Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Shore Tour from Waitangi Wharf
Glow worm caves, waterfalls and a chocolate stop in one half-day from the cruise dock
This half-day guided tour departs from Waitangi Wharf and takes cruise passengers through the Bay of Islands to see Haruru Falls, tour illuminated glow worm caves, and taste local chocolates, with port pickup and drop-off timed to your ship's arrival and departure. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a live English-speaking guide, bottled water and a stop at a bakery or café. Your guide will direct you on how to catch the shuttle buses back to the tenders if you want to stay in town after the tour ends.
Step-by-step itinerary
Bay of Islands scenic and cave tour
- Drive through Paihia harbour
- View the waterfalls
- Sample fine chocolates
- Guided glow worm caves tour
- Enjoy a short scenic walk
What’s included
The tour includes port pickup and drop-off at Waitangi Wharf, an air-conditioned vehicle, a live English-speaking guide with live commentary on board, chocolate tasting, bottled water, and local taxes.
Times
- Every day 09:30
Before you book
Operated by Bay Of Islands Tours
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The experience
You're stepping off the ship at Waitangi Wharf with a few hours before re-boarding, and this tour is built around that constraint. The driver picks you up at the dock and the timing is locked to your ship's schedule: departure happens one hour after your arrival, and you're back with time to spare. That fixed window is what makes a full inland trip possible inside a port call.
The route moves through Paihia harbour, then to Haruru Falls, where you stop to view the water. From there you visit a chocolate maker to sample local confections before heading into the glow worm caves for a guided walk through the illuminated cavern. A short walk follows, and the day ends with a stop at a bakery or café where you can grab coffee or something to eat before heading back to the tenders. The guide provides live commentary throughout, and the vehicle is air-conditioned.
Because this is a cruise excursion, you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking. If your ship arrives after 9:30am, the departure time automatically adjusts to one hour after your arrival. You can email to confirm after booking. The operator issues a full refund if your ship can't make it into port due to weather.
Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout, and the tour departs one hour after your ship docks, so timing syncs with your actual arrival rather than a fixed schedule.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 15).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What are the glow worm caves like on this tour?
The glow worm caves are a guided underground walk where you see the illuminated worms in a natural cavern setting. The guide leads you through and provides commentary on what you're seeing.
Does the tour wait for me if my ship is late?
Yes. The tour departure automatically adjusts to one hour after your ship's arrival time, so the timing stays locked to when you actually disembark. You provide your arrival details at booking.
What's included in the chocolate tasting?
You sample some of the finest local chocolates at a chocolate maker's stop during the tour. Bottled water is also provided throughout the day.
How long is the half-day tour?
The tour runs for 5.5 hours total, which includes the drive from the wharf, all stops, and the return to Waitangi Wharf timed to your re-boarding window.
Is there a stop where I can buy food or coffee?
Yes. The tour includes a stop at a bakery or café where you can grab coffee or something to eat on the go before heading back to the tenders.
What is Haruru Falls?
Haruru Falls is a waterfall in the Bay of Islands that you view during the tour as part of the scenic route through the region.
Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Shore Tour from Waitangi Wharf
5h 30m · EN
from NZ$ 245 per person
≈ US$ 141 in your currency
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