Spellbound is open for tours daily throughout levels 1 and 2.

Our Caves

Spellbound Glowworm CaveA glowworm paradise

Glide gently downstream beneath a canopy of glowworms and marvel at their increasing brilliance as your eyes adjust to darkness. See these intriguing creatures up close and marvel at their fascinating life.

Spirit Cave - Te Ana o te AtuaA fascinating time vault

Enter an ancient time vault via an abandoned river gorge. Follow the footsteps of Ngati Kinohaku (local Maori 1849), where they led Dr Thompson deep into the cave on a quest for the bones of extinct giant birds.

Our Tours

GLOWWORM AND CAVE EXPLORER

Departing from The Cottage, 334 Boddies Rd Duration 145 minutes approx. Max 12 people.

Explore your way to our new departure point located close to the caves. The quick, 7 minute  drive off State Highway 3 brings you to our office. You will see both spectacular caves and you’re guaranteed an absolutely memorable glowworm experience. Photography is allowed and hot drinks are served on tour.  

  • Adult: $65 NZD

     

  • Children: $24 NZD 0 to 14 yrs

GLOWWORM CAVE ESSENTIAL

Departing from 334 Boddies Rd. Duration 85 mins approx. Max 12 people

This Glowworm Cave only tour also departs from our new office, located a quick 7 minute drive off State Highway 3. Don’t miss the breath taking spectacle of thousands of glowworms lighting up an entire cave. Photography is allowed.

  • Adult: $50 NZD

  • Children: $20 NZD

    0-14 yrs

GLOWWORM AND CAVE EXCURSION

Departing from the Waitomo General Store, Waitomo. 195 minutes approx. Max 12 people.

Starting in Waitomo Village, we take you by van on the classic tour of our two unique caves, The Spellbound Glowworm Cave and The Cave of the Spirit. Photography is allowed and hot drinks are served on tour.

  • Adult: $75 NZD

  • Children: $26 NZD

    0 to 14 yrs

SPELLBOUND PRIVATE TOUR

Departing from 334 Boddies Rd. 145 minutes approx. Max 12 people, min 1 person.

A private tour ensures that you enjoy an exclusive tour all to yourselves! Bring your own group, and enjoy our classic Spellbound Glowworm and Cave tour, which can be customized to a special occasion or ideal for keen photographers who would like to take their time getting the perfect glowworm shot. Please contact us directly to arrange your own Private Tour.

  • Total: $400 NZD

    A special price offer during border closure (normally $650)

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What out visitors have to say

Definitely THE tour to go with! ?? Hop was amazing, very knowledgeable and friendly. They meet at the center of town right next to the cafe so you can use the restroom before you jump in the van for 20 minutes and head to the first cave. They have hot chocolate tea and coffee halfway on the tour with some delicious cookies ?? You can also meet them by helicopter if you want. The groups were of 12 people which makes it very intimate and everyone gets to take a picture. Knowledgeable staff!
Mark Robinson
Mark Robinson
07:57 28 Mar 19
Amazing and intimate tour as there is only a maximum of 12 people. our tour guide was so knowledgeable and friendly, telling us all about the area and the history of the caves. We visited a two caves that are not visited by the normal tourist masses. And the glow worm tunnel was something to behold!! If you are in Waitomo you should definitely book this tour
Freya Howle
Freya Howle
21:03 28 Mar 19
Definitely the best guided glowworm and caves tour in Waitomo, would recommend to anyone visiting New Zealand. Our guide Anna was a local to the area of which there is only 50 locals so she was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and all the cave systems, she was also very friendly and patient. The tour was an easy pace Andrew something everyone could do. Spellbound has access to some incredible cave systems with one that is over 13kms long. There's a great boat ride which you take in the cave that provides some incredible access to see some the most amazing glow worms in the world.
Ryan Mills
Ryan Mills
04:15 25 Apr 19
This tour guide group has a maximum 12 people per tour. We were driven to the cave about 20 mins away. There were two caves we toured; the first by boat, and the second was a trek. The boat ride viewed thousands of glow worms! We highly recommend Spellbound and our tour guide, Norm!!
Christina Rodriguez
Christina Rodriguez
01:16 21 Mar 19
Very beautiful scenery and Hop was excellent. Very knowledgeable and great sense of humour. Tour started very quickly with next to no paperwork. Sign in on tablet and if everyone is present then the tour starts. Small group too (~8 people) so felt more relaxed
David Le
David Le
18:07 26 Oct 19
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See for yourself

Private Tour
Spirit Cave
Spellbound Cave
Sir David Attenborough
Getting the raft ready
Spirit Cave
Feeding an eel in the gorge
Glowworm fly
Glowworm larva close-up
Photographers Tour

Our story

By coming on a Spellbound Glowworm Tour, you can be assured you are supporting an 100% locally owned, family business based in Waitomo.
In coping with our new covid 19 reality Spellbound has barely needed change a thing. Our small tour size has always been small and our regular price is still competitive and genuine. All our guides are local identities who are proud to show you our beautiful caves.
For your safety we have added some extra cleaning routines and placed cleaning stations at key points around the caves.

Find out more