Originally carved between 1986 and 1987 by master carvers, including Tutunui Te Kanawa, the pou commemorates the centenary of the caves’ first exploration in 1887 by local Māori Chief Tāne Tinorau and English surveyor Fred Mace.

Now, that legacy continues.

Join us as master carver Desmond Te Kanawa carefully restores this treasured taonga, ensuring the Pou will continue welcoming visitors and sharing its stories for generations to come.

Every chisel mark honours the past while preserving it for the future.

NewZealand CulturalHeritage

Did you know the Waitomo Glowworm Caves helped bring electricity to the King Country? 💡100 years ago, then Prime Ministe...
14/06/2026

Did you know the Waitomo Glowworm Caves helped bring electricity to the King Country? 💡

100 years ago, then Prime Minister William Massey visited the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and recognised their importance to New Zealand tourism. Following his visit, work began to establish the Hangatiki power station, helping bring electricity to the region for the very first time.

On 30 April 1926, the switch was officially flicked, marking the beginning of electric power in the King Country.

A century later, The Lines Company celebrated this milestone with laughter, a few drinks and a delicious-looking cake.

You could say the glowworms helped bring a glow to the King Country 🤭

✨ Celebrate Matariki beneath the glow of nature's own stars ✨Join us for our annual Matariki celebration with an exclusi...
12/06/2026

✨ Celebrate Matariki beneath the glow of nature's own stars ✨

Join us for our annual Matariki celebration with an exclusive Matariki Twilight Guided Tour. Be welcomed by our experienced local guides as they share the rich stories of Matariki and the sacred Tane Mahuta Pou. Enjoy a soothing kawakawa tea and treat before venturing into the breathtaking Glowworm Caves by night—an unforgettable journey beneath the stars, lit by nature’s own lanterns.

📅 10 & 11 July only
🕔 5:00pm
Adult: $91
Child: $47
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): $257
Infant: Free

Spaces are limited, so book early to be part of this special Matariki celebration.

Most people think glowworms only live inside the caves… but that’s not quite true...Just outside the exit to our majesti...
03/05/2026

Most people think glowworms only live inside the caves… but that’s not quite true...

Just outside the exit to our majestic glowworm caves, tucked into the forest, you can actually spot a small number in the wild, lighting up the trees in the same way they do underground.

Caves just happen to be the perfect hunting ground. Dark, enclosed, and full of insects drawn to the light… which, for the glowworm, means dinner is served.

Thank you to for this first-person perspective at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves! Looks like you had an amazing experience ...
04/04/2026

Thank you to for this first-person perspective at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves! Looks like you had an amazing experience with your glowing smiles.

Drifting silently beneath a ceiling of living lights ✨Moments like this remind us why the Waitomo Glowworm Caves continu...
14/03/2026

Drifting silently beneath a ceiling of living lights ✨

Moments like this remind us why the Waitomo Glowworm Caves continue to amaze visitors from around the world.

A big thank you to for capturing this incredible scene and sharing it with us, it perfectly reflects the quiet magic of a glowworm boat journey deep underground.

Address

Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo
3977

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+6478788228

Website

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