Auckland Waitomo Glowworm Cave Explorer: Honest Review

So, you are pondering, perhaps, a trip from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves? It is almost like everyone says it’s a must-do when visiting New Zealand’s North Island, yet finding the time and transport, that can feel, very tricky. That Auckland Waitomo Glowworm Cave Explorer private tour, it does sound dreamy, yet, is it actually worth the cost? I’ve got you covered there! I went on that tour recently, and I am here to share what I really thought, without any sugarcoating at all.

What’s Involved in the Private Tour, More or Less?

Alright, so first off, that “private” part of the tour, it means it’s just your group. That is quite good when you consider skipping all the crowded buses, for example. From what I saw, your driver will collect you right from your Auckland lodging, which, is definitely easier. From there, prepare for like, a bit of a drive, nearly two and a half to three hours, heading south towards Waitomo. The drive is just pretty enough; it has rolling hills and little towns to peek at. That’s like your standard New Zealand countryside kind of deal.

That tour generally includes admission to the Waitomo Caves. It also sometimes will feature other little stops too it’s almost like it depends on the tour company. Some have, I think, a stop at the Kiwi House (Otorohanga), where you are able to see kiwis. Also you are able to walk for a bit and look at those green things! That Glowworm Caves, though, that’s really the highlight here. You will hop onto a boat and get floated through this underground river. This is arguably the best part. These glowworms shine. It’s extremely wonderful and feels kind of like you’re traveling through some other galaxy.

Food wasn’t always included when I looked into this further, it is worth clarifying with that tour operator in advance so you know for sure! You could easily pack like, a lunch, yet there are also places close to those caves if you want that flexibility.

That Unique Glowworm Viewing Encounter

Basically, it’s that glowworms you’re there for, right? And they do not fail to wow! Picture this. That’s how I felt, any way: you are sitting almost silently on the boat; I think it barely moves, heading into the cave’s darkness. Over your head? It is as though, millions and millions of very little lights twinkle. I mean the amount of these creatures is just mind blowing. Now the thing is that tour guides keep all noise to a minimum, yet that does mean little kids who might cry may find this quite dull.

Those glowworms? Actually, it is larvae of a type of fly that’s unique to New Zealand. They generate light so as to attract small insects they are able to catch as sustenance. This bioluminescence, it is quite something! It’s not, I think, something you would easily forget at all. Taking pictures, just as an heads up, they might be hard, so perhaps, enjoy this moment; don’t look only at that phone!

What Makes this “Private” Matter So?

Private tours, okay, they aren’t, like, affordable, so, what’s different about them, so that you are able to say goodbye to the big bus tours? First, that customisation! Do you feel as though you want to stay at a location a bit longer? You can do this; that driver usually works, apparently, to your timetable rather than cramming one full tour schedule onto people!

Traveling solo, just for instance? Then that intimate setting that this kind of a tour allows you to, just gives you lots more room. You are able to question stuff and chat along the way without trying to chat louder so that person behind you is able to hear. So the biggest thing for my experience would be that door to door service, it means, potentially, not needing a rental ride and it makes getting about simple!

Considering Value versus Price – Is It a Go?

I guess that’s the most important bit, eh? Can you actually justify that expense? Doing that Glowworm Caves, that’s, to be honest, an exceptional adventure, but those “group” visits can save some bucks and still do that same river bit. When this private arrangement just is amazing if travelling as part of a tiny circle group who are able to cut all of these fees between you then it comes out somewhat the same, which makes complete sense.

That private tours arguably make most sense in these next three scenarios: number one, if like your time’s constrained. Should this make it possible to enjoy all of this from the very comfort of one personal pick-up spot while visiting multiple places? Absolutely worthwhile there, as a matter of fact! Second of all: ease of transport. You maybe cannot drive or you do not want that responsibility. Now third one? Anyone with particular demands! Aged relatives who cannot cope while on all of those packed busses, families and children — something to really give careful thought too. At that certain degree convenience turns priceless arguably!

Other Helpful Tips To Note, Okay?

Visiting Waitomo? Be certain you put some cosy clothing within those bags, this cave stays rather cool, basically year-round! Think that shoes part so, that flat footwear proves appropriate when walking for shorter bits but the boat trip goes totally easy since you get a seat and, to be honest, this is nice so relax!

That Waitomo region, well it does include more. This region gives a bit of underground black water rafting (pretty cool really), for anyone brave enough anyway. Some local caves in the region which some tours go to usually if wanting extra subterranean trips or maybe walk among lovely greenery over that area when wanting outdoors adventures aside just that single spectacular trip! Either check prior on what all to add that tour too so like everyone can enjoy it loads!

My Final Thoughts on That Tour

A private tour towards the Auckland Waitomo Glowworm Caves? It’s potentially excellent. Are you thinking, almost, should you give it some thought? Basically, should that expenditure feel OK and would convenience add loads while still visiting awesome sightseeing then absolutely it’s fantastic to attempt sometime later or really soon perhaps? However a budget traveller is able enjoy what standard scheduled group trips offer without suffering excessively. Whichever anyone determines remember being respectful around individuals and especially ensure nothing negatively disrupts everything within all subterranean sites just when checking New Zealand; now be amazing out there!

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