Tucked away in Waitomo lies a cave glowing with millions of glowworms. Go on a raw caving tour with an expert guide, all the caving essentials, and only 8 guests.
- Take this 3-hour tour to hidden glowworm caves on a private farm far from the tourist trails. It's the perfect spot for a unique, quiet adventure.
- This tour keeps things cozy with a cap of 8 people. It starts with a scenic walk through lush forests and the Mangapu Gorge, led by your guide.
- Spend 2 hours climbing boulders, crossing streams, and exploring limestone caves. Inside, millions of glowworms light up the space in blue.
- After your cave adventure, switch out of your gear and enjoy some well-deserved snacks with tea and coffee to wrap up your day.
- Fun fact: Glowworms can actually dim their light! They control the amount of light they produce by contracting or expanding a light-emitting organ. See it for yourself at this cave.
- 3-hour guided tour of Waitomo Cave
- Expert local guide
- Small group of up to 8 people
- Snack
- Hot drinks
- Safety equipment
- Warm clothing (thermals, fleece jumper, shorts, boots, socks)
- Caving helmet
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from United States, Germany, Australia and over 14 countries have loved this experience
Lauriane
Sep, 2024
It was a one-of-a-kind tour. Ashley was very knowledgeable and funny! It was great to explore the caves with a small group of adventure lovers. And Ashley took such great pictures of us. I made friends and saw breathtaking glowworm caves, what more could you I ask for? I really made memories that will last for a lifetime. I highly recommend.
Gary
Mar, 2025
This trip was one of our best experiences in New Zealand. The river valley was beautiful, the caves were stupendous and the stalactites and stalagmites were breath-taking... and then the glow-worm cavern itself was wonderful. Ash was a great guide. Can't recommend this highly enough.
Julia
Feb, 2025
We loved that the caves are owned buy the tour guide! They meant a lot to them. A very personal experience with the locals. Ash was great!! We wish you guys the best!!
Michele
Feb, 2025
fantastic. 3 hours of walking through the woods and the cave. Beautiful experience. The parking lot is very spacious and clothes are provided by those who organize the trip. The group consisted of 6 people plus the guide, and we all moved together, no one stood behind. The cave is sometimes not spacious so I do not recommend the visit to people who suffer from claustrophobia and being a cave in the case of rains the trip is canceled. At the end coffee, cake and laughter
Charles
Jan, 2025
The tour lead by Esh was awesome. It was fun, educational and unforgettable. I will say that for 4 fit seniors late 60's early 70's, it was the maximum of our capabilities. Thanks Esh for taking it slow for us. We had a very enjoyable memorable day.
A glimmering light show awaits at the hidden cave
This 3-hour Waitomo Caves tour is all about experiencing nature as it truly is, and a must for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. These caves were formed millions of years ago by underground rivers carving through limestone rock. Found in the late 1800s by a Maori chief, these intricate caves hide a magical secret: millions of glowworms that light up the darkness.
The Hamilton Waikato region, where the caves are located, is also the same place where Peter Jackson filmed the Shire scenes for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies. So, there's a bit of movie magic in the air too!
Explore like an adventurer
With no paths, lights, or handrails, you’ll see the caves just as they’ve always been, hidden from most tourists. With a local guide leading the way and no more than 8 people in a group, it’s like exploring with friends.
It starts with a relaxing walk through the New Zealand bush to the cave entrance. This is where the real fun begins. You'll climb over boulders and splash through streams. It’s a bit of a workout, but totally worth it for the incredible views and the glow worm show inside the caves.
Inside the caves, it’s all-natural and raw – just you, the sound of dripping water, and the soft glow of worms lighting up the cave walls.
After the tour, head back to base where you can change and warm up with some tea, coffee, and cookies.
What to bring
- When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).
What's not allowed
- Large cameras and tripods are not allowed on this experience.
- Safety is a priority. So, this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 12 years and over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb).
Accessibility
- Your safety comes first so elderly or visitors with mobility issues are restricted from participating in this experience.
Additional Information
- Facilities: Shower.
- Caving equipment includes thermals, fleece jumper, shorts, gumboots, socks, helmet & headlamp.
- Guests under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
-
Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
-
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
-
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Meeting point
-
Meet your guide at Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Tours.
-
Address: 1199 Oparure Road, Waitomo 3985, New Zealand.
-
Landmark: Drive directly to the farmhouse and it is sign posted along the way.
-
Similar experiences you'd love
Top things to do in Waitomo
Browse by themes
Nearby cities to explore
Get the Headout app, save up to 80%
Enjoy exclusive deals, offline access to your tickets & live booking updates.
