Guided Tours

Off the Beaten Track – Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

5.0/5(83)

Michael F

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Ash was a fantastic guide who gave us so much interesting information about the cave delivered with constant humour. We felt safe the entire time we were in the cave and Ash was constantly monitoring our safety as we traversed the more difficult areas of the cave. The entire experience was so much better than a commercialised venue. There were no gimmicks just real life caving resulting in a spectacular Glowworm display. The facilities at the office were clean and everything we needed was supplied. Thanks Ash for your enthusiasm, entertainment and professionalism. Michael and Dena. Busselton Western Australia.

Carmen G

Group

Verified booking

Aug 2026

The cave tour with Ash was one of the highlights of our vacation. Ash is a great guide who tailors the experience to his group. The cave is breathtaking—it’s great that you can explore it on your own. Highly recommended!!!

Mitchell H

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Where do I begin, what an experience it was to be down there. It's an amazing place! Credit to Ash our tour guide for making this experience so spectacular. Many thanks from Mitch & Jada. 10/10 experience. Definitely give this a go!

Susan B

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

Loved the pristine and tranquil surroundings. Loved the mystery of climbing through caves. Loved the variety oy limestone formations Loved learning about glow worms. Loved the magic of a cave lit up with thousands of glow worms. Ash was an amazing guide!

Small-group adventure with private access to family-owned cave, away from crowds, led by local guide.

Equipped with helmet, headlamp, gumboots, and clothing; explore limestone passages and glowworm chambers.

Walk through shallow streams, climb rocks/boulders, see stalactites/stalagmites and glowworm displays.

Finish with complimentary photos, tea/coffee/biscuits; supports native forest restoration and predator control.

3.5-hour guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Exclusive access to a private cave system on a family farm

Expert local guide

Small group of up to 8 people

Safety equipment & warm clothing

Snack & hot drinks

Complimentary photos

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

83 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Australia, Germany, United States and over 13 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Michael F
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Ash was a fantastic guide who gave us so much interesting information about the cave delivered with constant humour. We felt safe the entire time we were in the cave and Ash was constantly monitoring our safety as we traversed the more difficult areas of the cave. The entire experience was so much better than a commercialised venue. There were no gimmicks just real life caving resulting in a spectacular Glowworm display. The facilities at the office were clean and everything we needed was supplied. Thanks Ash for your enthusiasm, entertainment and professionalism. Michael and Dena. Busselton Western Australia.
Carmen G
Group
Verified booking
Aug 2026
The cave tour with Ash was one of the highlights of our vacation. Ash is a great guide who tailors the experience to his group. The cave is breathtaking—it’s great that you can explore it on your own. Highly recommended!!!
Sigrid G
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Had a great time! Highly recommended!
Mitchell H
Couple
Verified booking
Aug 2026
Where do I begin, what an experience it was to be down there. It's an amazing place! Credit to Ash our tour guide for making this experience so spectacular. Many thanks from Mitch & Jada. 10/10 experience. Definitely give this a go!
Susan B
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
Loved the pristine and tranquil surroundings. Loved the mystery of climbing through caves. Loved the variety oy limestone formations Loved learning about glow worms. Loved the magic of a cave lit up with thousands of glow worms. Ash was an amazing guide!

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

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.

Underground trek: Spend around 2.5 hours exploring twisting limestone passages, underground streams, and chambers lit by thousands of glowworms in their natural habitat.

Hands-on exploration: Wade through cool waters, climb over boulders, and discover intricate stalactites and stalagmites up close.

Post-adventure treat: Return to the surface for hot drinks, cookies, and showers, plus free tour photos to take your glowworm memories home.

What to bring

If you choose to bring your phone on the tour, we recommend using a phone lanyard. Phones that are dropped may not be retrievable. Phone lanyards are also available to purchase onsite.

What's not allowed

Large cameras and tripods are not allowed on this experience.

This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 12 years and over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb).

Accessibility

Elderly guests or those with mobility issues are restricted from participating in this experience.

This experience involves climbing over boulders, walking up hills, and wading through streams with rocks underfoot, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

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.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.