Waitomo Caves Tour from Hamilton
Glowworms underground, limestone country above it, and somebody else on the Marokopa Road. Half day, $795.
Waitomo is about an hour south of Hamilton and most visitors do the same thing: drive down, do the glowworm boat, drive back. It is a good two hours inside a four hour round trip.
The valley above the caves is the part worth staying for, and it is also the part with the narrow, winding roads that first-time visitors find least enjoyable to drive. So we drive it.
What the tour covers
The half day tour is $795 including lunch. The glowworm caves boat tour can be added on and we will book the timed entry to fit the day.
- Pick up from Hamilton, Cambridge or Te Awamutu
- The drive south through native fern forest and limestone country
- Mangapohue Natural Bridge, a boardwalk loop under a limestone arch
- Marokopa Falls, a wide curtain waterfall off the Marokopa Road
- A relaxed cafe lunch stop
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour as an optional add on
Choosing your cave
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The classic. Easy walking and a silent boat ride under a ceiling of glowworms. Suits all ages and fitness levels.
Ruakuri
A longer walk through a spiral entrance, and wheelchair accessible throughout.
Black water rafting
Wetsuit and inner tube. Genuinely an adventure rather than a sightseeing trip.
Aranui
A dry cave, formations rather than glowworms, and usually much quieter.
Why not just drive it yourself
You certainly can. The state highway south is straightforward. The Marokopa Road west of Waitomo, which is where the natural bridge and the falls are, is another matter: narrow, winding, unsealed in places and with very little phone reception.
It is a lovely road if you are confident on rural New Zealand roads. It is a long hour if you are not, especially in a rental collected that morning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Waitomo from Hamilton?
About 75 kilometres, roughly an hour south through Te Awamutu and Otorohanga.
How much is a Waitomo tour from Hamilton?
$795 for the half day tour including lunch. The glowworm caves boat tour is an optional extra we can book into the day.
Is the glowworm cave tour included?
It is an optional add on rather than part of the base price, so you can choose which cave you want or skip it and focus on the valley above ground.
Can we do Waitomo and Hobbiton in one day?
They are in opposite directions from Hamilton, so it makes for a very long day. Most people do them as two separate trips, and we would recommend that.
What Our Guests Say
Real Experiences From Classic Car Tours
“The Waitomo tour was absolutely stunning. The scenery, the relaxed pace, and the classic car made it an unforgettable day.”
“We did the Raglan tour and loved every minute. The waterfalls, beaches, and cafe lunch were perfect. Highly recommend.”
“The Honda Goldwing ride through the countryside was smooth, powerful, and incredibly comfortable. Best way to see Waikato.”
“Our Rotorua two day package was amazing. Accommodation, activities, and scenic drives were all organised perfectly.”
“We booked TT Tours for our wedding transport and it was flawless. The car looked incredible in photos and the service was outstanding.”
“Customised exactly how we wanted. Mixing vehicles in one day made the experience extra special.”
Book the Waitomo Day
Half day, lunch included, glowworm caves optional. $795.