Waitomo - Eco Adventure Glowworm Cave Tour - Off the Beaten Track
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Waitomo - Eco Adventure Glowworm Cave Tour - Off the Beaten Track
By Down to Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
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About
Waitomo is home to many glowworm caves, some more commercially developed than others. On this authentic caving adventure, explore subterranean caverns with no concrete paving or electric lighting and see glowworms in their natural setting. Your adventurous guided tour includes all equipment.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 12-70, max of 8 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Explore untouched, internationally recognized glowworm caves in Waitomo
- Enjoy an authentic glowworm caving adventure—hiking, wading, and more
- All equipment—including boots, caving helmet, and headlamp—is included
- Morning or afternoon tours are available to suit your itinerary
- See the caves just as nature intended. All caving equipment and warm clothing including: thermal top, thermal pants, fleece top, shorts, gumboots, socks, helmet and headlamp. A local guide with a deep connection to the caves and a wealth of information to share. Tea, coffee, and a snack. An email with awesome photos of your adventure. Proper Kiwi hospitality!
- Entry/Admission - Down to Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
What's not included- We can not pick up or drop off. There is no public transport so you will need to have your own transport to 1199 Oparure Road.
- Meet your guide at the Waitomo caving base and begin your adventure in these internationally significant caves. Put on warm layers, boots, helmet, and headlamp, and venture into the underground caverns with your guide. This part of the cave system is completely untouched, without concrete paving, electricity, or handrails—you are completely immersed in the natural world. Clamber over boulders, hike up rocky inclines, and wade through shallow streams. As you navigate the terrain, marvel at the spectacular sight of billions of bright green glowworms twinkling on the cavern roof. As you explore, listen as your guide sheds light on the glowworms’ behavior and lifecycle. Please note: This tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
- Start:
- 1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti 3985, New Zealand1199 Oparure Road, follow the signs.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 24439P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum of 2 people per tour.
- Maximum of 8 people per tour.
- Minimum age is 12 years.
- Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- This tour is not suitable for elderly people or anyone with mobility difficulties as it involves climbing over boulders, walking up hills and wading through streams with rocks underfoot.
- A reasonable level of fitness is required.
- Tours may be cancelled in case of flooding. In the unlikely event that your tour is cancelled, you'll receive a full refund.
- Not recommended for travelers with a low level of fitness
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 24439P1
From
$189.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
- 1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti 3985, New Zealand1199 Oparure Road, follow the signs.
- 11199 Oparure Road, Maungarongapu Cave
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- searayseattle0 contributionsDo this! You'll love it!We loved this off the beaten path experience (with Ash) so much - it was a highlight of our trip! A great cave, some scrambling around, and of course glow worms. Ash was a great guide and full of interesting info. We're really glad we chose this vs. one of the larger more commercial caves/tours.Written 20 January 2025
- mrkwswr0 contributionsAmazing highlight of our trip!This was an amazing experience! It was exciting to be able to make our way through a cave in its natural state. We appreciated being provided with clothing, boots, and helmet with light for our adventure climbing over the rocks and sloshing through the underground water. Ash is an awesome guide, and he led us through the cave with both knowledge and a good sense of humor, as well as with kindness and concern for everyone in the group. We loved too that he offered to take great photos of us as we went through the cave, and with the incredible glow worms above us. This experience is a highlight of our trip!Written 11 January 2025
- harsh070519950 contributionsWonderful Experience!!!Kudos to Ash! He was extremely knowledgeable, witty and ensured we had a great time. He paid utmost attention to safety and was vigilant. Highly recommended.Written 4 January 2025
- 45candacek0 contributionsBest ever!We had such a good time on this tour! Ash was wonderful - informative, funny, and kind. It will be one of the highlights of our trip!Written 27 November 2024
- marloa7440 contributionsDown to earth Glow worm Cave TourAn unbelievable experience! Ash was an amazing tour guide. I highly recommend this to any one interested in exploring the caves . climbing involved so make sure your knees are okWritten 22 October 2024
- shawnsI5040RK0 contributionslovley trip to down to the earthWe had the best time ever on this tour! Michelle and the guide Ash, were absolutely amazing—so friendly, fun, and always making sure we were having a great time. Honestly, it felt like hanging out with old friends rather than just a regular tour! You guys went above and beyond to make everything perfect. Thank you so much for all the laughs and the great memories—we’ll definitely remember this trip with a big smile.Written 22 October 2024
- DLFord0 contributionsBest ever!!!!!!!It was an AMAZING experience!! Our guide Ash was so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. He made it even better. The clothing...caves...glowworms...stalagmites...stalagtites...fossils were just amazing!!Written 22 October 2024
- Voyage252339987130 contributionsAsh is the man!!! BravoHad the best tour ever. So much fun! Learnt so much about the place and had a warm farewell after the tour too. Thank you so muchWritten 16 October 2024
- Freedom338215502860 contributionsBest Adventure Cave with the best guide!I would highly recommended for the beautiful cave but also the amazing guide!! Best Guide ever. The cave is beautiful and splendide, especially the glowing worms!!Written 21 September 2024
- Voyager565530038660 contributionsAwesome adventureThis is was a wonderful experience without the commercial hype. Very professionally run. We shared the experience with family and small group of friends it was challenging, adventurous and truly beautiful. The guide was fun and friendly I would highly recommend this experience.Written 21 September 2024
- Valery-John0 contributionsSwiss people in New Zealand'glow caveJust amazing ! Ash is a nice guy ! Warm welcome. The site is great. Price is nice too. Lot of explanation were given to us ! After the visit, great stop wih cookies and coffee ! Thanks pour allWritten 26 May 2024
- StephenH810 contributionsGreat interactive tour, thanks!Fantastic 3 hours from start to finish. Ash is a great guide. Funny and informative. Very interactive experience walking through the caves and river and scrambling over rocks. Clothing and equipment were top notch.Written 31 March 2024
- SandieAuj0 contributionsAmazing experienceAsh, our guide was very interesting and funny. Our visit in the cave was impressive and beautiful. 100% recommendedWritten 27 March 2024
- tfhutton0 contributionsUnique adventureNot for the faint of heart, but worth the boulder-hopping and wet feet. Yes, your feet will be wet, so just be prepared. And you will have to strip down to your underwear to put on the gear provided. But it is all worthwhile, as the clothes will keep you warm and the work to get deep into the cave is well worth the trip. Ash is a great guide, and you will learn a lot in your three hour tour of this private paradise. We did another glow worm tour, and this was far better, due to the small group and unique nature of this cave.Written 27 March 2024
- lzzcannon0 contributionsMore caving fun than expectedWas wonderful exploring this family farm, and share their secret spaces. The caving was more challenging than expected, just enough to make you feel you accomplished something! The guide was great.Written 27 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
252 reviews
Excellent
249
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2
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jefeD42
Dallas, TX9 contributions
Dec 2019
We did this tour (a family of 5...two adults and 3 teenagers, youngest 13) as a precursor to a 14 day cruise around the coast of New Zealand and into Australia. We landed in Auckland early in the morning the day before we were to port to sea and had a driver take us inland about 3 hours to get to Glowing Adventures. The excursion took the estimated 3 hours to hike to the caves, through them and back to the beginning. It was a major highlight of our trip! If you want to experience the rawness of the cave system and have an amazing experience up close with the glow worms in them then this is the way to go. Glowing Adventures is a professional, customer friendly, knowledgeable company and our guide Ash was the best! We had a small group of 8 which made climbing through the caves and seeing as much as possible extremely doable and convenient. Ash even took SO many fantastic photos for us. This tour is highly recommended. Don't miss out on this opportunity if you're going to New Zealand!
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How could we forget your beautiful family! Im still jealous you didn't take me with you on your amazing cruise! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this AMAZING review about us. We really appreciate it :-) Take care and safe travels.
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mixiego
6 contributions
Jan 2020
Exceptional morning with Ash being guided into the caves on this family's working sheep farm. This is a very well thought out tour with all equipment you might need supplied - you could show up with flip-flops and a bathing suit and they would take care of you. Ash has a wonderful, friendly and warm disposition; we were impressed by the way that he discretely assessed our ability to be in cold water and mildly uncomfortable before we set foot in the caves. He was funny and supportive and confidently led us through small, dark, damp spaces while we laughed about it. Before seeing the glowworms in all of their glory, he described the beauty of the caves and the life cycle of the insects; the morning whizzed by. He took great photos of us in the caves, including long exposures with the glowworms. This was an intimate and fun experience. Don't hesitate to chose this tour.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience caving with us. We agree, Ash is truly a gem to have on our team at Glowing Adventures! It’s awesome to have his local knowledge of the Waitomo area and of course the dad jokes! We count ourselves lucky for customers like you :-)
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joan
Auckland Central, New Zealand7 contributions
Feb 2020
We went to the tour as two couples and the experience far exceeded our expectation! We had the chance to trek through the river and the cave as well as seeing the glowworms and limestone formation. The guide was very informative and friendly and he took amazing pictures of us during different moments of the tour and it can be downloaded for free the next day. We are very grateful to have chosen this tour and we would recommend anyone (with access to a car) not to miss joining this tour in Waitomo.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review. It is great to have small groups, especially private tours as we can adjust each tour to suit the group. Our guides are great at working with the groups to challenge those who are wanting it and helping others that need it. We are super glad you had a great time and enjoyed our backyard.
Written 24 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kiwitripper64
Auckland Central, New Zealand756 contributions
Jun 2020
Fantastic mix of walking, wading, scrambling squeezing and relaxing. The tour takes about 3 hours. It was a little cold and wet when we arrived, but the tour have warm changing rooms and provide everything except a change of undies. They do know what they are talking about and the socks, polyprop thermal longjohns, top, fleece layer then jacket kept us warm. The gumboots keep out most of the water and have amazing grip on the limestone.
The walk down to the river is interesting. There is no indication of holes in the ground, just a typical New Zealand field with sheep and trees. Next minute and you are at the small river with high canyon walls and you get an idea about the topography and learn a little of the geology and botany.
And then you enter the cave system. What a treat. There are big caves, small caves, dark cave and glow worm caves. Being in a small group, there was no rush and we got to squeeze through a few small gaps to become "real spelunkers". Nothing too difficult, but lots of fun getting dirty..
And there are glowworms. You get right up to them and can see the little worms and dangly insect traps, and you get to sit in a large cave with them and lights outs and just chill.
everything comes to an end, and we finished up at the office where they have hot showers (remember the change of undies) and a hot drink.
This is not a trip with wide footpaths and floodlights. It is a bit wet and a bit dirty and a lot of fun
The walk down to the river is interesting. There is no indication of holes in the ground, just a typical New Zealand field with sheep and trees. Next minute and you are at the small river with high canyon walls and you get an idea about the topography and learn a little of the geology and botany.
And then you enter the cave system. What a treat. There are big caves, small caves, dark cave and glow worm caves. Being in a small group, there was no rush and we got to squeeze through a few small gaps to become "real spelunkers". Nothing too difficult, but lots of fun getting dirty..
And there are glowworms. You get right up to them and can see the little worms and dangly insect traps, and you get to sit in a large cave with them and lights outs and just chill.
everything comes to an end, and we finished up at the office where they have hot showers (remember the change of undies) and a hot drink.
This is not a trip with wide footpaths and floodlights. It is a bit wet and a bit dirty and a lot of fun
Written 29 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. It’s great for customers to have so many choices when visiting Waitomo. There’s something to suit everyone! We work hard to keep our glow worm cave tours as close to nature as possible and to give our guests just the right amount of adventure :)
Written 31 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JAK1227
Los Angeles, CA35 contributions
Feb 2020
We were interested in this small group (non-boat) trip and it was worth every penny and the 2.5 hour drive from Auckland. The caves were awesome and the guide super fun and patient. If you are interested in adventure and don't mind getting a little wet and/or dirty (although they give you everything you need so nothing of yours gets dirty), then this is the trip for you!! I highly recommend.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Jak! We LOVE taking small group tours through our private glow worm caves. It helps us to get to know our visitors from around the world. Some have gone on to become great friends with us here at Glowing Adventures :-)
Written 2 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve63SA5014
Greater Adelaide, Australia109 contributions
Quite simply an outstanding activity. A must do of the highest level. The caves contained so many wonderful features and the challenge of the activity made me feel like a child again, experiencing the wonder of nature. From the fabulous greeting provided by Sarah to the informative and humorous guiding of Heath the whole experience was one of the best I’ve been fortunate to have in my travels.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write this AMAZING review Steven :-) We are glad you enjoyed coming to hang out with us in our backyard in Waitomo. Take care and safe travels around New Zealand
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cage89
Walton, KY242 contributions
Dec 2019
Wow, made the right decision. Easy to find, though off the beaten path. A much more intimate experience is what we were after, and what was delivered. My wife and I did it New Years Eve; I had to promise her she could dress up in some fancier clothes later that night, though the digs were pretty trendy, lol!!! Ash was a fantastic guide, and made gettning your boots filled with cold water, and contorting through challenging spaces entertaining! He took some amazing pictures at the end, and we will treasure this life experience. Couldn't imagine a better way of doing this adventure. I honestly was a little worried about whether Cathy would find this as fascinating and worthwhile as I sensed it would be, and we were totally 2 thumnbs up. Our friends think we are outside with the stars glowing in the heavens; fun to set them straight.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paint your palette blue and grey ..... *playing imaginary guitar*
Thanks for taking the time to write this AMAZING review :-) We are glad you enjoyed coming to hang out with us in our backyard in Waitomo. Take care and safe travels around New Zealand
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catherine S
Christchurch, New Zealand20 contributions
Nov 2020
What an experience. So natural, no electricity or paths, just head lights and squeezing thru small spaces. Beautifully guided by Ash, who was extremely knowledgeable. Loved the small group (4 in our group). Excellent prep, with clothing, lights, helmets and safety briefing given. Just can't recommend further, just do it and have fun.
Written 4 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that you enjoyed our off the beaten track experience. Sometimes it’s great to get away from the crowds and really explore a place. Thank you for taking the time to review us!
Written 31 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hyacie
Singapore, Singapore50 contributions
Feb 2020
If you're looking for a proper adventure, please book this tour. It will not disappoint. My 66 year old mom was able to do this caving adventure, and emerged victorious and exhilarated, and I have to agree with her, that this glow worms caving adventure was the highlight of our 2.5wk road trip around the North and South islands. Our host - Michelle, was kind enough to switch our tour dates to another day, as we could not make it on the original day we booked. And Heath - our guide for the day, was so calm, collected and so very kind. The caves are impressive and Heath explains in detail how they formed, and leads you through the cavern, through the stream, between rocks that are a tight squeeze, and up close and personal - inches away from the amazing glowworms, always keeping his composure and ready with answers to all and any questions.
Special shout out to Heath for retrieving my husband's wedding ring that I dropped between the slats on the deck at the reception. I will always be grateful to you and Michelle for your patience and for providing us with memories (and pictures), that will last us a lifetime. Thank you.
Special shout out to Heath for retrieving my husband's wedding ring that I dropped between the slats on the deck at the reception. I will always be grateful to you and Michelle for your patience and for providing us with memories (and pictures), that will last us a lifetime. Thank you.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You are most welcome Hyacie, we really enjoyed meeting you all. So glad we could rescue your ring, that would have been a bad ending to your North Island visit! We hope you enjoyed the rest of your New Zealand travels. Take care.
Written 24 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sralistaeyes
Brooklyn, NY10 contributions
Dec 2022
This is such a cool small group tour that takes you through a cave on the family's land. We had a really fun time with our guide and group. One thing I appreciated was the way our guide paused and slowed down at the right moments for everyone to soak in the surroundings. Nothing was rushed. Plus, he took pictures to capture the day for us. You'll do some real scrambling in the cave -- and be prepared to get wet! But so worth it for the incredible sight of glow worms looking like a starry night sky.
Written 22 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, as a small family business we really appreciate your time.
Written 13 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I woud think an 11 year old would completly love it !! Its not really dangerous and the guide is with you/ help you etc. It would probably be easier for a small young child then a large adult.
Written 20 February 2024
Is this tour available all year long or is it just seasonal? I am planning to go in May.
Written 12 January 2023
Would this tour be suitable for a pregnant women, between 4 and 5 months? Fitness and mobility is very good but wanted to know if this would be safe? We are very keen to participate if possible! Thank you.
Written 27 June 2022
How cold is the water? I see you provide layers but I don't tolerate the cold (Raynaud's). Sounds wonderful otherwise! Thanks-
Written 31 May 2019
I thought the water was about room temperature. I didn’t find it cold and I’m fairly sensitive to cold.
Written 28 September 2019
Is there any cave transportation partners that do transport to and from the location from different cities? We are booked on Stray, but they only offer the 45 minute tour?
Written 24 January 2019
Hi there, this is not the main tourist attraction. It is off the beaten track 20 minutes South of Waitomo Village or 15 minutes NW of Te Kuiti. It is away from the crowds on a quiet family farm. You will need your own transport or contact the Waitomo Information Centre for other travel options. Thanks
Written 25 January 2019
luis fabián delia
General Las Heras, Argentina
Estimados vamos a parar en Oakland y quisiera saber cómo ir hasta las cuevas dado que dice que no hay transporte público les agradezco su respuesta
Written 5 January 2019
Hi there, it would be best to contact the Waitomo Information Centre. They will be able to help you will travel options. Thanks
Written 25 January 2019
Is it spacious or is it best avoided for someone who has a fear of small spaces?
Written 28 December 2018
What everyone has said is correct :-) We have smaller spaces but they quickly open into larger caverns. The guides custom every tour to suit each group for an individualised experience. The guides are very experienced in dealing with nervous visitors, it is important to mark claustrophobia on the form when you arrive so the guide is aware and will keep an extra eye on you :-)
Written 25 January 2019
We are a family of 4 with 2 kids aged 6 and 9 . How do we plan as kids are not allowed
Written 16 December 2018
Hi there, sorry for health and safety reasons we only take children aged 12+ on our tours.
Written 25 January 2019
Isnt there any chance to book this adventure when you are traveling alone ? It tells me it needs to be booked for 2-8 Persons min. Isnt there any open groups I could join ?? Asking for end of january next year. Greetings, Nicole
Written 24 September 2018
Hi there, yes we booked mixed groups and your are welcome to join one of those :-)
Written 9 November 2018
What is the last time of the day when we can start this tour?
Written 27 June 2018
It depends what time of the year. 1pm in the winter months and 6.30pm in the peak summer month. 2.30pm the rest of summer.
Written 9 November 2018
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