Journey through the rolling Waikato countryside to one of the planet's most magical underground worlds — a living constellation of thousands of glowworms illuminating an ancient limestone cathedral.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand's most iconic natural attractions — a 30-million-year-old limestone cave system illuminated by thousands of tiny bioluminescent creatures found nowhere else on earth.
Our day tour from Rotorua takes you on a scenic 2-hour drive through the lush Waikato farmland to the village of Waitomo, where you'll descend into a world of stalactites, towering cathedral chambers, and the unforgettable glowworm grotto boat ride — gliding in silence through living constellations overhead.
It's an experience that leaves visitors speechless, regardless of age — and one that's perfectly paired with your time exploring Rotorua's geothermal wonders above ground.
From the scenic countryside drive to the silence of the glowworm grotto, every moment of this tour is designed to be memorable.
The 2-hour journey from Rotorua is part of the adventure — rolling through lush Waikato farmland, past the Mamaku Range and through charming rural townships. Your guide shares stories of the region's history and geology along the way.
Descend into the main cave and enter the towering Cathedral — a vast natural chamber with spectacular acoustics. Stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years create a landscape that feels ancient and otherworldly.
The tour's breathtaking finale — board a small boat and glide in complete silence through the glowworm grotto. Thousands of Arachnocampa luminosa create a living constellation overhead, their bioluminescent glow illuminating the cave ceiling like a starfield.
A comfortable full-day experience with hotel pickup, scenic driving, and unhurried time underground.
We collect you from your Rotorua accommodation in our comfortable small-group vehicle. Settle in with a hot drink as your guide introduces the day ahead and the landscapes you'll pass through.
~30 minHead west from Rotorua through the Mamaku Range, descending into the green rolling hills of the Waikato — New Zealand's agricultural heartland. Your guide shares the region's volcanic history, Māori connections, and points out landmarks along the route.
~2 hoursDescend into the cave system with an expert local guide. Walk through the dramatic Cathedral Chamber, learn about the 30 million years of geological history in the limestone formations, then board a boat for the unforgettable glowworm grotto ride — gliding in silence beneath a living constellation.
~1.5 hoursFree time to enjoy lunch at the Waitomo Caves village (own expense). Browse the visitor centre and gift shop, or take a short walk around the scenic bush-lined paths surrounding the cave entrance. Several café and dining options available.
~1 hourFor those wanting more, additional cave experiences can be added — Ruakuri Cave offers a dramatic spiral entrance and underground river, while Aranui Cave is known for its extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Optional add-onRelax on the scenic return journey through the Waikato countryside. Your guide is happy to recommend restaurants, hot springs, or activities for the rest of your evening in Rotorua.
~2 hoursArrive back in Rotorua with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your afternoon — perhaps a soak at the Polynesian Spa or a stroll along the lakefront. Your guide can help arrange evening activities if needed.
The Waitomo glowworms — Arachnocampa luminosa — are a species of fungus gnat found only in New Zealand. Their bioluminescent larvae spin silk threads and emit a blue-green glow to attract prey in the darkness of the caves.
Arachnocampa luminosa is endemic to Aotearoa — these particular glowworms exist nowhere else on the planet, making the Waitomo display truly one of a kind.
The larvae produce light through a chemical reaction in their tails. The hungrier the worm, the brighter it glows — attracting insects drawn to the light into their sticky silk threads.
Each larva hangs up to 70 sticky silk threads from the cave ceiling, creating a curtain of glowing snares. Insects attracted by the light become trapped and are slowly reeled in.
The boat ride through the grotto is conducted in total silence — noise and vibration disturb the glowworms, causing them to dim their light. The quiet only adds to the magic of the experience.
Full day, approximately 7–8 hours including scenic drives and cave tour.
Hotel pickup/drop-off, transport, expert guide, and Glowworm Cave entry fee.
Comfortable shoes, a warm layer (caves are 14°C year-round), and a camera for above-ground photos.
No flash photography inside the caves. Plenty of photo opportunities before and after the underground tour.
The caves maintain a constant 14°C (57°F) year-round with high humidity. Bring a light jacket or warm layer even on hot summer days — it's refreshingly cool underground.
The main Glowworm Cave tour involves about 250 steps and is not wheelchair accessible. Handrails are provided throughout. Ruakuri Cave offers a fully accessible spiral ramp entrance for visitors with mobility needs.
Children of all ages are welcome and typically love the glowworm display. Under 4s enter free. The boat ride lasts about 10–15 minutes and is calm and safe. Baby carriers recommended over pushchairs.
Lunch is at your own expense in the Waitomo Caves village. Several cafés offer sandwiches, pies, and hot meals. Your guide can recommend options. Water and snacks are available on the vehicle.
Common questions about the Rotorua to Waitomo day tour. Need more detail? We're happy to help — just get in touch.
Approximately 2 hours each way through scenic Waikato farmland. The drive is a comfortable part of the experience — your guide shares stories and points out landmarks along the route. You'll pass through the Mamaku Range and some of the most beautiful pastoral landscapes in the North Island.
You board a small flat-bottomed boat inside the cave and glide silently through the glowworm grotto — a low-ceilinged chamber illuminated by thousands of glowworms on the ceiling. The ride lasts 10–15 minutes in near-total silence and darkness. It's profoundly beautiful and unlike anything else you'll experience.
Photography without flash is technically permitted in some sections, but the caves are extremely dark and results are poor with phone cameras. Flash photography is strictly prohibited as it disturbs the glowworms. Professional photos are available for purchase. There are excellent photo opportunities at the cave entrance and in the surrounding bush.
Yes — we offer combo day tours that visit both Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set from Rotorua. It's a longer day with an earlier departure (around 7:00 AM), but both attractions are thoroughly covered. Ask us about availability when booking.
The caves are underground and unaffected by weather above — tours run rain or shine, making this an excellent option for rainy days. Very heavy rainfall can occasionally raise water levels inside the cave and affect the boat ride, but this is rare and you would be notified in advance.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rotorua, comfortable small-group transport, an expert driver/guide for the full day, and entry to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves (including the boat ride). Lunch and optional additional caves (Ruakuri, Aranui) are at your own expense.
"The glowworm boat ride was the most magical experience of our entire trip. Floating through in absolute silence with those tiny blue lights above — I had tears in my eyes. The scenic drive was a lovely bonus."
Melbourne, Australia
"Our kids (7 and 10) were absolutely spellbound. They talked about the glowworms for the rest of the holiday. The Cathedral Cave chamber was jaw-dropping — the acoustics are incredible. Worth every minute."
Sydney, Australia
"We did the Waitomo + Hobbiton combo and both were fantastic. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny, the small group made it feel personal, and the logistics were seamless. Highly recommend Cooee."
London, United Kingdom
One of the most magical natural experiences in New Zealand, just a scenic day trip from Rotorua. Small groups, expert guides, and a memory that lasts a lifetime.