Descend a short boardwalk into a limestone cavern lit by thousands of native glow worms, then stretch your legs among ancient kauri and the artful Hundertwasser Toilets. This three-hour, Māori-guided tour pairs natural spectacle with local history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the Waitangi wharf and the sea air pulls the town’s salt and history into your lungs before the van rolls away toward the forest. The road narrows, ferns lean in, and the world quiets—the cave waits like a dark page with pinpricks of light.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people of most fitness levels; involves short, easy walking and standing during the cave tour.
Wildlife
History
Local Māori guides trace care of the caves through generations; the site has long been part of iwi stories and land stewardship in the Bay of Islands.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to stay on boardwalks and avoid touching formations or glowworms; limiting light and noise preserves the glowworms’ habitat and reduces disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Kawiti Glow Worm Cave Tour & Opua Forest Walk today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
No flash photography in the cave
Flash and bright lights reduce glowworm visibility—use low-light camera settings and follow your guide.
Wear grippy, closed-toe shoes
Boardwalks can be wet and paths in Opua Forest are uneven; stable shoes prevent slips.
Bring a light waterproof layer
Northland weather can change quickly; a lightweight rain jacket keeps you comfortable before and after the cave.
Time for cruise days
If arriving on a cruise ship, allow extra time to clear customs and be at Waitangi wharf ahead of the 9:30 am departure.
Closed-toe walking shoes
Provides traction on wet boardwalks and forest paths.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden rain and coastal breezes in spring.
spring
Small daypack
Holds water, camera, and a spare layer for the short tour.
Camera with no flash or low-light setting
Capture the glowworms responsibly without using flash.