Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request.

What is the location of the motel in relation to key attractions?

The motel is located within a 10-minute drive of Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Opapake Pa, approximately 4.7 km from Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre and 4.7 km from Jim Barker Memorial Playground.

Is there a swimming pool at the property?

Yes, there is a seasonal outdoor pool available from November 1 to March 31.

Are children allowed at the motel?

Children are allowed at the property, but specific age policies are not provided.

Glow Worm Motel

What guests think

At Glow Worm Motel, reviewers consistently highlight friendly, accommodating hosts and very clean rooms, noting simple, older units with useful kitchen amenities and heating that make short stays easy while exploring nearby Waitomo caves and local attractions.

Many guests describe comfortable beds, quiet nights, and flexible help with late or early check in. Common drawbacks are dated decor, limited amenities, and occasional issues with weak shower pressure or a need to spruce up kitchens. Expect a friendly, no frills base close to the caves.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Basic, older motel setup with practical kitchen or kitchenette amenities and reliable heating, with some rooms warmed in advance. Amenities are limited, and one guest found check in signage hard to locate.

Related guest reviews

10

Ken

Nov 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff gave us detailed information about the area, which made our trip more enjoyable. The motel had everything we needed.

8

Marc

Feb 26, 2023

·

Decent size room with mini kitchenette. Owner was super helpful and friendly. Quiet and green space, just off Hwy 3 heading toward the caves. So a great spot for a night if you're exploring the caves. I knocked a point off for the terrible shower (very weak pressure at a comfortable temperature, an old version of the model where the on and hot/cold are built into the shower head, awful design)

10

Delwynn

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unit was a bit dated. Would ne nice to spruce up the kitchen - give it a deep clean. Shower was good, nice and hot. Good heaters.

8

Tania

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great basic motel. Super clean and close to Waitomo caves and a couple places to eat. Had everything you need. Motel is dated but super clean & comfortable and that’s all I care about! Kitchen amenities good. Heater was on & room was warm for us on arrival.

8

Doreen

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It's an older property with limited amenities, however the room is clean and the area is safe. It's off the beaten path, but not far from Waitomo Cave.

10

Melanie

Nov 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely warm welcome. Lots of information given about the caves and walks. Room was great with everything we needed.

8

Andrea

Dec 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice clean and tidy self-contained unit. Pleased with accommodation. Pity it was hard to find where to check in. Good signage would solve this. Planting some low maintenance native plants (pongas and using limeston rock features) near the front without costing a fortune would be a lovely addition to the name. Would stay again.

10

Mary

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The kitchen was great to use. It was very well stocked with plates, pans, utensils etc. We enjoyed our stay, and our host was very helpful. The glowworm tour he suggested was amazing 👏

10

Karen

Feb 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The people were so hospitable and helpful. Provided lots of helpful advice about local must-go destinations and eats. Very clean rooms with nice kitchenette and cooking supplies.

10

Tracey

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean and comfortable older motel. Room had everything needed for either summer or winter stays including electric blankets. Only stayed couple of nights for local activities but wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. Owners lovely and very helpful. Recommend

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Reviews repeatedly praise very clean, well maintained rooms, with some described as spotless. One guest suggested the kitchen could use a deeper spruce up.

Related guest reviews

10

Emily

Nov 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really friendly and helpful owners and the room is very clean.

10

Hartmut

Jan 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice room, nice shower, all clean and well maintained. Exceptionally friendly reception with valuable hints on glow worm experience just on a nearby bush walk and on coastal route south. So helpful and welcoming!!!

8

Tania

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great basic motel. Super clean and close to Waitomo caves and a couple places to eat. Had everything you need. Motel is dated but super clean & comfortable and that’s all I care about! Kitchen amenities good. Heater was on & room was warm for us on arrival.

8

Doreen

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It's an older property with limited amenities, however the room is clean and the area is safe. It's off the beaten path, but not far from Waitomo Cave.

8

Glenn

Feb 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was older style accomodation, but more than adequate. The rooms were clean, everything worked and the host was a wholesome helpful property manager. We would stay again when next in the area.

10

Nathan

Jan 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We checked if we could check in early and they allowed us to! It was very helpful for our schedule. They helped us get everything we needed during our stay and were very helpful in telling us about the area. Room was spotless and beds were comfortable and not broken down. Thanks for the great stay!

10

Cherith

Jan 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Brilliant helpful management. Extremely clean and spacious room. Great bedding and comfy beds. Great location.

10

Emily

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We let the owner know we would be arriving late and he was very friendly and accommodating. The place is old but super clean, quiet and the shower is good. We had a good, sound sleep.

10

Karen

Feb 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The people were so hospitable and helpful. Provided lots of helpful advice about local must-go destinations and eats. Very clean rooms with nice kitchenette and cooking supplies.

10

Tracey

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean and comfortable older motel. Room had everything needed for either summer or winter stays including electric blankets. Only stayed couple of nights for local activities but wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. Owners lovely and very helpful. Recommend

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are older but comfortable and generally quiet, with comfy beds and some spacious layouts. Showers receive mixed feedback, from good hot water to weak pressure in a few units.

Related guest reviews

10

Caroline

Jun 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were only there for one night as we were travelling to Auckland. The unit was perfect for our requirements. Super comfy beds and quiet. The host was really lovely too. Would definitely recommend and stay again ourselves.

8

Marc

Feb 26, 2023

·

Decent size room with mini kitchenette. Owner was super helpful and friendly. Quiet and green space, just off Hwy 3 heading toward the caves. So a great spot for a night if you're exploring the caves. I knocked a point off for the terrible shower (very weak pressure at a comfortable temperature, an old version of the model where the on and hot/cold are built into the shower head, awful design)

10

Hartmut

Jan 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice room, nice shower, all clean and well maintained. Exceptionally friendly reception with valuable hints on glow worm experience just on a nearby bush walk and on coastal route south. So helpful and welcoming!!!

10

Delwynn

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unit was a bit dated. Would ne nice to spruce up the kitchen - give it a deep clean. Shower was good, nice and hot. Good heaters.

8

Tania

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great basic motel. Super clean and close to Waitomo caves and a couple places to eat. Had everything you need. Motel is dated but super clean & comfortable and that’s all I care about! Kitchen amenities good. Heater was on & room was warm for us on arrival.

8

Lee

Jan 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable stay. Our twin room was spacious and bed comfy. Chris was very helpful in advising us of things to do around the area. Short drive to cafes and Waitomo Homestead.

10

Cherith

Jan 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Brilliant helpful management. Extremely clean and spacious room. Great bedding and comfy beds. Great location.

10

Emily

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We let the owner know we would be arriving late and he was very friendly and accommodating. The place is old but super clean, quiet and the shower is good. We had a good, sound sleep.

8

Catherine

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Convenient location between the family event we attended near Pirongia and the local touring afterward (Waitomo cave area). Comfortable room. Only down mark was the shower which was a little sparse in its water flow and pressure

10

Tracey

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean and comfortable older motel. Room had everything needed for either summer or winter stays including electric blankets. Only stayed couple of nights for local activities but wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. Owners lovely and very helpful. Recommend

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is frequently praised as friendly, welcoming, and highly helpful, with detailed local advice. Staff accommodate late arrivals and early check ins when possible.

Related guest reviews

10

Josh

Jan 4, 2023

·

Stayed 19,345 nights

Very nice stay. Perfect location for glowworm caves. Flexibility given for late check in, easy to contact.

10

Emily

Nov 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really friendly and helpful owners and the room is very clean.

10

Ireen

Jan 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent service. Nice information and history given regarding the area and things to do while you are in Waitomo.

10

brianna

May 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were amazing they put the heater on for us before we got there beds were nice and they waited for us as we had a late arrival

10

Nathan

Jan 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We checked if we could check in early and they allowed us to! It was very helpful for our schedule. They helped us get everything we needed during our stay and were very helpful in telling us about the area. Room was spotless and beds were comfortable and not broken down. Thanks for the great stay!

10

Jill

Mar 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very convenient for me in the circumstances. Chris was very friendly and welcoming.

10

Irene

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We had a good overnight experience staying at Glow Worm Motel. Of course it is not a 5-star hotel, but pretty neat and the rate is just compare to other motels in the area. Located near Glow Worm Cave, dining areas, fuel station, etc. Host is very accommodating and provided guide and tips to go around in Waitomo.

10

Emily

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We let the owner know we would be arriving late and he was very friendly and accommodating. The place is old but super clean, quiet and the shower is good. We had a good, sound sleep.

10

Mary

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The kitchen was great to use. It was very well stocked with plates, pans, utensils etc. We enjoyed our stay, and our host was very helpful. The glowworm tour he suggested was amazing 👏

10

Tracey

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean and comfortable older motel. Room had everything needed for either summer or winter stays including electric blankets. Only stayed couple of nights for local activities but wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. Owners lovely and very helpful. Recommend

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Convenient for Waitomo glowworm attractions, with easy highway access and a short drive to cafes and services. Several guests found it a handy overnight base for local activities.

Related guest reviews

10

Josh

Jan 4, 2023

·

Stayed 19,345 nights

Very nice stay. Perfect location for glowworm caves. Flexibility given for late check in, easy to contact.

8

Marc

Feb 26, 2023

·

Decent size room with mini kitchenette. Owner was super helpful and friendly. Quiet and green space, just off Hwy 3 heading toward the caves. So a great spot for a night if you're exploring the caves. I knocked a point off for the terrible shower (very weak pressure at a comfortable temperature, an old version of the model where the on and hot/cold are built into the shower head, awful design)

10

Hartmut

Jan 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice room, nice shower, all clean and well maintained. Exceptionally friendly reception with valuable hints on glow worm experience just on a nearby bush walk and on coastal route south. So helpful and welcoming!!!

8

Tania

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great basic motel. Super clean and close to Waitomo caves and a couple places to eat. Had everything you need. Motel is dated but super clean & comfortable and that’s all I care about! Kitchen amenities good. Heater was on & room was warm for us on arrival.

8

Lee

Jan 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable stay. Our twin room was spacious and bed comfy. Chris was very helpful in advising us of things to do around the area. Short drive to cafes and Waitomo Homestead.

8

Doreen

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It's an older property with limited amenities, however the room is clean and the area is safe. It's off the beaten path, but not far from Waitomo Cave.

10

Jill

Mar 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very convenient for me in the circumstances. Chris was very friendly and welcoming.

10

Irene

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We had a good overnight experience staying at Glow Worm Motel. Of course it is not a 5-star hotel, but pretty neat and the rate is just compare to other motels in the area. Located near Glow Worm Cave, dining areas, fuel station, etc. Host is very accommodating and provided guide and tips to go around in Waitomo.

10

Kara

Dec 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect accommodation to see glow worms (and hedgehogs).

8

Catherine

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Convenient location between the family event we attended near Pirongia and the local touring afterward (Waitomo cave area). Comfortable room. Only down mark was the shower which was a little sparse in its water flow and pressure

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Not enough information in reviews.

Related guest reviews

8

Tania

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great basic motel. Super clean and close to Waitomo caves and a couple places to eat. Had everything you need. Motel is dated but super clean & comfortable and that’s all I care about! Kitchen amenities good. Heater was on & room was warm for us on arrival.

8

Lee

Jan 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable stay. Our twin room was spacious and bed comfy. Chris was very helpful in advising us of things to do around the area. Short drive to cafes and Waitomo Homestead.

10

Irene

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We had a good overnight experience staying at Glow Worm Motel. Of course it is not a 5-star hotel, but pretty neat and the rate is just compare to other motels in the area. Located near Glow Worm Cave, dining areas, fuel station, etc. Host is very accommodating and provided guide and tips to go around in Waitomo.

10

Marcelo

Dec 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

What a great place, hosts were amazing, great location, great customer service, super helpful with information, and keen to make sure we had the best time at the place and in town. THANK YOU!!

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $67	2 $74	3	4	5	6 $80	7 $69
8 $72	9 $72	10	11	12	13 $82	14 $69
15 $71	16 $68	17	18	19	20 $74	21 $69
22 $70	23 $74	24	25	26	27 $68	28 $73
29 $69	30 $73

Glow Worm Motel

About this property

Location

Room options

Studio, 1 Bedroom

Basic Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Cottage, 3 Bedrooms

Double Room, 1 Bedroom

Guest reviews of Glow Worm Motel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Glow Worm Motel

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25 $67	26 $65	27	28	29	30 $69	31 $69