The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand’s iconic underground experiences, famous for their glowworms that light up the caves like stars in the night sky. It’s a stunning and magical place, but there are a few things you might want to know before you go. The standard guided tour costs around $55 per adult, where you’ll walk through the caves and get a good look at the glowworms, but if you’re after something a bit more adventurous, there’s also the black water rafting tour which starts at $188 per person. This one is a bit pricier, but you’ll float through the caves on an inner tube while taking in the glowworms above.
The boat tour (around $79 per adult) is another option, where you drift through an underground river to see the glowworms from a different angle. The one thing to note, though, is that there’s a no-camera policy on the boat tour, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Personally, I'd seen plenty of glowworms up north for free, so the price didn’t seem worth it for me. But if you’ve never experienced glowworms before, it’s a pretty unique experience. Just make sure to choose the tour that fits your budget and adventure level. It’s definitely a bucket-list experience if you're in the area.