Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
5.0/5
(53)
Michelle
Raphael
Gary
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Enjoy an exclusive small-group Waitomo cave adventure with private access, away from the crowds, led by an expert local guide.
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Gear up with helmet, headlamp, boots, and warm clothing before venturing underground to explore hidden limestone passages and glowworm-lit chambers.
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Trek through underground streams, climb over boulders, and see stalactites and stalagmites while hearing captivating Māori legends and geological insights.
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End your journey with hot drinks, cookies, and a chance to relax after your adventure, with free photos to remember the day.
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3.5-hour guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave
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Exclusive access to a private cave system on a family farm
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Expert local guide
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Small group of up to 8 people
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Safety equipment & warm clothing
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Snack & hot drinks
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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, United Kingdom and over 15 countries have loved this experience
Michelle
Jun, 2025Verified booking
This was a great start to my vacation! Having to change my clothes to participate was a bit of a surprise but I'm so happy I did! Ash, the tour guude, was so funny and his cousin Michelle were so friendly and welcoming. It was definitely a trek through rocks nd water that came up to my thighs, which I didn't expect, but it was well worth it to see the glow worms up close. Ash took some fantastic photos and I was shocked that I got access to them in just a few days. I HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyone who is up for an adventure. Also, having them provide tea and cookies (biscuits as the New Zealanders say) afterwards was a great finish to the tour!
Raphael
Jul, 2025Verified booking
Exorbitant tour! The guide was awesome and showed my friend and me everything (he was also patient, because he had no problem to delay the tour, until our flat tire was repaired. The tour itself was magnificent: The river, the climbing-passages, the narrow passages, eternal darkness, the glowworms (pictures permitted!) ... just wow! You also got clothing for the tour and tea, cookies and the chance for a hot shower after you're back. I can only recommend this tour!Thomas
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Amazing aventure, Amazing guide, Ash, with a little group
Kim
May, 2025Verified booking
Gary
Mar, 2025Verified booking
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.
Skip the crowds and venture into a hidden cave system with an expert guide. This exclusive adventure offers private access, hands-on exploration, and the chance to see glowworms in their most natural setting.
Getting started
Your tour begins with a meet-up in Waitomo, where you’ll be greeted by your guide. After a short safety briefing, gear up with all provided equipment, including helmet, headlamp, boots, and warm clothing.
What to expect
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Private cave entry: Begin your adventure with exclusive access to a hidden cave system on a family-owned farm, far from the crowded tourist routes.
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Underground trek: Spend around 2.5 hours exploring twisting limestone passages, underground streams, and chambers lit by thousands of glowworms in their natural habitat.
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Hands-on exploration: Wade through cool waters, climb over boulders, and discover intricate stalactites and stalagmites up close.
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Stories & science: Hear fascinating Māori legends tied to the caves and learn about the geology that shaped these formations over millions of years.
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Post-adventure treat: Return to the surface for hot drinks, cookies, and showers, plus free tour photos to take your glowworm memories home.
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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
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Large cameras and tripods are not allowed on this experience.
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This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 12 years and over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb).
Accessibility
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Elderly guests or those with mobility issues are restricted from participating in this experience.
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This experience requires a reasonable level of fitness as it involves 2 hours of hiking to get to Waitomo Glowworm Cave, including climbing over boulders, walking up hills, and wading through streams with rocks underfoot.
Additional information
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Facilities: Shower.
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Caving equipment includes thermals, fleece jumper, shorts, gumboots, socks, helmet & headlamp.
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Guests under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Note : This experience involves 2 hours of hiking to get to Waitomo Caves. This involves climbing over boulders, walking up hills, and wading through streams with rocks underfoot, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Meeting point
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Meet your guide at Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Tours.
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Address: 1199 Oparure Road, Waitomo 3985, New Zealand.
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Landmark: Drive directly to the farmhouse and it is sign posted along the way.
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