Kawiti Glow Worm Caves & Kauri Forest Walk

Oct-Apr

North Island

Mullarkey Tours

from

NZ$225

per adult

Book Now

Glowworm silk threads hanging from the cave ceiling at Kawiti Glowworm Caves

Experiences

Nature & Wildlife

History and Māori Culture

Family-friendly Tours

Shore Excursions

Small Group Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Waitangi Wharf

Locations: Paihia, Bay of Islands

Travel Time: 4 hours

Details

A Magical Journey Through Caves and Culture

The Kawiti Glow Worm Caves are a mesmerising underground world, glowing with thousands of bioluminescent creatures that light up the limestone walls. Led by an experienced Māori guide, you’ll learn about the local legends and the delicate life cycle of these magical glow worms. The shimmering cave ceilings and natural rock formations create a surreal setting that feels truly out of this world.

After your cave experience, head to the nearby town of Kawakawa, a creative hub known for its quirky architecture and cultural flair. The Hundertwasser Toilets and Cultural Centre showcase vibrant art and unique designs that blend European creativity with Māori tradition. This stop offers a delightful mix of colour, culture, and community spirit.

Boardwalk through the Waiomio Glowworm Caves in Kerikeri

Glowworms illuminating a dark cave ceiling with bioluminescent light

Glowworms scattered across a limestone cave ceiling in New Zealand

Hundertwasser Art Centre entrance with colorful columns in Whangārei, New Zealand

Exterior view of the colourful and artistic Hundertwasser public toilets in Kawakawa

Tourists walking past the colourful and quirky Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa

Boardwalk winding through lush native forest on the Opua Track

Looking up at the massive trunk of a mature kauri tree in a native forest in Northland

Cruise ship anchored in the Bay of Islands with nearby boats and forested islet

Walk Among the Giants of the Opua Forest

The Opua Forest Walk is a peaceful journey through native bush where ancient Kauri trees rise majestically above the canopy. Some of these mighty giants are more than a thousand years old, standing as living reminders of New Zealand’s rich natural heritage. As you stroll beneath their towering branches, the earthy scent of the forest fills the air, offering a deep sense of connection to nature.

End your day with breathtaking views from the Waitangi Lookout, where the blue waters of the Bay of Islands stretch endlessly before you. It’s the perfect place to reflect on a day filled with glow worms, art, and ancient trees. This unforgettable blend of nature and culture makes the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves & Kauri Forest Walk one of the Bay’s true hidden gems.

AGE INFORMATION

Adult: 17 years +
Children: 5-16 years
Minimum 4 people for tour to run

CANCELLATION & REFUND

24 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
Less than 24 hours before travel: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

*Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Our first stop is the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, where a local Māori guide will lead you through underground caverns, sharing the story of how the caves were discovered.

During the 30-minute guided tour, you'll walk along a wooden boardwalk (with handrails) through a 200-metre limestone cave system. Inside, you'll see thousands of glowworms lighting up the ceiling, surrounded by impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

As you marvel at the glowworm 'galaxies' above, your guide will explain the life cycle of the New Zealand glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) and the delicate webs they use to catch prey. You’ll even get close enough to see the glowworms’ bodies and their striking blue-green tails. Afterward, you'll return via a bush walk through a natural corridor of karst rock formations and pristine rainforest.

Next, we take a short drive to Kawakawa, home to the world-famous "Hundertwasser Toilets," one of the few public toilets recognized as an international work of art. Designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, they feature recycled materials from the local community.

You will also visit the recently opened Hundertwasser Cultural Centre. Opened in 2020, this centre showcases the best of Hundertwasser’s work alongside local Maori arts and crafts.

Our final destination is the Opua Forest, home to Kauri trees that are over 1,000 years old. From here, we’ll return to the Wharf via the Waitangi lookout, offering excellent photo opportunities, especially of your ship moored in the Bay.