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

5.0
673
Deals from $109.00 Save $110.00 Check datescalendar_month
Discover Waitomo’s glowworms far from the crowds. Explore hidden caves, underground rivers, and magical glowworm displays on our exclusive small-group adventure. Join our family-run business, trusted by thousands of 5-star reviews, and see why everyone is talking about this unforgettable experience.

Discover Waitomo’s glowworms far from the crowds. Explore hidden caves, underground rivers, and magical glowworm displays on our exclusive small-group adventure. Join our family-run business, trusted by thousands of 5-star reviews, and see why everyone is talking about this unforgettable experience.

Highlights

  • Amazing glow worm displays!
  • Phone/small cameras welcome
  • Only 2-8 people per group
  • Away from the crowds
  • Just the right amount of adventure
  • Authentic eco experience
  • Family owned and operated
  • #1 Trip Advisor rated tour in the Waitomo District

Experience an Authentic Glowworm Adventure

Join us for a personalised 3.5-hour guided tour designed for small groups of 2–8 people. Your journey begins at our farmhouse, where we’ll provide all the clothing, footwear, and equipment you need.

Step into the wild as you walk through native bush, climb over boulders, and wade through a freshwater stream leading into our cave system. Unlike commercial tours, our caves remain in their purest, most natural state—no concrete paths, no artificial lighting—just a true eco-adventure into New Zealand’s breathtaking glowworm environment.

Inside the caves, take your time marveling at glowing displays and intricate limestone formations. You’re welcome to bring a small camera, and your guide will also capture stunning photos of your adventure, which we’ll send to you for free.

After your underground journey, relax with a hot shower and refreshments back at the farmhouse. We love welcoming visitors from around the world and are always happy to share local knowledge and travel tips.

Located on our family farm, this incredible cave system is one of only two in Waitomo classified as ‘of international significance’ by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. Come and experience an authentic piece of New Zealand paradise!

Per Person $219.00

What's included

  • Photos emailed to you after the tour
  • Exclusive access to a private cave system
  • All caving equipment provided — helmet, headlamp, thermals, fleece, shorts, socks, gumboots
  • Small group experience — maximum of 8 participants
  • Experienced local guide with deep knowledge of the caves and land
  • Hot drinks and a snack at the end of your adventure
  • Shower facilities available on site

Duration

  • 3.5 hours

Location

  • 1199 Oparure Road,
  • Te Kuiti,
  • Waitomo.
  • Our tours take place on our private family farm in the Waitomo district, just 20 minutes from Ōtorohanga. You won’t find us by following the signs to the public “Waitomo Caves” — instead, enter 1199 Oparure Road into Google Maps and it will bring you straight to our base.

Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 12
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Not suitable for elderly travelers or those with significant mobility difficulties
    • Participants should have amoderate level of fitness
    • Participants must be able to climb over rocks, walk up hills, and wade through streams
    • Not recommended for children under 12 years
    • Tours may be cancelled or rescheduled in case of flooding or unsafe conditions

Notes

  • Please be aware that Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Glowworm Cave Tours do not provide any pick-up services.

    IMPORTANT: This tour is not suitable for elderly 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..

  • Cancellations: Strictly no refund given if you cancel with less than 24hrs notice, or just don't show up for your booking.

Available Bookings from22 Sept to 5 Oct 2025

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
Mon 22 Sept
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  • Per Person$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$159.00

  • Per Person$199.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$199.00

  • Per Person$199.00

  • Per Person$109.00

  • Per Person$199.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$199.00

  • Per Person$199.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$199.00

  • Per Person$199.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$199.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$219.00

  • Per Person$199.00

  • Per Person$199.00
추천해요~ Positively Glowing Must visit Must visit Definitiv zu empfehlen!!
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Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

5.0

673 reviews

Showing all 673 authenticated Bookme reviews

benf12 fromChina wrote on 09 August 2016

wonderful

it was my first cave adventure experience, small group, wonderful guide. it was a perfect journey.

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Wei Chen Lin fromTaiwan wrote on 19 December 2018

非常推薦

很特別的體驗,需要在洞穴裡爬上爬下,但不會很難,有基本的體能就可以了。有提供裝備衣服靴子,原則上只有腳會弄濕,回來之後有需要的話可以沖澡。螢火蟲很漂亮,非常值得去看看,超浪漫的。

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Laura Dietz fromNew Zealand wrote on 21 September 2025

Wonderful Experience

It was a unique and wonderful experience. We felt very comfortable with our guide Ash. I can only recommend this cave Glowworm tour to everyone. it was very exciting!!

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diegop4 fromBrazil wrote on 10 September 2025

Absolutely Recommended!

Exactly as advertised, a very nice family business away from the crowds in a gorgeous area. They offer all the equipment, you do get a bit cold, but just a minor discomfort when compared to the fun you get. Ash (our guide) is a natural that made us feel part of the family. Hope to come back someday.

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Marek Kolegar fromCzech Republic wrote on 24 June 2025

Amazing

Thank you Ash 🤌🤌🤌

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

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