Private Tour

3-Hour Private Photography Tour in Waitomo Caves

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

On our photography tours we provide beautiful natural New Zealand scenery both inside and outside of the glow worm caves, with an experienced guide.

These tours are “private”. That is, your group and your guide will be the only participants on the tour. On photography tours we take a minimum of two and a maximum of four people.

There are excellent photo opportunities, including beautiful glow worms. The cave system is one of only two in the Waitomo district that is classified by New Zealand's Department of Conservation as being of “International Significance”. And it is completely untouched!

On photography tours we allow larger cameras and other equipment like small tripods. And you have the freedom to take a lot more time over your photography than you do on our other tours. Photographing glow worms is challenging, and can take some time. The results though can be spectacular!

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Not recommended for anyone with any mobility issues

Minimum age is 11 years

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Local guide

Shower facilities for after the tour, if required

Tea, coffee, and snack after the tour

All caving equipment and warm clothing including: thermal top, thermal pants, fleece top, shorts, gumboots, socks, helmet and headlamp

Pickup and drop-off

Photography equipment (bring your own camera equipment)

What To Expect

Down To Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo

Maungarongapu Cave system

3 hours • Admission Included

Options

Private photography tour

Reviews

5.00

23 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing! 💯
Go81726,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were just my husband and I for this visit. The Ash guide is exceptional. The experience is unique. I had chosen from the comments and I do not regret. Special mention for striped outfits. To do absolutely!
An amazing experience!!!
Alexandre M,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A pure happiness this visit! Really unimaginable. Ash is a great guide. Super nice, super funny, super pro. The visit is certainly a little sporty but not difficult. And the glowworms are so beautiful, it’s just the effect Wow times 1000! Take this tour, really!
Do not hesitate, book this tour!
Tyler T,
Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was the best experience ever! Ash was the best guide and it was totally worth it to do the private tour since we had so much time to figure out the camera settings for pictures. I thought we were just walking on a path in the caves, but we were in the water and ducking and shimmying on rocks and it was soooo much fun! 10/10 recommend!
Beyond our imagination! And Google pictures aswell
Curiosity44104077152,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Incredible! It was beyond what I had imagined. Since the beggining you Can feel the family escense. Then you will have the chance to connect with nature, by seeing the sorriundings and after that entering the cave! The guidance was just amazing aswell!!! Highly recommended
Cave experience
yand416,
Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The view was fabulous, the guide is fantastic and really nice to customers. An amazing experience that I will never forget.
Superb outing
michelel445,
Feb 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful. Private cave tour, 1 guide + 6 participants. Not suitable for those suffering from claustrophobia, the tour is a continuous climbing over stones, boulders and holes. It is still safe and no one is left behind. Before leaving we stopped at an "enlightened" spot. Clothes (including boots and socks) are given by them (does not apply to underwear)
Amazing highlight of our trip!
mrkwswr,
Jan 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an amazing experience! It was exciting to be able to make our way through a cave in its natural state. We appreciated being provided with clothing, boots, and helmet with light for our adventure climbing over the rocks and sloshing through the underground water. Ash is an awesome guide, and he led us through the cave with both knowledge and a good sense of humor, as well as with kindness and concern for everyone in the group. We loved too that he offered to take great photos of us as we went through the cave, and with the incredible glow worms above us. This experience is a highlight of our trip!
Wonderful Experience!!!
harsh07051995,
Jan 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kudos to Ash! He was extremely knowledgeable, witty and ensured we had a great time. He paid utmost attention to safety and was vigilant. Highly recommended.
Best ever!
45candacek,
Nov 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had such a good time on this tour! Ash was wonderful - informative, funny, and kind. It will be one of the highlights of our trip!
Great experience!
Ryan N,
Feb 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ash is a great guide, knowledgeable and the type of guy you’d grab a beer with. Photography tour is definitely worth the money!