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Starburst Cathedral - Deep Inside the Milky Way Glowworm Cave - Waipu

More from NTH - Waipu Caves
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Deals from $59.90 Save $20.10 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Double your adventure with the Starburst Cathedral tour — deeper cave exploration and double the time of the standard visit

Double your adventure with the Starburst Cathedral tour — deeper cave exploration and double the time of the standard visit

Highlights

  • Go deeper into the Milky Way Glowworm Cave on this extended tour
  • Marvel at delicate crystal straw formations and spectacular subterranean scenery
  • Experience 20–30 minutes in complete darkness surrounded by glowing glowworms
  • Visit the famous Starburst Cathedral, a unique venue for live cave concerts throughout the year
  • Enjoy an easy, comfortable walk along well-formed paths
  • Best tour for cave photography

Experience the very best of the Milky Way Glowworm Cave on this extended walking tour, travelling twice the distance of the standard route to reach the breathtaking Starburst Cathedral.

Discover one of New Zealand’s top hidden gems as you journey deep into the Milky Way Glowworm Cave, venturing beyond the usual paths to uncover the impressive Starburst Cathedral — a vast underground chamber celebrated for its rare and delicate rock formations. This 90-minute experience offers more time, more exploration, and more wow-factor, making it a must-do for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

The tour follows an easy, well-maintained walking track suitable for casual wear — just bring a warm layer to stay comfortable in the cool cave air. Ideal for ages 13+, this unique experience also takes you to a unique location that hosts live music events throughout the year. Get ready for an unforgettable journey that highlights the true beauty of this natural wonder.

Itinerary

  • Arrive at our location at least 15 minutes before the tour time.
  • Tour starts with a 300m walk to the cave entrance on a gravel path through the forest and rocks.
  • Enter the Milky Way Glowworm Cave, passing the Milky Way Chamber (where the short tour finishes) and continue to the Starburst Cathedral.
Adult ¤80.00
Teen Age 13-15 ¤50.00

What's included

  • Hand held torch/flashlight
  • Experienced guide
  • Entry to the Caves

Duration

  • Allow approximately 90 minutes for the whole experience

Location

  • Milky Way Glowworm Cave
  • 567 Waipu Caves Road
  • Waipu 0582
  • New Zealand

Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 13

Notes

  • Please Note: Check our location to ensure it fits your travel plans, as we are situated 1.5 to 2 hours North of Auckland and NOT in Waitomo.

  • The Starburst Cathedral Tour is suited for ages 13 and above


    Cancellation Policy:

    Up to 24 hours out 90% refund or free full reschedule.

    Within 24 hours, No refund, however, we could reschedule to a later time if possible.

    If you are running late to get here we will try to move you to a later time.

    In the event of bad weather we may not run the tour and can either refund you or reschedule you to a different time. Whichever you prefer. If you have booked online we will try to let you know before you arrive.

    *This is in addition to Bookme's T's & C's


    Please note:

    Milky Way Glow Worm Cave Tour is located in Waipu (Northland), a 1.5 - 2 hours, 125km, drive North of Auckland.

    Please be sure you are booking the right cave experience at the right location, as a 10% admin fee will be charged if the wrong location is booked.

    *This is in addition to the above general terms and conditions and Bookme's T's & C's

Available Bookings from 1 Sep to 14 Sep 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

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Bookings close in 2 hours...

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$59.90
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$59.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

Bookings close in 4 hours...

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

Bookings close in 5 hours...

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$59.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$69.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$80.00
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00

  • Adult$59.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Teen Age 13-15$50.00
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Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Amazing and Satisfying Experience
Amazing and Satisfying Experience
Jadee from NZ
Great experience
Great experience
sharonr7 from NZ
Great experience
Great experience
sharonr7 from NZ
Great experience
Great experience
sharonr7 from NZ

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

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5.0

5 reviews

Read all 5 authenticated reviews for Starburst Cathedral - Deep Inside the Milky Way Glowworm Cave - Waipu

Showing all 5 authenticated Bookme reviews

Jadee from New Zealand wrote on 16 August 2026

Amazing and Satisfying Experience

It is very satisfying experience.. good for nature lovers.

Amazing and Satisfying Experience

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jessicah26 from New Zealand wrote on 20 July 2026

Spectacular

We had the best time. My fiancée and I had the pleasure to have a tour of just us and Cindy who is by far the most informative and kind hearted person I have meet in a long time we didnt just get to learn about glow worms but also about history, ancient secrets that only can be understood by experience how crystalite is created the limestone formations of a time line that goes back years beyond our imagination the whole experience was magnificent its almost like stepping into another world I personally dont usually like to revisit places but here im excited too I think I could learn more on our next visit the whole farm is an interesting and pleasantly affordable place to visit we highly recommend

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Luna Gil from Uruguay wrote on 27 June 2026

AMAZING!

Honestly, it exceded my expectations. Best caves, great guides, 100/10!!!

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karend16 from New Zealand wrote on 31 May 2026

Magical Experience

Definately recommend the 90 minute Starburst Cathedral tour.Waipu Caves Farm is also a lovely place to camp , enjoy the walks, limestone scenery and fire pit at night

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sharonr7 from New Zealand wrote on 08 March 2026

Great experience

Great walk, very informative and lovely surroundings.

Great experience Great experience Great experience

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From Starburst Cathedral - Deep Inside the Milky Way Glowworm Cave - Waipu

thanks, glad you liked the tour

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