Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Set out on an adventure into our private caves, hidden in the rolling hills of Waitomo — untouched, unspoiled, and alive with glowworms.

This is caving as it was meant to be: immersive, awe-inspiring, and just a little bit magical.

Gear up and follow your guide through native forest before stepping into our secluded cave system. With your headlamp lighting the way, you’ll scramble around giant boulders, wade through shallow streams, and admire ancient limestone formations — all while millions of glowworms light up the walls around you.

Step away from the crowds — our small-group tours offer a truly authentic experience.

Pocket-sized cameras welcome — with plenty of time and space to capture the magic.

Connect with a guide who shares the caves’ secrets and stories, making your journey personal and unforgettable.

Loved by travellers worldwide, with thousands of glowing 5-star reviews.

Additional Info

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

Not suitable for elderly or those with mobility issues — involves climbing, hills, and wading through streams.

Maximum of 8 people per tour.

Minimum age is 12 years.

Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

A reasonable/good level of fitness is required.

NO large cameras or tripods. Phones or pocket sized cameras are welcome.

Safety First — if flooding means we need to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund.

Not recommended for travelers with a low level of fitness

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Genuine Kiwi hospitality at its best

See the caves just as nature intended

All caving equipment & warm clothing provided

Adventure photos emailed after your tour

Coffee and/or Tea

Guided by a local with deep knowledge & connection

Pick-up and drop-off services

Public transport (not available in this area)

What To Expect

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Explore untouched caves, sparkling glowworms, underground rivers, and stunning limestone formations — all in a small, eco-friendly group.

3 hours • Admission Included

Options

Off the Beaten Track Tour

Reviews

4.98

400 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

395

So. Much. Fun.
Tami P,
Oct 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Excellent tour with Ash, and great hosting by Michelle. Super kind and oh so fun. They provided everything you need. Uneven ground, some scrambling. Excellent!
An incredible experience!...
Jasmine G,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00
An incredible experience! Our tour guide Ash was knowledgeable, fun and helpful for the duration of the experience. The scenery of the river through the caves is definitely a highlight. There are a couple of tight spots in the caves where you might have to be on your belly and manoeuvre your body around to get through but at no point did we think we’d get stuck. Seeing the glow worms is for about 20-30mins at the end of the tour which was also an amazing experience. Highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a more adventurous way to see the glow worms or looking to get out of their comfort zone.
I really wanted to do...
Victoria H,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00
I really wanted to do this tour but I was nervous. Ash was our guide and he was amazing! He made us feel comfortable and explained everything. We learned so much and it was so cool to go without all of the normal tour.
Fantastic experience, must see tour
Darryl E,
Jul 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our experience was fantastic, our guide Ash was a perfect blend of knowledgeable, kind, easy to talk to, and was conscious of our safety throughout the tour. Having been to similar glowworm caves in the Waitomo area before, the tour with Ash and down to earth tours was incredible and far better than anything I could have imagined.
Absolutely amazing
Cristina M,
Apr 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00
A unique must do experience! Our guide Ash took us to an adventurous tour down the caves, I must say the walk though the cave wasn’t easy but Ash made it easy and safe enough for everyone to participate. Trust me, the walk was so worth in the end as you get to admire the thousands of glow worms forming a night sky under the earth.