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

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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 from21 Jul to 3 Aug 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates

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12:50PM

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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$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$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$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 7 hours...

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

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

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience.

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5.0

4 reviews

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

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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.

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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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Bookme Help Terms & Conditions Operators

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

Adult

Teen Age 13-15

^*This option must be made together with another price type.

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