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

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4.9

40 ratings

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Julia

5/5

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

5/5

Feb, 2025

Fantastic guided tour in the cave (1 promoter and 6 participants). 3 hours well used. No need of special clothes, they will give from promoter. Same for footware. Needs little fitness preparation, no risk, every time the promoter is with you.

Charles

5/5

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.

James

5/5

Jan, 2025

Our guide was knowledgeable and made the visit fun for everyone. We were not rushed and allowed to make the most of our time in the caves. I would recommend this small group experience to anyone interested in seeing the glow worms.

Laura

5/5

Dec, 2024

Super fun and adventurous ! They provide all clothing so you don't need to worry about that. Great guide and experience!

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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.