Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

Have you ever heard about the Waitomo Glowworm Caves? If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. Located in the Waikato region in the north island of New Zealand, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a spectacular sight to behold. Don’t miss the chance to experience these caves on a guided tour – by boat!

In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect on the guided tour and how to make the most of it. From booking a tour to packing accordingly, you won’t miss out on any important details. If you’re ready to plan your visit, we recommend booking your Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat in Waitomo here. By the end of this guide, you’ll be more than ready to see the Waitomo Glowworms with your own eyes.

What to Expect On a Guided Tour

A Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour by boat normally lasts for 1.5 hours. During this time, you’ll be guided through the caves and taught about their history. Depending on the operator, you can also learn about the cultural significance of the caves and their connections to local indigenous people.

When it comes to the boat ride itself, expect a tranquil journey in complete darkness. While traversing through the tunnels, you’ll be surrounded by millions of glow worms. Above you, the roof of the caves will come alive with a beautiful constellation of twinkling blue dots of light. The scenes will take your breath away!

What You Can and Can’t Do

During the tour, you won’t be able to disembark from the boat at any point. This is to protect both you and the environment, so please be mindful and follow instructions from your guide at all times. Other than this restriction, your guide will provide all the necessary health and safety equipment and follow all necessary guidelines, so there’s no need to worry about safety hazards.

How Much Does It Cost and How to Book a Tour?

Usually, a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves by boat costs around NZD $95 per person. This price usually includes all necessary equipment such as lifejackets and wet weather gear. It also comes with snacks and drinks. To book a tour, it’s best to secure your spot in advance online instead of waiting until you get there, as it’s highly likely that all spaces have been filled. You can book your Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat in Waitomo directly through GetYourGuide, with lots of payment options available.

Tips for Preparing for the Tour

Clothing – When preparing for a boat tour of the caves, make sure to dress appropriately. Keep in mind that although most tours don’t get very wet, it’s better to be prepared with suitable outerwear like waterproof jackets, as New Zealand’s climate is unpredictable at times. Also, make sure to put something warm on even if the weather looks nice outside. The temperature inside the caves is quite low, so having something warm like a merino wool sweater can be really helpful to prevent getting a chill.

Footwear – Since precipitation can make parts of the walkway slippery, you should wear closed shoes that have non-slip soles. It’s also beneficial if you wear shoes that don’t soak up water such as rubber boots or neoprene boots. This will help keep your feet warm and dry throughout the tour.

Equipment – Although your ticket includes most items you would use during the tour such as life vests and wet weather gear, there might be some extra things that could make your visit even better. A source of light could come in handy for taking pictures inside the cave and some snacks or sweet treats can make it more enjoyable too (just make sure to wrap everything up properly so as not to disturb the environment).

What Other Tours Are There?

If you’re looking for more ways to explore Waitomo aside from its famous glowworms, there are plenty of tours you can choose from. In addition to boat tours, there are also walking tours both through and around the area that you can take advantage of – including adventure caving experiences such as blackwater rafting and tubing one-way trips or two-way trips.

For those who want an even more thrilling experience, there’s also abseiling and rock climbing inside the cave system – and you can even go kayaking along the waterways too! No matter what kind of adventure you crave, it’s available in Waitomo so don’t be afraid to try something new!

Wrapping Up – Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat in Waitomo

A trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is an unforgettable experience that everyone should try at least once in their life. With a variety of tours and experiences available, there are many ways to explore this mesmerising environment – and seeing those twinkling lights up close on a boat is truly exceptional.

So get ready for an amazing adventure and book your glowing Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat in Waitomo today! You won’t regret it!

Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat- All Your Questions Answered

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand and looking for something out of the ordinary? Then, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by boat should definitely be on your must-do list. The Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors to the North Island of New Zealand for over 120 years. The caves are famous for the thousands of glowworms that illuminate the underground cave system, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. In this post, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat.

What are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a series of underground caves located in the North Island of New Zealand. These caves are home to thousands of glowworms that emit a blue-green light, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere. The Waitomo Caves are one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world.

What can I expect on the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat?

During the tour, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will take you through the caves in a small boat to explore the underground river system. You will witness the natural beauty of the caves, and the highlight of the tour is when you reach the Glowworm Grotto, which is illuminated by the glowworms.

How long is the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat?

The guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of visitors and how crowded the caves are.

How much does the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat cost?

The cost of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat varies depending on the time of year and the tour company you choose to book with. Most tour companies offer different packages, including transportation to and from the caves. Expect to pay between NZD 50-100 per person.

Can I take photos inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

Yes, you can take photos inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, but you are not allowed to use flash photography, which can disturb the glowworms. However, keep in mind that the caves are very dark, and it may be challenging to capture the magical beauty of the glowworms in pictures.

Are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat is not wheelchair accessible due to rough terrain, narrow passages, and stairs. However, the Visitor Centre offers a glowworm experience specially designed for wheelchair users, which includes a video presentation and a short drive through the caves.

When is the best time to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the months of December to February, which is the Kiwi summer. During these months, the caves are least crowded, and the weather is warm and pleasant.

What should I wear on the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat?

The caves can be chilly, even during the summer months, so it’s best to wear warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and a windbreaker. You may also want to bring a camera and a small bag to carry your personal belongings. Be prepared to get wet, as the boat ride can be a little splashy.

Do I need to book in advance?

It’s highly recommended that you book your Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat in advance. During peak season, from December to February, the caves can get very crowded, and tours can sell out quickly. By booking in advance, you’ll have a guaranteed spot and avoid disappointment.

Is the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat suitable for children?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat is a family-friendly activity, and children are welcome on the tour. However, keep in mind that the cave system can be dark and scary, and young children may be frightened by the boat ride or the glowworms. It’s best to use your judgment and consider your child’s age and temperament before booking the tour.

Conclusion

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat is a unique and unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler’s must-do list. By answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, we hope this post has helped you prepare for your adventure underground. Remember to book your tour in advance, dress appropriately, and bring your sense of wonder and imagination.