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

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

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.

3 hours • Admission Included

Options

Off the Beaten Track Tour

Reviews

4.98

407 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

402

Glowworms caving
birgittas832,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the best experiences ever! The cave is amazingly beautyful. Having a small group and an individual guided tour makes it very personal. It's a family property and business, and the connection and dedication to the place is special. Beeing there with glowworms is an unforgettable moment and an incredible adventure, specialy with the outfits. There is everything provided and I felt extremly safe, even though it was my first caving experience. Something you definatly have to do!
Amazing but very wet cave tour
Kate H,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I did expect to get a bit wet but more than once I was emerged in the river up to my hips (to be fair I am not the tallest). We were provided with a full set of clothing so it was all ok but it might be a good idea to bring a dry pair of underwear :-)
Great family operated business 10/10
Antonios Z,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ash and Michelle are amazing hosts. The tour itself was great, Ash had great energy and went above and beyond to make the tour enjoyable for us. Afterwards, Michelle and Ash treated us to coffee and biscuits and talked with us for a good half hour. You just don't get this kind of family like experience with bigger companies. I recommend that everyone try to support these smaller businesses that put in the extra effort to make our experience as pleasant as possible. 10/10 from me, true Kiwi hospitality!
Ingenious
FarAway66508200473,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ingenious excursion into the wonderful cave world of fireflies with a very nice guide (Ash). The untouched nature was impressive, the fireflies fascinating. Excursion is HIGHLY recommended!
Unforgettable Aventure
tomasco2012,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The trail to the cave, the cave itself, and our excellent guide made the experience unique and unforgettable. We will definitely use this outfit again if we are ever in this part of the world. Highly recommended!!
The highlight of our entire trip!
lsrickelman,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ash was awesome! This tour was challenging, fun & educational! Perfect for nature enthusiasts! A must-do! So much better than a boat tour.
What An Incredible Rewarding and Fun Adventure!
S6675NTkk,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an amazing, incredible experience! My wife and I are in our mid to late 60’s and our niece is in her early twenties and it was a blast! It was nothing what we expected! Climbing over and between rocks, and walking in and through the river was an incredible experience. Our guide Ash, guided, supported and encouraged us all the way through this incredible adventure! He was always looking out for everyone, full of laughs with an incredible understanding of the caves and the geological formations. The adventure getting to the highlight, the glow worms, was rewarding, fun and educational. The light show at the end was the icing on the cake. As you travel, Ash is always taking photos which you can download the next day, They were great pics! If you want to get away from the crowds, explore a cave in a small group, have an incredible adventure with an amazing feeling of accomplishment, this tour is for you! The tea/coffee , and cookies at the end was a nice touch by this family run business.
THIS EXPERIENCE IS EPIC
Guide26728263849,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you are thinking about booking this trip - DO IT! It was such a unique experience. Our tour guide Ash was so fun, really made the whole day so memorable. The glow worn caves are insanely beautiful inside and the fact that you actually get to hike/climb all inside the caves as opposed to a little boat ride makes it even more worth it. Sitting down for coffee and biscuits after the whole adventure was so memorable. Can’t recommend this excursion enough!!
So. Much. Fun.
Tami P,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from 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!
Natural New Zealand
neiloR7971GQ,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A great adventure. Ash was the perfect guide and a great personality. A wonderful way to experience a New Zealand wonder as it has been for millennium.