Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland worth booking?
Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland is a 11-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $627 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (20)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $627 per person
Take a trip through the magical underground world of sparkling glowworms and fascinating caverns with a private day tour from Auckland to Waitomo Caves. Visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a must-do experience, with t
What you get
About this experience
Take a trip through the magical underground world of sparkling glowworms and fascinating caverns with a private day tour from Auckland to Waitomo Caves. Visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a must-do experience, with the Arachnocampa Luminosa species of glowworm only found in New Zealand. Get the most out of your visit with a package to explore more than just one unforgettable cave in Waitomo. The Most popular combo combines the famous Waitomo glowworm cave with a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave for the ultimate Waitomo experience including a delicious BBQ buffet lunch before we finish the trip.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature
- Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
- Complimentary refreshments and water on board
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
- Be captivated by thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
- All Fees and Taxes
- Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Lunch
- Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the iconic Glow-worm Caves tour
- Admission to 90 minutes guided experience at Waitomo Ruakuri Cave
- On-board WiFi
- Discover Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour as you explore Ruakuri Cave
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head!
- Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide
- Admission to 45 minutes guided experience at Waitomo Glow Worm Cave
Not included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
15 minutes here
The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.
Pass by without stopping
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.
15 minutes here
Te Awamutu
Te Awamutu calls itself the ‘Rose Capital of New Zealand’. During the blooming season, November to April, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as 2000 rose bushes turn on the charm.
Pass by without stopping
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms. The subterranean cave system is located beneath the rolling green countryside of the Waikato, one of New Zealand’s prime farming regions. Your guided Waitomo Caves tour will be an unforgettable sightseeing experience as you walk through majestic caverns, explore limestone shafts, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a boat ride through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny native glowworms. Glowworm caves in New Zealand offer visitors the chance to explore dark caves that are lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms (scientifically known as Arachnocampa Luminosa) who shine bright as a way to attract their prey.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Ruakuri Cave
The second attraction included in this package; Ruakuri Cave, offers views of the 'other' side of Waikato cave systems. Offering a captivating blend of the most compelling subterranean experiences (including glowworms), it will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Begin the tour by journeying down through the spectacular, man-made spiral entrance, marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries while listening to the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls. If you want to see glowworms up-close and personal and learn about their fascinating life, then this is the tour for you. After exploring the top New Zealand visitor attractions, your driver guide will take you back to Auckland, returning in the early evening.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Otorohanga
Enjoy a delicious café style lunch.
60 minutes here
Auckland Central
After an exhilarating fun-filled experience at Waitomo, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Waitomo if you are staying locally in the region.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ExperienceKart
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
- Easy and good fitness level required.
- This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
- No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
- Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave so bring your camera to click the best shots
- No backpacks or large bags allowed in cave due to delicate formations.
- Please do not touch the formation in the cave as it discoloured easily, please help us protect our cave.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
- The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
- Caves average at a temperature of 16-17 degrees Celcius year round
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The Best Experience - highly recommend
We were debating between this tour and a tour of the geysers. We decided on this one though because it was a rare experience. Our guide, Mary, arrived on time and we immediately felt her energy. She was personable, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the country’s history. While the caves and their individual attributes were appealing and well worth the journey, Mary’s contributions to our day completely made the trip for us! We were initially weary of the length of the trip & amount of time we’d be spending in a car, but Mary made it such a fun, engaging, and unique experience that it seemed as though she were dropping us off again before we knew it. What we paid per person was more than reasonable and by far exceeded all of our expectations for this excursion. We especially appreciated your commitment to hiring Indigenous women to share their own stories, creating an authentic and meaningful way for visitors to learn about their culture and history.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Stacy, Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful review. We’re truly honoured that you chose this experience and even more delighted to hear it exceeded your expectations. It’s wonderful to know that Mary made such a lasting impression. Her warmth, storytelling, and knowledge are exactly what we hope every guest experiences, and we’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to her. We’re especially grateful for your recognition of our commitment to sharing authentic Māori perspectives. Providing meaningful cultural connections through passionate local guides is something we deeply value, and it means a great deal to know this resonated with you. Thank you again for your recommendation and for trusting us with your New Zealand journey. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Perfect day from start to finish!
This is a long write-up with some details if you care to read. TL;DR - What a cool experience! If you have the time, I would definitely recommend taking this tour! The caves are otherworldly. The ExperienceKart Team was excellent from start to finish. *Side note, I have some specific anxieties - water (or rather falling in it), darkness (or rather what’s lurking in it), closed spaces (or rather being trapped), heights (or rather falling from them), and car rides (or rather accidents in one). I have a lot of “what if’s”. But hey, when in Rome - or rather NZ this time. *Another side note - My husband and I didn't find it cold in either cave. We both wore shorts, but brought a sweater. First, the caves: - Waitomo Glowworms - This is the shorter tour of the two caves, about an hour, but it is still a must-see. The massive covering is a marvel to look at if you’re into how a structure is built. It’s just beautifully done. Open, airy, and inviting. When your group/time arrives, your guide will escort you down a short pathway while they tell you a bit about the area and the safety measures. The boat tour was otherworldly. The silence, aside from the dripping water, the people shuffling in their seats, and the slight movement of our vessel cutting through the surface, was both eerie and exciting. The stillness really lets you soak in the atmosphere and let your thoughts sink in. It was amazing! It was like riding the Pirates of the Caribbean for the first time in the dark with the “fireflies” flitting around. Although you can’t take any photos in this cave, they do let you take photos coming out and let you stay as long as you like to take photos from the riverside after they drop you off. We got shots of the boat while it was heading back in to pick up the next group. Even the riverside was beautiful and peaceful. - Ruakuri Twin Cave - First, you are able to take photos in this cave, but you have to turn the flash off. They remind you and have you test it before moving any further. Then, you descend on a spiral pathway lit by dim lights at your feet. It’s not a hard walk, and the path is smooth enough for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility carts to travel with no issues. This is a longer tour on pathways and walkways/bridges, which are only lit where your tour is passing or stopped. It’s best to keep up with your guide/group or risk being in the dark. Some pathways are no longer accessible to the public out of respect for the land and culture. They’ll tell you about it. But it’s still neat to see the paths that others took, once upon a time. You make several stops along the way. The guide will tell you about specific areas, what happened there, why something is, or just some cool information or tidbits about a particular formation. It was really interesting from the little we could hear from the guide. The glowworm section was really cool. It was like the night sky in several places, and you were able to take photos of them here. Just make sure to turn on the night setting on your camera/phone, and stay still while it counts down. Traveling through the caves in this part, you come across a small “lake,” and if you're lucky, you might see some of the Black Water Rafting tours getting in the water close by. We did. **Parents of small children!** Please allow others to enjoy the tour, too! Letting your children weave through everyone during the entire tour takes away from everyone’s experience. Whether they’re on their own, or the few times that you weaved through the group to catch them. It makes some of us stay on the backside of the light, partially in the dark, and not be able to hear the guide. Be safe! Although the caves are relatively safe, there are still hazards! If you’re not willing to keep your kids by your side, don’t expect anyone else to look after them. They’re not anyone else’s responsibility! Don’t ask the kids, “Where are your parents?” The question should be, “WHERE ARE YOUR CHILDREN!?” Yes, we did move to the front near the guide. The children followed, and still we could not hear. Either over the children, or the parents saying, “wait right there”, or “stop and wait for us”, neither of which was working for these parents, or children! Sorry for the rant. Anyhow - I love exploring caves, both look & don’t touch type, and amateur spelunking, and this is by far one of the coolest. If you get a chance, there’s a video documentary playing in the lobby/waiting area that is about the cave, the families, and the building of the structures within. We didn’t get to watch/listen to it all after the children arrived. We asked the receptionist if there was a copy or a video online of it, but she couldn’t find anything. We haven’t found one yet either. :( _________________________ Now for the service we received: I originally booked this tour earlier in our travels, but Vee contacted me a couple of days before to let me know that there weren’t enough people to make it happen. We were fully refunded. They said that there was another tour the following Tues but I didn’t know our plans, so I asked if they could keep in touch with me if a group was forming. On Monday, Vee reached out again to say it didn’t look promising. In the meantime, we spent the week in Rotorua exploring. But we couldn’t stop thinking about the caves. It was the one thing we knew that we absolutely wanted to do, even before we traveled to NZ. So, while we were still in Rotorua, we booked again and crossed our fingers. The only thing was, we were heading back to Auckland on Sunday, and the tour was on Monday. But, when in Rome! On the day, our tour guide called our hotel room at SkyCity to let us know he had arrived and was waiting downstairs. He was a little early, but some of the other tours had us waiting 30+ mins, so that was a nice surprise. He told us that we had time and not to rush. I didn’t realize it when I booked, but this was a private tour. Just our guide, Steve Withel, and the two of us, in a nice, comfy SUV. We were expecting a small group on a small tour bus. This is even better! Steve greeted us kindly, let us get settled, and gave us a goodie bag from ExperienceKart (the company that handled the booking). What a treat! You can tell how much they care about the service they present. We appreciate those little things even though they’re not expected. We had a couple of hours of drive time to the first cave, but it went by quickly. Steve was like an encyclopedia of information about the area, the plants, the people, the culture, the buildings, the waterways, everything! We learned more about the land from him than anywhere else during our travels in NZ. Once we got to talking, I think he loosened up and knew what he could talk about with us, which was pretty much anything. My husband and I are pretty easy-going and respectful on most topics. When we weren’t talking about NZ, we talked about cars, motorcycles, family, work, travels, and wishes for the future - Route 66! There wasn’t much downtime in our conversations. It was really easy, fun, engaging, and entertaining. Steve was a delight and a highlight, not just of this tour, but of our whole trip overall. Steve walked us up to the ticket counter to check us in for both caves, showed us where to wait, find the toilets, vape or smoke, the gift shop, snacks, and where to find him once we were through. He took us to a little restaurant off the beaten path and enjoyed a meal with us. We truly felt like we were just having lunch with a long-time friend. Sadly, it was time to head back to Auckland and part ways. After our tour was done, Karthik checked in on us to make sure everything went well. It had, 100% it had - except that we had to call Steve back because my husband forgot his phone in the car. Sorry again, Steve! We really enjoyed the whole experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better day! - Except that I wish I had taken more pictures! Thank you, ExperienceKart Team - Vee, Steve, and Karthik, for making this day perfect!
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Nalu, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review. We truly appreciate it. We’re delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the Waitomo experience and that the caves left such a lasting impression. It’s wonderful to know the journey, the atmosphere, and the guiding throughout made it a memorable part of your time in New Zealand. We’re especially pleased that our team could look after you so well. Vee’s communication, Steve’s hosting on the day, and Karthik checking in afterwards are all part of the care we aim to deliver from start to finish. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we’re so glad the day turned out exactly as you had hoped. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Viator
Phenomenal
Steve Withel was a truly exceptional host/ guide/ driver. Very knowledgeable of the area, and the culture. A plethora of information. The best private tour I have ever had in my travels around the world.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Chilled Pineapples, Thank you for such an incredible review! That is truly high praise and means a lot to us. Creating experiences that stand out on a global level is exactly what we strive for every day. Steve will be absolutely delighted to hear this. His passion, knowledge, and genuine care for guests really shine through in every journey he hosts. We’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Aotearoa. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Both caves are a Must See.
Both caves are very different, and both are a "Must See". Both have Gloworms, but they are very different. (don't do just one cave) Our guide Mary was very educational and entertaining. She made the drive go by quickly as she told us all about New Zealand, and the areas we drove through.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Mike, Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We absolutely love how you’ve highlighted the uniqueness of both caves, they truly offer two very different and equally magical experiences, and we couldn’t agree more… doing both is the way to go! It’s wonderful to hear that the glowworms and cave formations left such an impression on you. We’re especially delighted to know Mary made your journey even more enjoyable. Her passion for sharing New Zealand’s stories, landscapes, and local insights is something we’re very proud of, and it’s great to hear she made the drive feel effortless and engaging. Thank you again for your kind recommendation, we’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Great way to see the country without worrying about the driving
Excellent private tour from Auckland to Waitomo and Ruakuri caves with Marty as our intrepid guide. Ruakuri is an amazing cave - one of the nicest we've seen. We are cavers so take our underground experiences seriosly.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Gretchen, Thank you so much for this incredible 5-star review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your private tour to Waitomo and Ruakuri with Marty lived up to your expectations, especially coming from experienced cavers who truly understand and appreciate underground environments. That’s high praise indeed! Ruakuri is something special, and we’re delighted it stood out as one of the nicest caves you’ve seen. Marty will be over the moon to know his guiding added to the experience. We’d love to welcome you back for more remarkable adventures across Aotearoa! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $627 to $1295
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland cost?
+
Prices start at $627 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland take?
+
Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland?
+
Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
+
On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland.
Pick your date
