Private Tour
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Our knowledgeable guide will escort you through beautiful untouched caves here in the Waitomo district.
This option is our
Private Tour which consists of just your party of 2-8 people, plus a guide. We will tailor the tour for your group giving you the ability to move slowly through the caves to enjoy, explore and take in the surroundings, including our mesmerising glow worm displays.
Come and check out why we are the
#1 cave tour in Waitomo!
Our eco-tours are through completely untouched and beautiful New Zealand scenery on our family farm. We are off the beaten track away from the crowds, we
LOVE it that way and so do our customers!
Don't forget small pocket-sized cameras are welcome.
Within a short drive of Waitomo Caves Village and the small towns of Te Kuiti and Otorohanga.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
A maximum of 8 people per booking
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Minimum age is 12 years
Not recommended for anyone with physical difficulties.
A reasonable level of fitness is required.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Shower facilities for after the tour
Local guide
Private tour
Snacks
We provide all the equipment and clothing you will need for your adventure. We supply you with: Thermal top Thermal pants Fleece top Shorts Gumboots Even socks! This way once the tour is over you can pop back into your clean clothes and leave us to deal with your dirty laundry! On the tour you will also be required to wear a helmet and head lamp which we provide.
Tea, coffee, and a snack, after your tour
Coffee and/or Tea
You must have your own transport to get to 1199 Oparure Road. There is no public transport and we can not pick up or drop off.
Down To Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
1199 Oparure Road, Maungarongapu Cave
43 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Y7358DIjosephc,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing experience. Ash was an awesome guide- knowledgeable, encouraging, interesting and just what the group needed. I would give it six stars if I could!
uwehE3667XO,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a super friendly and nice guide with Ash, with whom the three hours were incredibly fun and flew by. The tour through the cave was exciting and the sight of the fireflies really impressive
Vacation621477,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience! Very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Safe experience throughout. I would highly recommend the trip to anyone looking for a more adventurous glowworm experience.
919PeterS,
Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The most incredible experience. The walk down the gorge was breathtaking enough let alone the tour through the caves. Our guide Ash was so knowledgeable &, as you would expect, safety conscious. I highly recommend this tour to those wanting a unique adventure. An adventure you will never forget.
Dontcare11,
Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour with Ash exceeded all our expectations. The location was beautiful, the tour was well paced and gave us plenty of views of the glow worms. We were well kitted out for the trip with clothing provided by the tour. Ash was thoughtful about the ability level of each member of our party and had options for the more adventurous of us. It’s clear the family appreciates the treasure on their property and want to share it with those of us lucky enough to be guests.
277jungy,
Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an excellent tour of the cave. Ash was great! He very informative and funny! Thank you for an amazing experience! Definitely sharing Down to Earth to friends.
Holly L,
Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
We booked this tour when we were unable to book some of the other glow worm cave tours. This was hands down one of the best vacation tours we've ever experienced. Our guide, Ash, was phenomenal! He was kind, funny and met all of our special accommodation needs. Our daughter is hearing and visually impaired, which we notified them of ahead of time, and they were so kind and accommodating throughout the experience. This is a private tour and a walk in and walk out tour, but Ash gave us all the time we needed so our daughter, 25 years old, could experience it with the family. Would highly recommend this for a more personal experience.

Jane D,
Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This adventure was really cool. Ash, our guide, was excellent and taught us a lot about the cave and glow worms. He was funny, and super patient and helpful with some of us who needed a bit of assistance scrabbling over some of the rocks. Taking pictures for us was a great bonus. Highly recommend!
searayseattle,
Jan 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We loved this off the beaten path experience (with Ash) so much - it was a highlight of our trip! A great cave, some scrambling around, and of course glow worms. Ash was a great guide and full of interesting info. We're really glad we chose this vs. one of the larger more commercial caves/tours.
Wander25203180476,
Dec 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Super tour with an absolutely adorable guide. No Touri rip-off. Very individual and lovingly designed!!
Operated by Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Cave Tours