Be Spellbound by our Glowworm Tours in New Zealand

Spellbound Office

More information about our Tour:

Tour duration is 3 to 3 ¼ hours.
Group size is small - up to 12 people.
Our tour visits 2 different caves, the first is a glowworm cave, the second is a walk-through cave.
We take you on an inflatable raft to view glowworms - there are no rapids in the cave, it's very gentle and serene.
Our caves are presented very naturally, we've modified them as little as possible and they are located on a very beautiful, backcountry farm. You will encounter few other visitors - if any at all. Our tour is worth doing just for the drive out there!
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.
We stay dry - the tour does not involve using a wet suit or abseiling, it's very easy.
The tour takes place in the outdoors and cave temperatures are cool even in summer (10°C/50°F) so we do recommend bringing a jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
You are welcome to bring your camera to snap some memories.
Hot and cold drinks and biscuits are provided.
We drive out to private caves on scenic country roads, and commentary is given along the way.
During times of flooding the raft may not operate for safety reasons

How to find us in Waitomo...

Tours depart from the Spellbound Tower (on the right as you enter Waitomo village). Check in 15 minutes before your tour departs.

Prices (valid to 30 September 2010)...

Glowworm Tours + Shuttle - Prices until 30th September 2010

Adults: NZ$66
Child 5-14yrs accompanied by parents/guardians: NZ$24
Child 5-14yrs not accompanied by parents/guardians: NZ$36
Infant 0-4yrs: NZ$ Free - when you bring a child car seat or
Infant 0-4yrs: NZ$24 - if we provide the car seat

Special group rates are available on request for customers in groups of 9 or more adults please phone or email for details.

When are we open?

Tours operate daily with the exception of Christmas and Boxing Day (25th and 26th December) and between the dates June 1 to June 30 (our winter rest period). We may close in the event of flooding.

Usual tour times are 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm, this may vary according to demand.

Magical glowworms...

On Spellbound tours you spend 30-40 minutes under glowworms. By allowing time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness your night vision will begin working to its best ability . You actually need at least 20 minutes in darkness to experience this effect. During the raft ride you will be amazed at the effect of thousands of softly shining glowworms. We think you will be totally Spellbound

Those little glowworms are interesting as well as beautiful and we will show you all their life cycle stages, you can watch them move about and see them use their fishing lines to catch prey.

Amazing formations...

Following a visit to the glowworm cave, a gentle walk along a gorge path brings you to the Cave of the Spirit. Te Ana o te Atua, is quiet and contemplative, soft light reveals a time vault preserving evidence of past explorers, extinct animals, and abandoned stream passages. Both caves complement each other beautifully for a really memorable cave experience.

Photography

Yes you can take photographs during the tour but flash photography is not allowed in the glowworm cave - mainly to protect the glowworms and also your night vision.

Cancellations

Occasionally (about 5-6 days per year) Spellbound is forced to cancel tours because of flooding, our guides will only operate the raft when they are certain it will be safe.

Weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable, that is why we ask for contact details.

We look forward to receiving your booking and welcoming you onto one of our simply magical glowworm tours, New Zealand.