Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 15 minutes
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 To Expect
You’ll be underground for about 2 hours, with the entire experience lasting around 3 hours. Here’s how it’s broken down: -We’ll start with about 20 minutes of preparation and safety briefing. -Then, a 10-minute walk to the cave entrance. -Enjoy a 10-15 minute stroll through the stunning New Zealand bush and Mangapu gorge—this is your warm-up. -Explore the caves for just over 2 hours, with glowworm displays along the way. -After the cave, we’ll take a 10-minute walk back through the bush to our office/house. -Feel free to take a little extra time to change and enjoy a well-deserved tea or coffee with some delicious cookies.
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)
Options
Off the Beaten Track Tour
Reviews
455 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Surreal Journey through Glowworm Caves
Himanshi Saxena,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with Down to Earth was an unforgettable experience. Even though it was raining when we arrived, it somehow made the whole setting feel even more atmospheric and special. The glow worms themselves were absolutely magical—like a sky full of stars hidden underground. It felt surreal drifting through the caves and taking in such a unique natural wonder. A big highlight of the tour was our guide, Ash, who was both hilarious and incredibly knowledgeable. He shared fascinating insights about the caves and glow worms while keeping everyone entertained the entire time. His energy really elevated the experience for us.
A unique and magical experience in the caves
charlottevC1887NH,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00a unique and magical experience, a very fun guide, a family welcome, we recommend this visit to the caves
No stairs, no walkways, no lights. Walk back in time in this cave!
elizabethkW3082NF,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was so cool!!! I looked at several cave experiences to see the glowworms. They range from zip lining in a cave to getting on a boat and looking up and then being paddled out. I have two active teenagers and they really want to “do” things. This ruled out the passive tour. We were already zip lining elsewhere, so I wanted to do something unique. This family run tour fit the bill perfectly. First of all, I love that it is a cave on a family’s property that has been going back for generations. You pull up to a small home that has been transformed into the tour starting point, with changing rooms, a small gift shop, and facilities. Second, except for some steps down to the entrance of the cave, there is nothing “built”. No man made walkways, no lighting, no rails. You feel like a family friend is like “hey do you want to see these cool caves behind my house?” But don’t let the casualness fool you. Ash was an expert guide, ensuring our safety the entire time. There is some easy scrambling up and down rocks, and in between slabs, and Ash guided us all the way! The kids were thrilled as it felt like real exploring. Don’t worry about getting muddy or dirty, the experience provides you with clothes and boots so you don’t have drive away wet or cold. Helmets and headgear flashlights are provided. Ash guides you through the labyrinth, and you feel like you are stepping back into time. He talks about even finding a candle once while exploring the cave, and you can imagine several generations back exploring the area. Of course, the best part was getting to see the glow worm lights. The best best part? Five (5!!!) people on this tour, plus Ash. It was just us in the cave the entire time, and Ash took some beautiful long exposure pictures. If you love the feeling of being in nature and want a small, organic, natural experience, I highly highly highly recommend this tour. Thank you Ash!!!
A Unique and Adventurous way to experience the glow worms in a small group.
matthewgA1246JI,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A unique and adventurous way to see the glow worms. Friendly owners, loved the cup of tea and biccies at the end. Ash is a funny and passionate guide and he took great photos for us. An exciting entrance with a bit of wading through the underground river and over some rocks but nothing anyone with a reasonable level of mobility couldn’t handle. Great to see the glow worms up close and in an intimate setting with such a small group.
Awesome tour - just do it!
Tour44991956063,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great tour - I highly recommend it. We enjoyed that this was a small (6 of us total), non commercial family run tour. Ash our guide was so entertaining, informative, helpful and kind. It should be noted that this tour required wading through a stream, a bit of ducking, and some bouldering in the cave to get to the glowworms, but that is all part of the fun and Ash was really good in guiding and helping with where to put your foot and hands, There are no paved paths or artificial lights in the cave here, just natural beauty. Ash also took pictures of everyone and they were emailed to us for free. The tour ended with coffee/tea and cookies and a nice chat around the table about life.
Loved it!!
NGHFL,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family of five had the best experience! Ash was an incredible guide, full of knowledge on the caves and super personable and funny. It was just our group and we loved the personalized attention and we got to ask all our questions. This tour is a bit adventurous which was what we wanted. We felt like cave explorers and these caves were so cool! One of the highlights of our whole trip!
Small Group Glowworm Cave Tour
Camille K,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a unique non-commercial experience for those who prefer small groups and a little side of adventure with their slice of nature. No crowds! But you will see glowworms! In fact, I saw the actual larvae and mucus strings just a few feet above me, as well as the larger constellations spread out like stars in a large cavern. But you will also walk through a beautiful verdant canyon, wade into a stream, and explore part of a private cave. My guide, Ash, was knowledgeable and helpful, offering interesting info about the glowworm life-cycle and pointing out unique stalactites and stalagmites. Boots, helmets (with lights), and warmer outerwear are provided. I felt safe but not coddled. It was an exceptional experience!
My Tour Guests raved about this, glad they did it!
YourNZDriver,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ash the guide made my group feel so safe, was patient and reassuring in some of the areas. He explained alot prior to heading out, gave the group a chance to change their mind and not feel pushed. Just a lovely tour operation, felt so comfortable and my group were so happy they did it. Worth the Admission fee.
Love the small group tour
Emily S,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a bit more physical than expected but it was fun and adventurous. Ash is an entertaining guide. Gloworms were amazing. We really enjoyed it!
Love the small group personal touch
claremY2223AZ,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ash was fantastic! Went out of his way to ensure we were safe and comfortable in this amazing environment! We learnt so much!!
From NZ$219.00
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Operated by Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Cave Tours