Formerly Glowing Adventures. We're now Down to Earth! Learn more...

November through May is our busiest time. As a small, family-run company, we offer just two tours per day—morning and afternoon—and will be booked out every day through this period. To avoid disappointment, please book early. If we’re fully booked online, unfortunately no other options are available.

Capture the Magic with Our Private Photography Tour!

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The Ultimate Highlights

  • Bring Your Gear – Feel free to bring your larger camera, tripod, and all the equipment you need for those epic shots.
  • Intimate Experience – Enjoy a cozy, private tour with only your booking, making it a truly personal adventure.
  • Glow Worm Magic – Capture the awe-inspiring glow worm displays that will leave you speechless.
  • Exclusive Access – Explore our private cave system, untouched by the crowds.
  • Meet Your Guide – Spend time with our awesome local guide who’ll share fascinating stories along the way.
  • Photo Ops Galore – Get ready for endless opportunities to snap stunning glowworm photos.
  • Breathtaking Nature – Explore the lush, native New Zealand forest and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
  • Get Adventurous – Wade through freshwater streams, conquer boulders, and discover untouched limestone caves with jaw-dropping rock formations.

About the Down to Earth Photography Tour

When it comes to our Photography Tours, our goal is to immerse you in the most pristine, untouched landscapes New Zealand has to offer. Whether you're inside the magical glow worm caves or taking in the breathtaking outdoor scenery, your local guide will be there with you every step of the way. These tours are super private—just your group and your guide—keeping things personal and intimate, with a maximum of four guests.

While our guides are experts in the cave environment, they’re not photography pros. But don’t worry—if you’d like some helpful tips and tricks for cave photography, we've got you covered! Just drop us a line at contact@glowing.co.nz, and we’ll send you a handy document packed with advice from past guests.

Our Photography Tours have a slightly different vibe from our Off the Beaten Track tour. Here, we focus on the entrance and exit of the cave, as well as the stunning Mangapu Gorge. The photo opportunities are incredible, featuring glowing glow worms, awe-inspiring limestone formations, and nature’s light show as it filters through the lush native New Zealand bush. Our cave system is one of just two in the Waitomo district recognized as "Internationally Significant" by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation—and it remains completely untouched!

Here's the Deal with Equipment

On our Photography Tours, you’re welcome to bring along your larger camera and trusty tripod. Take your time and craft the perfect shots. While capturing glow worms can be a bit tricky, the results are absolutely worth it!

For safety reasons, we don’t take photography tours through every part of the cave system. All your equipment will need to be packed in a backpack, as your hands must be free when navigating the tracks.

Also, please note that any cameras and gear brought into the cave are at your own risk.

Photograph of photographer under glow worms

What to Expect:

  • Duration: A 3-hour adventure, with around 2 hours spent inside the cave system.
  • Group Size: Your group can be as small as one or as large as four.
  • Age Requirement: Minimum age of 12 years. Kids under 16 need to have a parent or guardian with them.
  • Cancellation Policy: Be sure to check our Cancellation Policy for all the details.
  • Fitness Level: This tour isn't suitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility challenges. It involves walking over rough terrain, wading through streams, and climbing stairs. A good level of fitness is necessary.

Getting Here

Visit OUR LOCATION page for all the details.

Photograph of caver in Mangarongapu Cave entrance Photograph of glow worms in Mangarongapu Cave Photograph of caver in large cavern - Down to Earth Photograph of caver and glow worms - Down to Earth