Waitomo Glowworm Grotto

Since Victorian times, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves have attracted visitors from around the world. This full day excursion to Waitomo takes you into the central heartland of the North Island.

Leaving the city, enjoy a pleasant three-hour drive south over the Bombay Hills and through the lush dairy land of the Waikato Valley, before arriving at the Waitomo Caves. Here, subterranean limestone formations have resulted in a series of spectacular caves.

At the Waitomo Caves, walk into a cave with soaring ceilings and low passages, where striking limestone formations include the famous Organ and the lofty chamber called The Cathedral. Stalagmites and stalactites abound, forming pillars and crooked fingers of calcite deposits that, in the low light, take on beautiful or monstrous proportions. In the caves, you will board a boat for a ride in complete silence along an underground river in pitch darkness. Look up and you will see the millions of bio-luminescent glow worms that stick to the cave. Because the worms extinguish their lights when disturbed, silence is mandatory.

Following your visit, a short drive will bring you to Crosshills Farm where a tasty buffet lunch will be served before your return drive to Auckland.