Name: Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion
SKU: 44648P1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (354 reviews)

WizardTrip

Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion

4.5(354)· Bay of Islands· By Bay Of Islands Tours

Free cancellationLikely to sell out

From

€127per person

1 to 30 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €127€127

Total€127

About the activity

Create lasting memories on this half-day tour of the Bay of Islands from your cruise ship's arrival at the Waitangi Wharf. The Bay of Islands is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand. This guided tour showcases abundant breathtaking, picturesque views, offering plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. The area is often referred to as “the birthplace of New Zealand” due to past events that shaped the nation. Your tour includes a stop at a Bakery/Café for you to grab a coffee or a bite to eat "on the go". Your Bay of Islands tour guide will instruct you on where to catch the shuttle buses back to the tenders should you wish to stay in town longer after your tour concludes.

What's included

✓Bottled water
✓Driver/guide
✓Chocolate-tasting
✓Air-conditioned vehicle
✓Port pickup and drop-off
✓Live commentary on board
✓Local taxes

What is not included

✕Food and Drinks

Itinerary

1
Paihia Harbour
10 min drive through Paihia Harbour.
· 10 min
2
Haruru Falls
15 min viewing of the waterfalls. Entry included.
· 15 min· Admission included
3
Makana Chocolate Boutique
15 min visit to sample some of the finest chocolates. Entry included.
· 15 min· Admission included
4
Kawiti Glow Worm Caves
40 min guided tour of the stunning glow worm caves. Entry included.
· 40 min· Admission included
5
Manginangina Kauri Walk
30 min walk through a beautiful short trail. Entry included.
· 30 min· Admission included

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.

Meeting point and return

We will be waiting at the end of the Waitangi Wharf, where your tender boats drop you, holding a sign that says "Bay of Islands Tours".

If you are staying at a hotel, please provide your hotel name when booking so we can arrange pickup from reception.

We will be waiting at the end of the Waitangi Wharf, where your tender boats drop you, holding a sign that says "Bay of Islands Tours".

If you are staying at a hotel, please provide your hotel name when booking so we can arrange pickup from reception.

Please advise your hotel name if you require pickup from your accommodation.

For Cruise ship passengers: Pickup is at the end of the Waitangi Wharf (where you disembark the tenders). Proceed straight ahead to the "Waitangi Yacht Club" where we will be waiting with our 'Bay of Islands Tours – Shore Excursion' sign for check-in.

Please aim to be on shore 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

To maximize your day and ensure your timely return to the Wharf for your tender back to the ship, we must adhere to a strict departure time. Please allow ample time to reach the shore.

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
Public transportation options are available nearby.
Specialized infant seats are available.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
At the time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.
A 100% refund will be issued if your ship cannot make it into port due to weather conditions.
If your ship is scheduled to arrive after 9:30 AM, the tour departure time will automatically adjust to one hour after your arrival time. You can email to confirm this after booking.

Activity options

Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion
Pickup included

Duration

5 h 30

How to prepare for your experience

Ensure you are at the Waitangi Wharf 15 minutes prior to departure.
Allow sufficient time for tendering from your cruise ship to shore.
Wear comfortable shoes for the Kauri walk.
Bring your camera for stunning photo opportunities.
Confirm your hotel pickup details if applicable.
Check the weather forecast for the Bay of Islands.

Discover the natural beauty and history of the Bay of Islands on this comprehensive half-day shore excursion.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 44648P1

Activity offered by Bay Of Islands Tours via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Cruise ship passengers
Tourists interested in natural scenery
Visitors seeking historical insights
Families
Travelers of all fitness levels

Activity essentials

Explore the scenic Bay of Islands
Visit the magical Kawiti Glow Worm Caves
Enjoy a guided tour with live commentary
Includes port pickup and drop-off
Sample local chocolates
Comfortable air-conditioned transport

Bay of Islands: good to know

Currency: New Zealand dollar
Official languages: Māori, English
Driving: on the left
Power plugs: I · 230 V
Emergency number: 111
Capital city: Wellington

Average temperatures

20°Jan
21°Feb
20°Mar
18°Apr
16°May
14°Jun
12°Jul
13°Aug
13°Sept
15°Oct
16°Nov
19°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What information do cruise ship passengers need to provide at booking?

Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at the time of booking.

What happens if my cruise ship cannot dock due to weather?

A 100% refund will be issued if your ship cannot make it into port due to weather conditions.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Is pickup included for hotel guests?

Yes, if you are staying at a hotel, please provide your hotel name when booking so we can arrange pickup from reception.

What is the meeting point for cruise ship passengers?

Cruise ship passengers meet at the end of the Waitangi Wharf, where tender boats drop you off. Look for the 'Bay of Islands Tours – Shore Excursion' sign.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Reviews

4.54.5(354)

5 stars

252

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Glow worms and more- wow!
Debra_W, April 2026
This was a fine tour, and Rob was a wonderful guide- very knowledgeable and interesting. It was great seeing a variety of what this port has to offer— especially the glowworm caves- which are not to be missed! And we got a six hour tour for half the price of a shorter tour offered by our ship- what a bargain!
★★★★★Viator review
Beautiful nature
Randy_F, April 2026
Wonderful tour of beautiful nature. Forest,waterfalls and caves and countryside were beautiful. The driver guide was a wealth of information and absolutely enjoyable. The Maori owner of the glow worm cave was on of the most adorable people you could ever meet.
★★★★★Viator review
If you are looking for an excursion on Bay of Islands this is it
J_R, April 2026
Perhaps it was the relief that the first port of call of our cruise (Bay of Islands - 19 March 2026) had been blest with warm sunshine that made this experience so good but I don't think it was just that. Firstly, when it occurred to me that it might be tight in getting back to the ship my email expressing concern was answered promptly. It wasn't just a one liner saying "We will get you back in time" but a reassuring one with suggestion that we try to get an early tender so that we could leave earlier than the designated time. Instructions on where to meet were clear and we were warmly welcomed by all. Secondly our driver/guide and the tour itself were so good. If I recall correctly our driver was called Mike and he was simply the best. He was everything a guide should be - friendly, funny, knowledgeable and really a joy to be around. As for the tour itself we were able to see everything per the itinerary. Of course the highlight had to be the glowworms. Mike had told us that we would come out smiling. When he saw me when I returned to the bus he said "I told you would be smiling."
★★★★★Viator review
Awesome
Michele_C, April 2026
Informative and the cave with the glow worms was awesome. Would recommend this to anyone who is not afraid of the dark.
Response from the operator · BOITOURS1
Thank you for the lovely review! Happy you enjoyed the glow worms. Thanks for the recommendation!
★★★★★Viator review
Bay of Islands/Glow Worm Caves
caburke4, March 2026
Water falls were mediocre at best and forests same. A lot of driving to get to glow worms which was OK. So if you don't mind riding in a bus for extended periods then don't attend this tour. Glow Worms were the best.
Response from the operator · BOITOURS1
Thank you for your feedback. The drive to the glow worm caves is the longest part of the tour, varying between 30 - 40 minutes, otherwise you're not in the vehicle for much longer than 15 minutes between each stop. We include scenic stops along the way to showcase different parts of the region, though we understand not every stop will resonate with everyone. We’re glad you enjoyed the glow worms, they really are the highlight for many!

3 activities · New Zealand

Bay of Islands, New Zealand, has 3 activities, tours and experiences to book. Also worth exploring nearby: Paihia.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Bay of Islands

3 in the catalogue

Free cancellation

Unique Cultural Experience at Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Day Pass

from €40★ 4.7

Selling fast

Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion

from €127★ 4.5

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Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

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All activities · Bay of Islands · 3

02On the water

Boats & cruises in Bay of Islands

1 activity

Top pick

Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

from €106★ 4.9

03Explore nearby

Nearby cities

1 city

Paihia

Frequently asked questions about Bay of Islands

What is there to do in Bay of Islands?

Bay of Islands has 3 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Unique Cultural Experience at Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Day Pass », « Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion », « Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch ».

What are the top-rated activities in Bay of Islands?

According to traveller reviews: « Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch » (4.9/5, 386 reviews) ; « Unique Cultural Experience at Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Day Pass » (4.7/5, 350 reviews) ; « Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion » (4.5/5, 354 reviews).