Who Is This Waitomo Cave Tour For?

 

Perfect for travellers looking for a small-group glowworm cave tour away from the crowds. Explore a private family-owned cave, bring your phone for photos, enjoy a real adventure, and support native forest restoration with every visit.
 
TripAdvisor
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Google Reviews
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5-Star
Google Reviews

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Top 10% of Attractions Worldwide on Tripadvisor

Discover a hidden world beneath our family’s private farm in the peaceful Waitomo countryside. Step into a glowworm-lit cave filled with ancient rock formations, underground streams, and pure natural wonder.

More than just a tour, every experience helps support the restoration and protection of this unique landscape. With four distinctive, adventure-style options to choose from, pick your adventure and let the glowworms do the rest.

Your Safety Comes First


For over a decade, we’ve been safely guiding guests through our private cave system. As a New Zealand Adventure Activity Safety Certified operator, we’re independently audited every year to meet some of the highest adventure tourism safety standards in the world.

Learn more about how we keep you safe.

Choose Your Glowworm Cave Adventure:

 

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Check out some of our reviews

TripAdvisor Simple
What a fun adventure!

This was amazing! It was a bit more intense than I realized- crossing an underground steam, scrambling over rocks, climbing through a few tight spaces- my 13 year old son and I both LOVED it! The scenery on the way to and from the caves was also incredible.

- EChosa
TripAdvisor Simple
Such a fun experience in a beautiful place!

The hike down to the caves was beautiful, and Ash, our guide, was very informative about the land, area and history. The caves were fun to weave through and the Glowworms were fascinating.  I highly recommend this experience.

- Candice d
TripAdvisor Simple
A must-experience!

Fantastic tour. Everything was thought of. Great, likeable people. Absolutely breathtaking experience!

- Adriano C
Google
Amazing Experience!

The experience was amazing. With Ash being a great leader, the small group of only six people and also the spotless facility where Michelle served us coffee and tea after the tour!

- C N
TripAdvisor Simple
Great tour led by great people

Overall, this experience was incredible - from a warm welcome in the beginning, to the guide being an absolute riot, even though we had a small group, the attention to each person in the group was fantastic, and the value for the money was perfect. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to experience the glowworms up close and personal!

- Josh
Google
So glad I chose this over other tours!

I absolutely loved climbing through the caves and having more of an adventurous experience. Ash was my guide and he was so personable and knowledgeable! The view of the glowworms and caves were breathtaking,

- Sam Hageman
TripAdvisor Simple
Amazing Caving Experience

I would definitely recommend anyone in the world to try this amazing adventure! One of my happiest moment in my life to explore the cave with rocks and flowing river by myself. And the glowworms were magical✨

- Zhavira D
Google
No crowds - just lots of glowworms!

This is a unique guided tour for those who prefer small groups and who enjoy nature. No crowds - just lots of glowworms! The path to the cave was beautiful. It was an exceptional experience!

- Camille King
TripAdvisor Simple
Absolutely Fantastic Tour!

I feel so lucky that I got to experience this tour! Ash was super friendly from the beginning and lead a fantastic tour. I will always keep the memory of seeing the glowworms for the first time, and I cannot recommend Ash and this tour enough!

- Sabrina G
TripAdvisor Simple
Lots of glow worms

This tour was such a fun and delightful experience. Ash was wonderful, full of fascinating facts about everything one might want to know about the glow worms and caves. Definitely the highlight of our New Zealand visit!

- Elise B

Why Choose Down to Earth Waitomo?

Down to Earth Feet
#1 Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

We’re proud to be Tripadvisor’s top-rated glowworm tour in Waitomo. Visitors from around the world call it the highlight of their New Zealand trip

Down to Earth Feet
Off The Beaten Track

No crowds, no buses — just small group tours (max 8 people), plenty of space, and free photos sent after your tour.

Down to Earth Feet
Authentic Eco Adventure

No lights. No handrails. Just wild caves, limestone wonders, and glowworms in their natural habitat — the way nature intended.

Down to Earth Feet
Proudly Kiwi & Family Run

Our family has called this land home for over 100 years. We grew up exploring the forest and caves — now we’re proud to share this special place with you.

Down to Earth Feet
Your Visit Helps Restore This Land

Every tour helps support our Pākehō Restoration Project — restoring native forest, protecting waterways, and caring for this rare karst landscape that many native species call home.

Down to Earth Feet
Cameras Welcome

Bring your phone or a small camera to capture the magic. On our Photography Tour, tripods and pro gear are welcome too.

Down to Earth Feet
World-Famous Caves

Of over 300 caves in Waitomo, ours is one of only two rated “internationally significant.” Come meet some VIP glowworms!

Down to Earth Feet
Adventure, Your Way

Fun, safe, and tailored to your group. Our guides adjust the pace and challenge to suit you.

We're Totally Committed to Regenerative Sustainable Tourism!

We're dead serious about doing our bit for Mother Nature here at Down to Earth. Check out what we've been up to.

Forest restoration

Forest Restoration

Since 2018, for every awesome customer who's dropped by, we've planted a native tree. Yep, that's right, you're helping us grow an actually real life forest!
Learn more …

Low carbon footprint

Carbon Footprint

We're stoked to say that we're keeping our carbon footprint on the down-low. We keep tabs on all the CO2 stuff we emit in our day-to-day operations.
Learn more …

Protecting our waterways

River Guardians

We've put up some fences to protect our precious waterways. Clean water = happy vibes!
Learn more …

Pest control

Pest Control

Our trapping program is a hit! The native bush and birdlife are doing their happy dances thanks to us. Talk about making new bird friends!
Learn more …

Preventing single use plastic

No to Single-Use Plastic

If you're passing by with an empty water bottle, stop in and say hi. We've got fresh, filtered tap water to fill 'er up, free of charge.
Learn more …