Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Most cave tours follow the crowds — ours doesn’t. The Off the Beaten Track tour takes you deep into a private cave system on our family farm, where you’ll explore hidden chambers and underground rivers far from the busy tourist routes.
Here’s why travelers love it:
Exclusive access — our caves are not open to the public, so you’ll see a side of Waitomo very few ever will.
Small groups, big adventure — with a maximum of 8 people, you’ll never feel rushed or crowded.
Eco-focused — we’ve planted over 8,000 native trees, protect our glowworms, and run tours in a way that puts the environment first.
Genuine connection — guided by locals who’ve grown up on this land, you’ll hear stories that bring the caves and farm to life.
Unforgettable glowworms — see them just as nature intended, sparkling above you in complete darkness.
If you’re looking for a real adventure, away from handrails and crowds, this is the glowworm tour you’ll be talking about for years to come.
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.
Options
Off the Beaten Track Tour
Reviews
389 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An incredible experience!...
Jasmine G,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00An 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
5.00I 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
5.00Our 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
5.00A 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.
Highlight of my trip. ...
Michelle D,
Feb 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Highlight of my trip. Highly recommend. Worth it to have smaller group and not tons of tourists. Caves were amazing.
Related Experiences
Operated by Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Cave Tours