Bay of Islands: Glow Worm Caves, Haruru Falls & Chocolate Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.53 (354 reviews) 71% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/6

Duration5h 30m

GroupUp to 35

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Haruru Falls mist, glow worm caves light and sweet chocolate stops

You’ll follow local guides through misty Haruru Falls, sample handmade chocolates in Paihia, and step quietly into glow worm-lit caves—all with port pickup included. Expect laughter over coffee orders and moments of real wonder under those glowing ceilings. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s small surprises and stories you’ll carry home.

5h 30m

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

The Experience

“You ever seen a waterfall shaped like a horseshoe?” our driver asked as we pulled up to Haruru Falls, and honestly, I hadn’t. The air was thick with that fresh, green smell you only get in New Zealand after rain. We stood close enough for the spray to hit our faces—my glasses fogged up immediately—and I just let it happen. Our guide, Matt (who grew up around here), pointed out how the river curves away behind the falls. He said sometimes you’ll spot eels right at the edge if you’re patient, but I think they were hiding from us this morning.

We drove through Paihia’s little harbor—boats bobbing, gulls everywhere—then stopped at this bakery/café where everyone seemed to know each other. I grabbed a flat white and something flaky with cheese (I forgot what it was called). There was this moment when someone behind the counter laughed at my pronunciation—I tried to order in Māori and probably butchered it. Still tasted good though. After that, we got back on the road for the part I’d been waiting for: the glow worm caves.

I didn’t expect it to be so quiet inside. It’s dark—like really dark—and then your eyes start picking out these tiny blue lights above you. They almost look fake until you realize they’re alive. The guide kept his torch low and explained how these little creatures make their silk threads; he even let us touch one of the rocks (cold and damp, kind of slimy). Someone’s phone beeped by accident and it echoed weirdly off the walls—made us all giggle like kids trying not to get caught.

Before heading back to Waitangi Wharf, we stopped for chocolate tasting at a place that smelled so rich I almost forgot about lunch. The woman running it handed out samples—one piece tasted like orange peel and dark cocoa—and told us her family’s been making chocolate here since before she was born. I bought some for later but ended up eating most of it on the way back anyway. So yeah, if you’re looking for a half-day trip from your cruise ship that actually feels personal (and not just another bus tour), this Bay of Islands shore excursion sticks with you in small ways—I still think about those cave lights sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes port pickup and drop-off at Waitangi Wharf, live commentary from your local driver-guide throughout scenic drives and walks, bottled water for everyone onboard, chocolate tasting at a local shop in Paihia, air-conditioned vehicle transfers between stops including Haruru Falls and glow worm caves—all wrapped up before your ship departs again.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Bay Of Islands Tours