Daytime Tours
Our guided 45 minute Daytime Tours run from 9am until 4pm, seven days a week. Tour group sizes can range from a single person to a maximum of 40 people in one tour. Whether you are exploring with family, friends or part of an excursion, our knowledgeable and entertaining guides will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
What to expect on our Daytime Tours
Roku’s kitchen - this cavern, known as Roku's kitchen, is part of a ledge where Roku lived high above the cave floor while hiding from her husband and tribe. Here you will see evidence of what we originally believed to be from the fire that kept her warm and the petrified remains of kumara and potatoes that sustained her during her stay.
The Milky Way - a winding galaxy of thousands of luminous glowworms living on the ceiling and walls of one of the great caverns.
Limestone formations - giant limestone stalactites and stalacmites formed over hundreds of thousands of years to create some of the most stunning and ancient formations.
Glowworms - you will be shown the life cycle, habitat and habits of the cave's very own glowworms.
Entrance Fees
Adult Admission
Ages 15 and over
45 minutes
Child Admission
Ages 5 - 15
45 minutes
Family Pass
Family of 4
45 minutes
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions we get here at Kawiti Glowworm Caves.
There is a maximum of 40 people permitted on a tour at any one time for health and safety reasons. This allows our staff to ensure you are looked after throughout the duration of your caves visit.
It is advisable to pre-book a few days in advance for large groups to avoid disappointment.
If you are a small group, family, couple or single traveller, you can usually come on the day without having to book ahead.
The summer months tend to be busy, so it pays to make a quick call to the caves office to check availability before arriving.
Usually each tour takes approximately 45 minutes depending on the size and curiosity of the tour.
The bespoke tours tend to be slightly longer and more detailed.
Please enquire on our website, or call the caves office for more information.
Feel free to take images and post selfies of your unique Kawiti Glowworm Caves experience - our guides will only be too happy to help you create those long lasting memories.
However, due to the adverse effect of camera flash in the glowworm environment, cameras and videos are not permitted while inside the caves.
Drone footage is not allowed anywhere on the caves property unless pre-approved by the Kawiti Glowworm Caves management.
Your guide will advise you on photographic management prior to entering the caves.
You do not need to wear anything special for your caves tour. It is a few degrees cooler inside the caves than out, so you may want to have a light jacket handy. It is recommended to wear flat, enclosed shoes - trainers are perfect, heels are not suitable.
There is a walking path (for the sprightly) starting from near the office to the cone at the top of the hill. This walk is at your own leisure and takes in native flora and fauna as well as stunning rock formations and outcrops. You are kindly asked to stay on the path and to refrain from deviating beyond this vicinity due to the tapu (sacred) areas beyond.
The caves property is also a working farm with cattle, who are just as curious as you are. Please do not cross over the fence boundaries to get a closer look! While the cattle are cute, they are not pets.
Our resident cat will try to win you over with her charming personality - please do not be tempted to feed her, she is wild and mostly hunts for her own food.
Our staff are fully aware of health and safety procedures and are trained in first aid practices. In the event of you feeling unwell and/or requiring medical attention, assistance and action will be taken accordingly.
- Follow the guidance and instructions of the guides while on the Kawiti Glowworm Caves property at all times - they are here to help you.
- No drugs, alcohol, smoking or vaping on the property.
- Bad language and abusive behaviour towards staff and other visitors will not be tolerated.
- Make sure you enjoy yourself
Tour showcase
Explore More Tours
