Glowworm Motel

2.5 star property

Photo gallery for Glowworm Motel

Exterior
Seasonal outdoor pool
Cottage, 3 Bedrooms | In-room dining
Individually furnished, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Cottage, 3 Bedrooms | Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$108
includes taxes & fees
19 June - 20 June

Explore the area

View map
1 Waitomo Caves Road, Hangatiki, 3977
  • Place, Ed Hillary Walkway
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Big Shearer
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Kiwi House Native Bird Park
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free Wi-Fi

Studio, 1 Bedroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Double Room, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Basic Apartment, 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 4 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cottage, 3 Bedrooms

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 Queen Bed and 5 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room

  • Sleeps 7
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Hangatiki

At Glowworm Motel, you'll be 5.9 km (3.7 mi) from Opapake Pa and 7.5 km (4.7 mi) from Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre. Highlights at this motel include free in-room WiFi. .This smoke-free motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a garden and barbecues. Additionally, you'll find a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and laundry facilities. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .In the area of this Hangatiki motel, you'll find Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

What's nearby

  • Ed Hillary Walkway - 7 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Big Shearer - 7 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Te Kuititanga-O-Nga-Whakaaro - 7 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Kiwi House Native Bird Park - 8 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves - 12 min drive - 9.7 km

Getting around

  • Hamilton (HLZ-Hamilton Intl.) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Golden Lantern Takeaways - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Waitomo Homestead - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Stoked Eatery - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Glowworm Motel

As a guest of Glowworm Motel, you'll find a seasonal outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance. WiFi is free in public spaces. Glowworm Motel also features a garden and laundry facilities. Self parking is free.

This Hangatiki motel is smoke free.

  • 9 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • No smoking on site
Glowworm Motel offers 9 accommodations. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include a shower. This Hangatiki motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. An iron/ironing board and hairdryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities
  • Pool gate
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Tea bags/instant coffee
  • Toaster

More

  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 8:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open on 01 November and close on 31 March.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

Property is also known as

Glowworm Motel Hangatiki
Glowworm Motel
Glowworm Hangatiki

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Glowworm Motel?

Glowworm Motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Glowworm Motel?

As of 12 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Glowworm Motel on 19 June 2026 start from AU$108, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Glowworm Motel?

Yep, Glowworm Motel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Glowworm Motel?

The closest beach to Glowworm Motel is Kawhia Beach (40.4 km).

Does Glowworm Motel have a pool?

Glowworm Motel has a seasonal outdoor pool. The pool is open from November 01 to March 31.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Glowworm Motel?

No, Glowworm Motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Glowworm Motel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Glowworm Motel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Glowworm Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 154 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 58 out of 154 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 154 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 154 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 154 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Albert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was nice to stay in, and the room was maintained.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay. The room was incredibly clean. Bed comfortable and shower nice and hot with good power. Great recommendations for the local area too. Definitely value for money and we would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really friendly and helpful owners and the room is very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay and have a break
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Stefan

Place was ok
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lovely, friendly, man at the desk was very welcoming, and offered great advice on what was in the area to visit, etc, i.e. attractions and eateries. For our one night stay, the unit was very clean, tidy, comfortable, and offered everything we needed. We will be back again and would love to stay longer. Thank you xxx
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 👏
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tonneal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family of three enjoyed over 1 night stay, we were greeted by the friendly owner who kindly gave us some advise about the local area.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

brianna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice stay. Perfect location for glowworm caves. Flexibility given for late check in, easy to contact.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stop over

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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfect accommodation to see glow worms (and hedgehogs).
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Glenn

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.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ken

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff gave us detailed information about the area, which made our trip more enjoyable. The motel had everything we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ireen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service. Nice information and history given regarding the area and things to do while you are in Waitomo.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location , ease of getting to Caves and main highway
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cherith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Brilliant helpful management. Extremely clean and spacious room. Great bedding and comfy beds. Great location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely warm welcome. Lots of information given about the caves and walks. Room was great with everything we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Room 6
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Tania

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Kitchen
Shower
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sinead

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The lady who checked me in was very nice, room was comfortable but there was a bit of road noise during the night.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Irene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024