Adventure Tours
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$179
per adult
Down to Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
Down to Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
Down to Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Previous know as "Glowing Adventures" Our awesome Waitomo adventure is tucked away “off the beaten track” on our family farm and we LOVE it that way and so do our guests. Away from the tourist crowds - You can explore magical glow worm displays in their purest form and at your own pace on our 3-hour guided tours of small groups. With no foot paths or any lighting, this is a genuine natural eco experience. Private Tour - Just like standard eco-tour, but for your private group - just you, your friends, and your guide. Photography Tour - Private photography tours for 2-4 people. Take your time and photograph some of New Zealand's finest scenery. Photography equipment welcome. NOTE: All tours not suitable for anyone with mobility issues as the tour involves walking through streams and over rocks. A reasonable level of fitness is required
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Down to Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
Eco Tours
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$899
per group
Eco Tours
3 hours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$899
per group
Travellers talk about
(114 reviews)
(76 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,316 reviews
Excellent
1,276
Very good
38
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
BackPacker700722
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We loved this Glowworm Caving adventure! We had already done the boat tour in Te Anau so we wanted something a little more adventurous and this was perfect! We had a great time exploring the cave with Ash and wading around in knee-deep water. There were eels in the water that we got to see and get close to. The tour itself is nowhere near as crowded as the boat tour since there were only 4 of us and the guide (Ash). He was very knowledgeable and friendly. The company is a family-owned company and they provided us with all the necessary equipment so we did not have to worry about getting wet. This was a great way to end out trip to NZ.
Written 28 November 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.
nicguay
1 contribution
Nov 2023
Going down in the caves is beautifull! Aah is an excellent guide. We had grest informations and he is very attentive to help walking in the caves. I stronglly recommence!
Written 26 November 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.
Wow thanks Nic! We're thrilled to hear that you found the experience of exploring the caves to be nothing short of wonderful!
Your strong recommendation means the world to us! We're over the moon that you had such a fantastic time finding stars down in the Earth with us. If there's ever another underground adventure calling your name, we'll be here ready to make it just as magical.
Thanks a million for choosing us.
Safe travels
The Down to Earth Team 🌠
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jamieclower
Silverado, CA38 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I can't say enough good things about this experience, an absolute highlight of our NZ trip. THIS IS THE COMPANY TO BOOK WITH - please research competitors and realize that Down to Earth is a very small, family run business that operates tours in an intimate way. Others offer a simple walk on a paved path or a boat ride through a single cave - this is not that!! We spent time walking through rivers, exploring cave systems and learning about the history of the land, all before getting to the worms.
Our group of only 6 was led by Ash - a legendary guide who was passionate about the environment, focused on safety, a great photographer and above all, treated us as if he was giving a personal tour to family. We loved our time spent with him, and because of the atmosphere he created, even made friends with our fellow cavers!
We felt so taken care of, even at times where the caving got a little intense for some of us with mild claustrophobia (hi). The grand reveal of the glow worms felt like a hard won triumph, a real moment of serenity to sit in the darkness with these lovely creatures.
Don't stress about what to wear or what to bring; they provide a full outfit for you including boots (which WILL fill with water no matter how hard you try to avoid it), leggings & fleece jackets, and you can't bring anything but maybe your cell phone (at your own risk).
Thank you as well to Michelle who was a lovely and gracious host upon arrival and return.
Our group of only 6 was led by Ash - a legendary guide who was passionate about the environment, focused on safety, a great photographer and above all, treated us as if he was giving a personal tour to family. We loved our time spent with him, and because of the atmosphere he created, even made friends with our fellow cavers!
We felt so taken care of, even at times where the caving got a little intense for some of us with mild claustrophobia (hi). The grand reveal of the glow worms felt like a hard won triumph, a real moment of serenity to sit in the darkness with these lovely creatures.
Don't stress about what to wear or what to bring; they provide a full outfit for you including boots (which WILL fill with water no matter how hard you try to avoid it), leggings & fleece jackets, and you can't bring anything but maybe your cell phone (at your own risk).
Thank you as well to Michelle who was a lovely and gracious host upon arrival and return.
Written 25 November 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.
Hey Jamie,
WOW! Your review just lit up our day like a glow worm constellation! 🌟 We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you had a blast with us on your NZ adventure. We can't thank you enough for choosing to glow worm with the Down to Earth crew!
Ash is blushing from ear to ear after reading your kind words. Legendary guide? Check. Passionate about the environment? Double-check. Great photographer? You betcha!
Thanks a million for highlighting our intimate, family-run vibe. We don't just do walks on paved paths; we're all about walking through the rivers, exploring caves, and soaking in the history of the land. We're not your average glow worm experience, and we're so glad you noticed!
Remember, you're now an honorary part of the Down to Earth family, and we can't wait for the next time you decide to adventure with us. Until then, keep on glowing!
Cheers,
The Down to Earth Team 🌌
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dieseldog10
Bromsgrove, UK9 contributions
Nov 2023
We chose this company for the small group size and more personal experience with a bit of adventure thrown in. We were not disappointed as it turned out to be a fantastic afternoon. Very relaxed welcoming atmosphere. Only 6 in our group. Felt very safe throughout, but needed a mild degree of agility for some sections of the caves. Will be recommending to friends.
Written 23 November 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.
Thanks a million for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're over the moon to hear that you had a fantastic afternoon exploring the caves with us.
We're thrilled the small group size and personal touch hit the sweet spot for you. A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is what we aim for, and it's fantastic to know we hit the mark. Safety is our top priority, and we're delighted you felt secure while still enjoying a bit of adventure. Agility adds that extra spice to the caving experience!
Thanks a bunch for recommending us to your friends. Word of mouth is the best kind of compliment, and we can't wait to welcome them for their own glowing adventure.
Here's to more underground fun and glowworm magic!
Warm regards,
The Down to Earth Team
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KyBRX
Dallas, TX1 contribution
Nov 2023
Ash was our funny and knowledgeable guide through this family owned underground experience. Start to finish, very entertaining! We would definitely do it again!
Written 22 November 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.
Woo-hoo! Thanks a ton for making us the highlight of your trip!
Ash is over the moon (or should we say underground?) to hear he added some laughs and knowledge to your adventure.
The fact that you found it so entertaining from start to finish just made our day. We can't wait to have you back for round two of underground fun. The caves will be waiting, and Ash has a few more jokes up his sleeve.
Rock on (pun intended!)
The Down to Earth Team
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rebeccasmith2023
1 contribution
Nov 2023
Thank you Ash for an incredible experience. This was unlike anything we’d done and an absolute highlight of our visit.
Written 16 November 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.
Hey there Rebecca!
A massive THANK YOU for the glowing review! 🌟 We're thrilled to be the highlight of your trip!
Ash is grinning from ear to ear knowing he could make your experience unforgettable. We love being the "unlike anything we've done" part of your adventure—it's what we aim for!
Cheers,
The Down to Earth Team
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg
Brisbane, Australia3 contributions
Oct 2023
We booked the Down to Earth Cave Tour as it was a family business and looked interesting. Ash greeted us the moment we arrived and immediately treated us like old friends coming to visit rather than a "business." All the gear was supplied, including gumboots, hard hat with lamp, warm pullover, shorts and some very alluring striped thermal under gear. The cave is a short walk from the house on privately owned land. There are wooden steps down to the cave and a small river runs through it. Some sections were a bit tight, so if you have mobility problems, this might not be the tour for you. Ash was very informative with his entertaining narrative and led us through the cave, sometimes walking in the little creek and eventually into the large cave where there were hundreds (thousands??) of glow worms. Ash was also able to take photos of us in the dark with the Glow worms in the background. After we emerged from undergound (along a gently sloping timber walkway) we went back to the house for afternoon tea and biscuits. There was also an opportunity to take a hot shower if we wished. (It wasn't that cold!!) Ash also followed up by sending us many photos he had taken along the way to download. All up it was a very interesting and friendly adventure.
Written 16 November 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.
Hey there!
WOW, thanks a million for the 5 star review! 🌟 We're thrilled to hear that our cave tour became a memorable family adventure for you.
Ash is beaming with joy knowing he made you feel like old friends rather than just guests. That is the ultimate compliment!
Afternoon tea and biscuits back at the house—because every great underground exploration deserves a sweet ending.
Cheers,
The Down to Earth Team
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
doubleabro
1 contribution
Nov 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Down to Earth and would book it all over again! We are glad we went with this smaller tour company instead of going to the larger companies around the area. We loved the experience and knowledge our tour guide, Ash, shared with us. It was one of the best tours we did during our time in New Zealand. Don't hesitate to book this incredible experience!
Written 15 November 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 a bunch for the fantastic review! 🌟 We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your tour with Down to Earth.
Choosing the smaller tour vibe is like finding a hidden gem, right? We're over the moon that you appreciated the experience and knowledge that our guide, Ash, shared. Making it one of the best tours during your time in New Zealand? That's music to our ears!
Your recommendation means the world to us. Here's to more adventures and memorable moments!
Cheers,
The Down to Earth Team
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LouiseLomax
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Fantastic experience! Seeing the caves so up close and in such a natural environment was amazing. Highly recommend this trip..will be back with the rest of the family!!
Written 15 November 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.
Hey Louise!
Thanks a million for the awesome shoutout! 🌟 We're thrilled that you had a fantastic experience exploring the caves up close in that natural wonderland.
Your recommendation means the world to us! Can't wait to welcome you back, along with the rest of the family, for more underground adventures. The caves will be ready and waiting for round two!
The Down to Earth Team
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Taylor Rogers
San Antonio, TX4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This experience far exceeded our expectations for a glow worm cave tour. Our tour guide was patient, knowledgeable, and always kept safety first. He allowed plenty of time to admire the scenery while sharing information about the history of this family farm and recalling his childhood memories of playing in the caves. He even captured photos throughout the tour, including fantastic long-exposure shots with the glow worms, which were emailed to us later that day at no additional charge. I highly recommend Down to Earth - Eco Cave Tours for anyone who enjoys a more personal and authentic experience. You won't regret spending the day with them! Important note: This experience is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a relative amount of fitness and agility to traverse over rocks and through tight squeezes in dark places.
Written 14 November 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.
Stoked to hear your adventure with us was off the charts! 🌟 Our guide sounds like a legend, right? Those long-exposure glow worm shots are the real deal. Thanks a bunch for the recommendation.
Written 17 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bliss90265
Malibu, CA20 contributions
While I’m fit, my upper body strength has suffered from arthritis in my shoulders. I can lift a mountain bike, but lift myself up some rocks with mostly arm strength? Used to. No more. Will this caving require me to clamber over rocks with mostly arm strength?
Sue H
Murrurundi, Australia2 contributions
Hi, there are no boats and rails with Glowing Adventures! Yes you will be climbing over rocks and squeezing through tight spaces on your back but a fantastic experience. The groups are small, maximim of 6 I think and tour guide will assess your capability and lead through suitable areas - as it is “free” caving as such on private property, there are many different options available to your guide. This was my experience anyway and I couldn’t recommend the experience more highly, loved it.
ALISON L
Greater Manchester, UK1 contribution
Is this tour suitable for 5 nearly 6 year old?
RelishThisJourney
3 contributions
I think the child needs to be at least 11 or 12. I had asked the guide. Definitely not for little kids. It’s dark and slippery and you need a certain amount of strength to get through the areas.
MelsieFM
Portland, OR18 contributions
I'm a heavy set woman that has done 2 cave hikes in the last 10 years elsewhere. I'm up for the challenge. Wondering if the clothes provided will fit a larger sized body and if the tour is accommodating to someone who might go slower?
Down to Earth
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand17 contributions
Hi there, we do have a range of sizes available for most people here at Glowing Adventures and have taken a whole range of sized people on our tour.
They main thing is mind set and strength. So there are a few places you need to be able to pull yourself up rocks and though gaps so the tour is not suitable for anyone that has any kind of mobility issues.
Therefore is not really recommended for anyone over 120kg depending on strength. Its hard to judge peoples abilities but you will know your own capabilities :-) Feel free to give us a call for any further information on 07 8787234.
outofofficebrb
San Rafael, CA24 contributions
On a scale of 1-10, how are the glowworm displays here? Is it more of a caving thing with some glow worms, or is the glow worm display pretty spectacular? Trying to decide between a few different options. Thank you.
Down to Earth
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand17 contributions
Hi there, we have 3x glow worm displays here at Glowing Adventures and they are all quite different.
The first is in a large cavern and they are very high up like the night sky.
The second is very up close and personal, you can see the actually insect and even be challenged to find a whole life cycle, adult fly, pupa and worm including their sticky snares they use to trap their prey.
The last display is the most spectacular of the 3 displays with thousands and thousands of worms covering the cave as seen on the photos on our website, we would rate this 10/10.
The feedback we often get from our customers is we came to see the glow worms and we got that and so much more. ☺ It is a very natural, physical, adventurous tour all done at your own pace to take photos and absorb the beautiful unmodified environment.