Twilight Tours
Our bespoke Twilight Tours are also known as our Te Ara Ngahere tours. You will be picked up from your accommodation in Paihia. Experience Maori protocol, participate in discussions about rongoa (traditional Maori healing), and explore the caves as twilight sets in. End your evening with a shared meal in the lush cave surrounds. These tours are by appointment only and are available for groups of 12 or more.
What to expect on our twilight tours
You will be treated to the magic of the caves and its surrounds during the moments from late afternoon to dusk, and into the early evening - sharpening your senses to the emerging night life.
The observance of Maori protocol will take place at Kawiti Marae and you will have an opportunity to learn about and engage in conversations about rongoa - traditional Maori healing.
A twilight tour of the caves and a shared meal with your hosts are a highlight of your evening.
As these tours are bespoke, there is scope for flexibility and requests will be considered.
Entrance Fees
Adult Admission
Ages 15 and over
Child Admission
Ages 5 - 15
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
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