Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri & Aranui Cave - Triple Cave Experience

New Zealand prides itself as one of the few countries in the world with an incredibly wide range of natural resources and wonderful attractions. One of the country’s most unique natural wonders are the famous glow-worm caves.

Taking a road trip to this amazing destination located in the King Country of the Waikato takes about 3 hours when driving south from Auckland. If you love the idea of taking a break from urban life and breezing down the highway surrounded by lush greenery, then a drive from Auckland to Waitomo Caves won’t disappoint you.  The longest river in New Zealand, the Waikato, will keep you company along the road. 

Glow Worm Cave

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. This natural phenomenon is special, and besides one location in Australia, New Zealand is the only place in the world where glowworm caves exist!

Ruakairi Cave

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.

Aranui Cave

Discover the exquisite interior decorations that have to be seen to be believed. The high chambers, magnificent limestone formations and the pale brown, pink and white shades of the huge stalactites in the Aranui Cave are truly spectacular. Almost every corner of the roof and walls are adorned with fragile, sparkling forms in pale brown, pink and white in our most intimate cave system. 

Get the most out of your visit to Discover Waitomo with a package to explore more than one unforgettable cave in Waitomo. Choose between the Most Popular Combo, Twin Cave Combo and Triple Cave Combo for an incredible experience at Discover Waitomo.

If you’re looking to boost your cave fix there’s a triple cave combo is the best option.. It means you can also check out Ruakuri Cave by foot (where Black Water Rafting takes place) and the smaller Aranui Cave, Waitomo’s hidden secret with some of the most intricate limestone formations.