Updated in October 2026, this Milky Way Glowworm Cave (Waipu Caves Farm Park) guide covers ticket prices, tour times, parking, accessibility and what to see.
The Milky Way Glowworm Cave is a privately owned glowworm cave at Waipu Caves Farm Park in Northland, about two hours north of Auckland. A guide leads every tour along an easy concrete path. You can book through Viator before you travel. As of October 2026, there are two tours, including the 90-minute Starburst Tour that opened at Christmas 2025 and is missing from older guides.
Quick facts for the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 567 Waipu Caves Road, Waipu 0582, Northland, New Zealand |
| Distance | About 135 km from Auckland, 30 km from Whangārei and 10 km from Waipu |
| Tours | Milky Way Tour (60 minutes) and Starburst Tour (90 minutes) |
| Milky Way Tour, adult (age 16 and over) | NZ$45 |
| Milky Way Tour, child (age 5 to 15) | NZ$30. Under 5 free |
| Starburst Tour, adult (age 16 and over) | NZ$80 |
| Starburst Tour, teen (age 13 to 15) | NZ$50. Not for children under 13 |
| Cave temperature | 10 to 15°C |
| Getting there | By car. Parking is on site |
| Phone | +64 9 430 2722 |
Why book tickets for the Milky Way Glowworm Cave?
- ✨ Glowworms up close: You see them at any time of year, close up, with their silk threads in view.
- 📸 Photography is welcome: Many cave operators ban photos, but here you can take them with the flash off.
- 🦴 Ancient moa bones: Your guide points out bones from the giant birds that once roamed the bush.
- 🏛️ The new Starburst Cathedral: The longer tour goes 250 metres into the cave to a large chamber that has hosted concerts.
- 🌧️ Tours run in the rain: A flood water diverter keeps the cave dry, so tours go ahead except in extreme storms.
Ticket prices for the Milky Way Glowworm Cave – and how to book
All prices are in New Zealand dollars. There is no online booking fee when you book direct.
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milky Way Tour, adult (age 16 and over) | NZ$45 | 60 minutes, about 35 minutes in the cave |
| Milky Way Tour, child (age 5 to 15) | NZ$30 | Suitable for all ages |
| Milky Way Tour, under 5 | Free | Babies may be asked to leave if they cannot cope with the dark |
| Starburst Tour, adult (age 16 and over) | NZ$80 | 90 minutes, about 60 to 70 minutes in the cave |
| Starburst Tour, teen (age 13 to 15) | NZ$50 | No babies or children under 13 |
| Viator ticket, Milky Way Tour | From about US$26 | Mobile ticket for the 60-minute tour |
The Milky Way Tour walks 125 metres into the cave to the Milky Way Chamber. The Starburst Tour covers the same section and continues to the Starburst Cathedral, 250 metres in. Gift vouchers are available for either tour. Book early in summer, because tours can fill up. You can book through Viator for the 60-minute tour.
A direct booking can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the tour for a refund less 10% (minimum NZ$10) or a free reschedule. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, but the park may reschedule you if possible. Bookings made through other platforms follow that platform’s rules.
Opening hours for the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
The cave opens for tours every day except Christmas Day. The number of tours changes with the season, and exact start times appear in the online booking schedule. Check in at the office at least 10 minutes before your tour.
| Season | Tours per day |
|---|---|
| Peak summer | 12 to 18 |
| Off-peak winter | 8 to 10 |
| Christmas Day | Closed |
Some space is kept in each tour for visitors who have not booked online. Booking ahead avoids a long wait or missing out. In very heavy and prolonged rain the park may cancel a tour and offer a full refund or a reschedule.
How to get to the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
The farm park is on Waipu Caves Road, about 135 kilometres and just under two hours’ drive from Auckland. Three routes from State Highway 1 suit most visitors. From the north, turn onto Springfield Road at Oakleigh, about 16 kilometres from the park. From the east, leave SH1 near Ruakaka on Doctors Hill Road and follow Mountfield Road, about 11 kilometres. From the south, leave SH1 at Waipu on Shoemaker Road, about 10 kilometres.
The last stretch of Waipu Caves Road is gravel and crosses a one-lane wooden bridge. The main entrance, gate 1, is on the left after the bridge.
Parking at the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
There is a visitor car park at the farm park. Visitors with a physical impairment can park 50 metres from the cave entrance. Dogs are not allowed on the property, but they can stay in your vehicle for the length of a tour.
How long to spend at the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
Allow 90 minutes to two hours for the Milky Way Tour, including check-in. Allow two to two and a half hours for the Starburst Tour. The park also has more than 10 kilometres of walking tracks, which are free to use with a tour ticket.
Accessibility at the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
The tour is on an easy access path, but it is not step-free. A gravel track runs 300 metres from the office through native bush to the cave. Inside, 30 steps lead down to a concrete path with stainless steel handrails.
The Milky Way Tour covers a total of 850 metres at a slow pace. The Starburst Tour covers 1.1 kilometres. Visitors with a physical impairment can park 50 metres from the cave entrance, which shortens the walk. Torches are provided, and you do not need a helmet.
What to see at the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
The bush walk. The tour starts with a 300-metre walk on a gravel track through native bush and large limestone rocks. Your guide explains how the landscape formed.
The Milky Way Glowworm Cave. Steps lead down into a cave of stalactites, hanging crystal formations and a flowing stream. The concrete path keeps your feet dry, and a few drops may fall from the roof.
The Milky Way Chamber. Glowworms cover the walls and roof 125 metres into the cave. You see their silk threads and glowing lights close up while your guide explains their life cycle.
The moa bones. Ancient moa bones lie in the cave from a time when these giant birds roamed the bush. Your guide points them out on the way.
The Starburst Cathedral. The Starburst Tour continues to this large chamber, 250 metres into the cave. The chamber has hosted music concerts.
The farm park. The 320-acre park has camping, climbing routes and bush walks. The conservation focus means the guides also teach you how to look after caves.
Practical visitor tips for the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book ahead | Some space is kept for walk-ups, but online booking avoids a long wait. Book tickets in advance for the 60-minute tour. |
| Dress for 10 to 15°C | Bring a fleece or jacket in cooler months. Any shoes that suit a gravel track are fine. |
| Turn off your flash | Dim your screen and avoid looking at your phone. Your eyes adjust to the dark and you see more glowworms. |
| Choose your tour | The Milky Way Tour suits all ages and is better for photography. The Starburst Tour is for ages 13 and over. |
| Allow for the gravel road | The last kilometres of Waipu Caves Road are gravel. Check in at least 10 minutes before your tour. |
Frequently asked questions about the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does the Milky Way Glowworm Cave cost? | The 60-minute Milky Way Tour costs NZ$45 for adults and NZ$30 for children aged 5 to 15. Children under 5 are free. |
| What is the difference between the two tours? | The Milky Way Tour goes 125 metres into the cave and takes 60 minutes. The Starburst Tour goes 250 metres in and takes 90 minutes. |
| Is this the free Waipu Cave? | No. The Milky Way Glowworm Cave is a separate, privately owned cave on Waipu Caves Road. The public Waipu Cave is a nearby reserve with no guide and a wet, muddy route. |
| Do I need to book in advance? | Walk-ups are accepted when space allows. Advance booking is recommended in summer. |
| Can I take photos and bring my dog? | You can take photos and video with the flash off. Dogs are not allowed on the property. |
Things to do near the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve is a public cave nearby, managed by the Department of Conservation, with a wet and muddy route that needs waterproof shoes.
Waipu Cove is a surf beach with a relaxed seaside village atmosphere.
Uretiti Beach is a long sandy beach with a Department of Conservation campground.
The Piroa Falls Track is a bush walk near Waipu that leads to a waterfall.
The Scottish Migration Museum is in Waipu and tells the story of the Nova Scotian settlers who founded the town.
Alternatives to the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
Northland has few commercial glowworm tours, so the options below mix caves with other attractions, and some are further than two hours away.
The Kawiti Glowworm Caves is a family-owned cave near Kawakawa, with guided tours led by local guides, about 50 kilometres north of Whangārei.
Abbey Caves are a group of wild caves near Whangārei with glowworms and tight scrambles, so check current access before you go.
The Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei is a gallery and museum of the artist’s work.
The Bay of Islands is a coastal region with boat trips and island walks, based around Paihia.
The Whatipu Caves are coastal caves in the Waitākere Ranges, west of Auckland.
More New Zealand North Island travel
Other North Island travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Why Karekare Beach is the best beach in Auckland.
- Sailing an Americas Cup yacht in Auckland.
- 7 memorable things to do in Auckland.
- Auckland’s islands: Guides to Tiritiri Matangi and the Rangitoto Island ferry.
- Plan your visit to Whatipu Beach in Auckland.
