Group Activities Waitomo

Group Activities in Waitomo: A Glowing Adventure Awaits

Welcome to Waitomo, a magical land of glowworms, limestone caves, and breathtaking natural beauty! If you’re planning a group trip, Waitomo has an abundance of exciting activities perfect for groups. Here are some must-do experiences:

  1. Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

    • Explore the enchanting world of glowworms within the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
    • Guided tours available, offering insight into the unique ecosystem and bioluminescent creatures.
    • Tours run through the day from about 9am to 5pm and end with a silent boat ride. Photography and filming are not allowed.

  2. Ruakuri Cave Tour

    • Ruakuri Cave, about a 10-minute drive from the village, offers a unique underground adventure.
    • Marvel at the glowworms, waterfalls and limestone formations. Ruakuri’s natural entrance is wāhi tapu, a Māori burial site, so the tour route stays clear of it.
    • Fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible; photography is allowed in selected areas only.

  3. Black Water Rafting

    • An exhilarating experience that takes you underground, tubing through a cave stream beneath the glowworms.
    • The Black Labyrinth (about 3 hours, from around NZD 199) has a minimum age of 12; the Black Abyss adds an abseil and a zipline and has a minimum age of 16.
    • Personal cameras and phones are not allowed. Check the operator for current rates.

  4. Aranui Cave Tour

    • Aranui Cave is a dry cave of stalactites and stalagmites, with a tour of about 1 hour and stairs, so it is not accessible for wheelchairs.
    • Photography is allowed. Check availability, and note that it needs your own transport (about a 10-minute drive from the village).

  5. Lost World Half Day

    • A guided abseil adventure with a 100 m abseil into a cave shaft, lasting about 4 to 5 hours (minimum age 10).
    • Run by Waitomo Adventures with one guide for every four guests; check the operator for current rates.

  6. Waitomo Caves Zipline Park

    • An outdoor course on Te Anga Road, about 200 m past the Glowworm Cave, with 10 ziplines over about 1 km through native trees and over limestone bluffs, taking about 2 hours.
    • The minimum age is about 7 to 8; check the operator for age limits and prices.

To make the most of your group trip to Waitomo, be sure to:

  • Book in advance for popular activities, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as many tours involve a fair amount of walking.
  • Bring a camera for the outdoor stops. Photography and filming are not allowed in the Glowworm Cave.
  • Respect the environment and listen carefully to your guides during tours.

Enjoy your group adventure in Waitomo, where memories are made beneath the stars above and the glowworms below!