Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat in Waitomo – An In-Depth Guide

Are you looking to explore one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat? Then you are in the right place! Here in this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know about the tour – from its history and the included activities to different tour options and prices.

What Are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a network of underground limestone caves located near the Waitomo village on the North island of New Zealand. The caves are home to thousands of glowworms, or Arachnocampa luminosa, a luminous insect only found in New Zealand. The caves were discovered in 1887 by local Maori chief,Tane Tinorau, and slightly later by English surveyor, Fred Mace. The caves have become an increasingly popular tourist attraction due to their stunning beauty and the presence of glowworms. In 1989, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves were part of the Te Anga region, which is now part of the Waitomo District.

What Are the Activities Included in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour offers a range of activities during the tour. The activities include:

• Exploring the Waitomo Glowworm Cave system – tour guides will take you through the chambers of the caves, showing you the spectacular formations, ancient carvings and formations that have developed over millions of years.
• Admiring the glowworms – this is arguably the highlight of the tour. Your tour guide will explain all about the glowworms, their life cycles and how they create their mysterious glows in the darkness of the cave.
• Boat rides – parts of the caves are only accessible via water and so, to fully experience all aspects of the cave system, caverns, lakes and passages must be travelled via boat.
• Informative tour guides – your guide will be able to share their knowledge about the area with you; from its geological origins to its local cultures and ancient human inhabitants.

What Different Tour Options Are Available?
Depending on what you are interested in seeing during your visit there are a range of different tour options available. Here are some of the tour options:

• Glowworm Guided Tour – this is a 45 minutes to an hour-long guided tour through the underground cave system, passing what felt like a river and a lake before emerging into a cave full of thousands of glowworms.
• Adventure Tours – during an adventure tour you will have the opportunity to explore undiscovered parts of the glowworm caves, as well as take part in various activities such as cave abseiling, black water rafting and tubing.
• Trip Te Puia – this tour combines a trip to Te Puia, geothermal attraction and Māori culture hub, with a private Waitomo Glowworm Cave guided tour. It also includes a boat ride across a breathtaking underground river.

What Are the Prices of These Tours?
The prices for these tours vary depending on which tour you choose and how many people are taking part in it. The general range of prices starts at around NZ$45 (€27) per adult for the classic sightseeing tour, up to around NZ$269 (€164) for other combined tour options. These prices are typically reduced when booking for more than one person. You can also access discounted prices through certain websites or packaged tours. For example, GetYourGuide (Book directly your activety at GetYourGuide here) offers up to 10% discount off certain tours when booking from their website.

What Should You Bring With You?
Since most tours take place inside limestone caves where it can get cold and wet, it is important that you bring suitable clothing with you. A good idea is to wear outdoor clothes such as jeans and a waterproof jacket, but also bring enclosed shoes that are comfortable to walk in as there is likely to be some walking involved on most tours. It is also recommended to bring a torch and/or camera to make sure that you get the most out of your experience in the caves. A hat is also useful if you plan on taking part in activities such as abseiling as it can help keep your hair out of your face.

Is the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour Worth It?
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour is definitely an experience worth having! The whole experience is quite surreal and one which you will never forget. You will not only learn about how these glowworms are formed and sustain their life cycle, but you may also be lucky enough to witness their glowing light firsthand from inside one of these beautiful caves. Plus, all tours are guided by knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about sharing their stories about this amazing place with you. All in all, if you’re looking for an experience like no other then this tour will definitely not disappoint! So why not give it a go and start exploring the majestic Waitomo Glowworm Caves today! Book directly your activety at GetYourGuide here.