Waitomo Caves Adventures

Explore Glowworm Caverns and Thrilling Cave Descents

Waitomo Caves adventures offer some of New Zealand’s most spectacular underground experiences, from peaceful glowworm tours to adrenaline-fuelled abseils. The world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see, featuring magical ceilings lit by thousands of tiny glowworms, reflected in subterranean streams. Photographers can capture this natural beauty on the Waitomo Glow Worm Cave Photography Tour, a unique way to document the wonder of these living lights.

For those wanting a true test of courage, the Lost World Epic offers a full-day challenge with an unforgettable 100-metre abseil into a vast, cathedral-like cavern, followed by climbing, caving, and exploration. Less intense but equally awe-inspiring, the standard Lost World Adventure provides a shorter yet breathtaking descent—perfect for intermediate adventurers looking to experience the heart of Waitomo’s cave system.

Explorer standing above flowing water inside the Lost World cave in Waitomo surrounded by limestone formations

Guest wearing a headlamp sits beneath glowworms inside a limestone cave on a Glowing Adventures private tour in Waitomo

Silhouetted person standing beneath a star-like glow worm ceiling in a dark Waitomo cave.

Guests on a guided stream walk through native forest during a Glowing Adventures private tour in Waitomo

Photographer standing in an underground Waitomo cave illuminated by thousands of glow worms above.

Close-up of glow worm silk threads hanging from a cave ceiling in Waitomo, with two visitors observing them by headlamp.

Two people with headlamps exploring deep inside a Waitomo cave, surrounded by jagged limestone formations.

Guest in caving gear taking a break during a Glowing Adventures private tour in the Waitomo forest

Silhouette of a person standing at the illuminated entrance of a cave during a Glowing Adventures photography tour in Waitomo

Smiling couple in caving gear sitting beneath a glow worm-lit ceiling inside a Waitomo cave.

Photographer silhouetted under a glow worm-lit ceiling in a dark Waitomo cave, capturing the bioluminescent light.

Abseiler descending into a mist-filled cave at Waitomo

Abseiling group descending canyon in Waikato

Glowworm cave ceiling in Waitomo New Zealand

Abseiling entry into sinkhole with forest opening in Waitomo

Lost World Epic caving adventure in Waitomo

Guided cave expedition with light shaft in Waitomo

Group abseiling over forest sinkhole in Waikato

Two adventurers kneel beside dramatic limestone formations on the Haggas Honking Holes tour in Waitomo

Cave speleothem formations seen during the Haggas Honking Holes adventure in Waitomo

Close-up of a water droplet forming on a stalactite inside a cave

Black Labyrinth tour with glowworms in Ruakuri Caves, New Zealand

Native green frog on wet cave rocks in Haggas Honking Holes

Adventurer ziplining through glow worm-lit cave on the Black Abyss tour in Waitomo

Glow worms above rafters in Ruakuri Cave on Black Labyrinth tour

Long blue-lit tunnel through natural rock formations in Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo.

Illuminated walkway through Ruakuri Cave with dramatic blue and orange lighting

Golden limestone terraces and cave pools in Aranui Cave, Waitomo

Tourists exploring a limestone chamber with stalactites and stalagmites in Aranui Cave

Visitors viewing stalagmites on a guided tour inside Aranui Cave, Waitomo.

Tour guide pointing out stalactites inside Aranui Cave in Waitomo, New Zealand.

Waitomo’s Hidden Treasures and Unique Cave Tours

If you're after a peaceful, nature-rich experience, the Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Tour is an excellent choice. This small-group tour takes you away from the crowds into a quiet forest and cave environment, ideal for glowworm viewing and enjoying the serenity of untouched underground passages. It’s a great option for families or travellers who prefer a slower pace with immersive storytelling and natural beauty.

For more active caving experiences, don’t miss the adrenaline-pumping Haggas Honking Holes Cave Adventure, where you’ll climb waterfalls, zip through tight squeezes, and abseil into the unknown. From Auckland, you can book comprehensive tours such as the Black Abyss, Black Labyrinth, or the Waitomo, Ruakuri and Aranui Triple Caves Experience—each offering a different perspective of this geologically rich and visually stunning region.

Waitomo Caves Adventures for Every Level of Explorer

Whether you’re drawn by glowworms, canyoning, or hidden caves, Waitomo Caves adventures promise an unforgettable journey beneath the surface—perfect for everyone from casual visitors to seasoned thrill-seekers.