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The top rated, most intimate, and most personalised glow worm cave tour in Waitomo.
Our awesome Waitomo adventure is tucked away “off the beaten track” on our family farm and we LOVE it that way and so do our guests.
Our “Glowing” Highlights
• Amazing glow worm displays!
• Just the right amount of adventure
• Away from the crowds
• Small group sizes
• Cameras welcome
• Authentic eco experience
• Family owned and operated
• Photos, tea, coffee and biscuits included
• #1 Trip Advisor rated tour in the Waitomo District
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum of 2 people per tour.
Maximum of 8 people per tour.
Minimum age is 12 years.
Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
This tour is not suitable for elderly people or anyone with mobility difficulties as it involves climbing over boulders, walking up hills and wading through streams with rocks underfoot.
A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Tours may be cancelled in case of flooding. In the unlikely event that your tour is cancelled, you'll receive a full refund.
Not recommended for travelers with a low level of fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
See the caves just as nature intended. All caving equipment and warm clothing including: thermal top, thermal pants, fleece top, shorts, gumboots, socks, helmet and headlamp. A local guide with a deep connection to the caves and a wealth of information to share. Tea, coffee, and a snack. An email with awesome photos of your adventure. Proper Kiwi hospitality!
We can not pick up or drop off. There is no public transport so you will need to have your own transport to 1199 Oparure Road.
Operated by Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Cave Tours
302 reviews
Charles L,Nov 15, 2024
This adventurous experience involved climbing into the caves, trekking into river streams, hiking into forests, funny from our humorous guide Ash and eventually a stunning view of millions of glowworms in an otherwise completely dark cave. Not the commercial touristy cave tour you would expect. Super fun time indeed!
Alex B,Nov 12, 2024
We visited the caves a couple of weeks ago and can by far say this was our best experience in NZ! Our guide (Ash) was incredible- so relaxed despite dealing with challenges of a differing ability group in the caves. He made our experience safe, fun and took great photos too! There were so many glow worms and it felt like such a unique and natural was to see them!
Pamela G,Nov 10, 2024
Exceptional small group experience hosted by Ash a very personable, knowledgeable fellow. Sitting quietly in the dark letting your eyes adjust to see the glow worms was magical. Definitely recommend.
Sean G,Nov 10, 2024
Let me just start by saying the tour guide was the best. His name is ash and he made the trip awesome. At no point did any of our group feel unsafe. He was funny, delightful, kind, caring and informative. Always willing to give a hand and just a great guy. His pictures came out great and we all had an amazing time. I'm definitely going to suggest this for my friends. The glow worms cave was amazing to navigate and beautiful. Such a great hike. I'd go again definitely. Make sure you're okay with stairs and tight spots.
Jill J,Oct 21, 2024
The guide, Ashley, has arranged a unique experience entering a cave to find glow worms. He is skilled, shares his love of this piece of the North Island and is attentive to each person’s needs and questions. This half day was clearly the high point of many great adventures here. Try this!