Waitomo Glow-worm Caves Experience

Waitomo Glow-worm Caves Tour is now available from Port of Tauranga!

Waitomo Glow-worm Caves are a must see for travelers to New Zealand. Lonely Planet recently voted the Glow-worm Cave experience as the most illuminating experience in the world. Glow-worms are unique to New Zealand; they are world renowned and a magnet to both local and overseas visitors.

Come and enjoy the world-famous boat ride under thousands of magical glow-worms and become a part of over 125 years of cultural and natural New Zealand history. Marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glow-worm Grotto.  Thousands of tiny little creatures radiate their luminescent light as expert local guides provide informative commentary on the history of the cave and its geological significance, stalactites, stalagmites, and columns commanding your attention; natural formations caused by precipitation of minerals and water dripping from the ceiling of the caves, providing a wonderland experience.

Depart from outside the port of Tauranga main pedestrian gates, travel around Mount Maunganui seaside resort where we take a brief stop and let you out to walk on the beach and touch the sand. Then its across the Harbour bridge to Tauranga city, pass by the fresh fish market, the local Waka (Maori canoe) past the rose gardens & the Mission station before arriving at Gate Pa. Step out for a photo stop of the 8 Poū (Maori Carvings) which depict the history of the historic Battle fought on this historic  Pa site.  Depart Tauranga and traverse the Kaimai range and into the lush pastureland of the fertile Waikato valley, world renowned for its rich heritage in the Dairy industry.

Enjoy the scenery of spectacular pastures, a huge amount of dairy cows, hydro lakes and forested mountains as we continue to Waitomo. Depending on our timings we may take a brief stop at the Otorohanga Kiwi bird nocturnal house for viewing of the New Zealand native endangered Kiwi bird and maybe we will get to see the ancient reptile – called the Tuatara. Both these critters are unique to New Zealand.

We will make opportunity for you to have a lunch break at this point – and there are a few options. A unique option is the opportunity to enjoy a New Zealand style BBQ lunch down on the farm at Roselands Farm & Gardens in Waitomo. They will cook to perfection your favorite cut of New Zealand meat or fish and serve with the addition of salads, fresh fruit and sweets. This is a typical New Zealand meal hosted in a relaxed natural setting and atmosphere.

After lunch, you will venture into the caves for your caving & Glowworm experience. This will take approx. 45 mins – 1 hour.

It is then a leisurely drive back to your cruise ship across some of the local hydro sites along the mighty Waikato River with a short stop at McLaren’s Falls park to enjoy some of New Zealand’s nature and beauty. It is a short stroll (optional and time dependant) to a waterfall along the pathway under the canopy of lush rainforest. Your guide will introduce you to Rongoā – Maori traditional medicines using plants before taking you back to your ship.

NB: The order of which attractions we visit may alter from time to time – this is due to our  timing fitting in with Kiwi bird feed times.

Entry Fees Per Person:

Glow-worm Caves –             Adult NZ$61.00     Child NZ$28    Family  NZ$154

Kiwi Bird House –                Adult NZ$26.00      Child NZ$10   Family NZ$65

NZ Style  BBQ Lunch –       Adult  NZ$38.00     Child NZ$18