We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Waitomo Caves?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Waitomo Caves each week.

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours: Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 1 attractions in Waitomo Caves
Show Attraction DetailsHide Attraction Details
Attraction type: Tour
Address: P.O. Box 4 | (Tours depart from the Waitomo Information Centre), Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Tel: Freephone (NZ only): 0800 773 552
Fax: 0064 7 8787622

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

( 8-12 of 34 )
“Very interesting”

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

5 of 5 stars
Tucson, Arizona
May 22, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

I would highly recommend the Spellbound Glowworm Cave Tour. It is very well run, good safety equipment and our guide was quite knowledgable. The entire experience was enjoyable. Where else in the world will you see a virtual Milky Way of glowworm lights. The three hours zipped by and we were sad to see the tour end. Don't miss this opportunity if you are traveling in New Zealand.
My husband and I traveled there in April and May of 2008. It was good to have a waterproof coat to thwart those cave kisses, and gloves and a scarf, caves are always cooler then the outside temp.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“My most amazing experience while on Holiday”

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

May 5, 2008

I would just like to take this opportunity to say what an amazing tour this was. It was everything the website said it would be and more. The glowworms were just amazing and everything was done very professionally. At no time did I feel unsafe. The commentary Lousie(our guide), gave was outstanding with just so much information about the worms and all other things with regards to the caves etc that I was stunned. Not only is this tour value for money, but I would suggest it is a must do while in Waitomo. Being that it is a small group of only12 made for a friendly feeling without the commercialism that you usually get from tours. Congratulations on such a tgreat our, I hope many people get to share the same experience we did.

Thanks for a memorable tour, it was the highlight of my holiday.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“A Truly memorable experience”

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

Apr 29, 2008

Right from the start, registering at the Waitomo Isite everything was great. The young lady referred us to a suitable overnight parking site for our motorhome and recommended the Ruakuri walk to do in area. This was very good, informative, interesting and attractive yet a relatively easy walk for 'pensioners'! We met people completing their black-water rafting excursion and other guides undertaking training. All very friendly and courteous.

The following morning we joined the SPELLBOUND tour starting with a minibus tour to the caves. Norm - our guide - was not only friendly, informative and knowledgable but also professional. With only 12 people in the tour - maximum - from many parts of the world the party soon became friendly and relaxed. The rubber dingy trip through the first cave was a truly amazing experience with the cave ceiling only a little above head height in many areas - indeed some of the glowworms were in alcoves below shoulder height when seated in the dingy - so this provided great visibility and detail regarding the silken 'web' of the insects. Being able to photograph theses close-up was really great! Leaving the dingy trip we enjoyed morning tea and were then led on a walk through an adjacent cave where considerable effort had been taken in installing a safe walkway with subdued lighting, to show the structure of the stalactites and stalagmites, the general geology of the cave with the 'tomos' giving air and light into parts of the cave. Moa Fossils were displayed as were the remains of more recent animals that had become trapped in the cave.

This was a great experience. The word 'Spellbound' truly reflects our impressions of the tour. Thanks to Norm and his team.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“The highlight of my trip”

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

5 of 5 stars
Dorset, England
Apr 28, 2008

I had set my heart on seeing the famous blue glowworms and I very nearly missed out due to time factor. However, I was able to include the visit to the Spellbound caves. The tour is aptly named and it was a fantastic experience. Our guide, Pete, was brilliant and gave the group ample time to soak up the atmosphere.

The tea break and comfort stop were very welcome. Altogether a magical visit. Thank you.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Must do in New Zealand”

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

5 of 5 stars
Wokingham
Apr 8, 2008

When in New Zealand do not miss out on the Spellbound Tour to see the glowworms at Waitomo. It's by far the best way to see the glowworms - friendly, informal, informative, small groups. Marvellous!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Reviews of Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours

( 8-12 of 34 )
Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Queenstown, South Island
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Auckland, North Island
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Te Anau, South Island
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours? Share your experiences!

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours: Management Resources

Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours Address

P.O. Box 4 | (Tours depart from the Waitomo Information Centre), Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Tel: Freephone (NZ only): 0800 773 552 Fax: 0064 7 8787622