Guided Tours

Off-Beat Waitomo Glowworm Caves Small Group Guided Tour

Glowworm-lit cave interior during Waitomo small group guided tour, New Zealand.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group tour exploring illuminated cave formations.

Waitomo glowworm caves with small group on guided tour exploring unique formations.

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.

Highlights

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 green and 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 (photography welcome!).

Inclusions

3-hour guided tour of Waitomo Cave
English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Small group of up to 8 people
Snack
Hot drinks
Safety equipment
Warm clothing (thermals, fleece jumper, shorts, boots, socks)
Caving helmet

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

27 ratings

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Franz

5/5

Nov, 2024

We are so happy that we booked the Down to Earth tour. This is a guided tour into a privately owned and essentially undeveloped glowworm cave. Not too hard but, in my opinion, not suitable for somebody with mobility issues or fear of tight spaces. Also, prepare to get wet ... but know that a full change of clothing is provided. My wife and I had been looking for a somewhat longer tour restricted to only a handful of participants, and Down to Earth delivered! Ash, who guided the tour, is a lot of fun. He is very knowledgeable, and it is clear that he loves what he does. The glowworm cave was amazing - I loved it. Ash told us to turn off our headlamps, and once our eyes adjusted the cave ceiling came "alive". I send the pictures that Ash took to my family, and they marvelled at the night sky of New Zealand! Of course I corrected them ... and now they too want to come and see the glowworms. One of my favourite experiences here in New Zealand. Thank you Ashley.

James

5/5

Nov, 2024

A really informative and entertaining tour/trek. Ash was a very amicable guide and the interesting features were sympathetically introduced and described .

Christian

5/5

Nov, 2024

Wonderful experience, friendly guide, adventurous climbing through rocks and water in dark cave. Gloworms were awesome.

Jennifer

5/5

Sep, 2024

The tour was amazing. We had so much fun and Ash explain every detail of the tour, he is very accomodating and he has a good sense of humor.

Alan

5/5

Sep, 2024

Ash was a fantastic guide for our adventure through the caves, we loved every part of this and would highly recommend to anyone wanting more than just a easy path tour to see glow worms 10/10

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Your experience

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.

Know before you go

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

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.

My tickets

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.