Winter Special! Get $30 off per person with code WINTER25 | May–Sep 2025 | Excludes private tours
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Trip Advisor5-star reviews on Google
5-star reviews on Trip Advisor
Let our friendly local guides lead you off the beaten track through lush native forest and into untouched glowworm caves. No crowds, no stress — just three hours of real magic at your own pace. We’ll kit you out with everything you need.
Take the adventure up a notch with your very own private tour! It’s everything you love about our Off the Beaten Track experience — the forest, the glowworms, the magic — but just for your group, led by your own personal guide. No strangers, no rush — just exclusive access to nature at its best.
Take your photography to the next level with our private tour made just for your group. It’s everything you love about Off the Beaten Track — the forest, the glowworms, the atmosphere — but with extra time, space, and flexibility to capture it all. No strangers, no pressure — just you, your camera, and nature at its most photogenic.
Our most exclusive experience — a private after-dark adventure completely tailored to your group. As the sun sets and the forest quiets, you’ll head out with your guide to explore when the glowworms shine their brightest. No daylight, no distractions — just a magical, unhurried encounter with nature’s night lights. Bring a camera — you’ll want to capture this.
We’re proud to be TripAdvisor’s top-rated glow worm tour in Waitomo. Visitors from around the world call it the highlight of their New Zealand trip
Ready for an adventure? Choose from our “Off the Beaten Track” tour, Private Tour, or Photography Tour. We’d love to show you around!
Bring your phone or a small camera to capture the magic. On our Photography Tour, tripods and pro gear are welcome too.
No crowds, no buses — just small group tours (max 8 people), plenty of space, and free photos sent after your tour.
Of over 300 caves in Waitomo, ours is one of only two rated “internationally significant.” Come meet some VIP glow worms.
No lights. No handrails. Just wild caves, limestone wonders, and glowworms in their natural habitat — the way it should be.
Fun, safe, and tailored to your group. Our guides adjust the pace and challenge to suit you.
Our family has called this land home for over 100 years. We grew up exploring these caves — now we get to share them with you.
We're dead serious about doing our bit for Mother Nature here at Down to Earth. Check out what we've been up to.
Since 2018, for every awesome customer who's dropped by, we've planted a native tree. Yep, that's right, you're helping us grow an actually real life forest!
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We're stoked to say that we're keeping our carbon footprint on the down-low. We keep tabs on all the CO2 stuff we emit in our day-to-day operations.
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We've put up some fences to protect our precious waterways. Clean water = happy vibes!
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Our trapping program is a hit! The native bush and birdlife are doing their happy dances thanks to us. Talk about making new bird friends!
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If you're passing by with an empty water bottle, stop in and say hi. We've got fresh, filtered tap water to fill 'er up, free of charge.
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Fascinating adventure with a very small group and fabulous guide. And the 10 minute walk to the cave is gorgeous.
Highly recommended.
- K Baun
Ash welcomed us very warmly and was an incredibly funny and knowledgeable guide. We loved the tour. We are grateful for the brilliant time we had!
- M Andres
No reason to look anywhere else.
Ash was entirely accommodating and gave a phenomenal tour!
- B Murray
I can't say enough good things about this experience, an absolute highlight of our NZ trip. THIS IS THE COMPANY TO BOOK WITH!
- J Clower
We chose Down to Earth because they care about environment and their community and are not just after the money. A fantastic team. Highly recommended!!
- S Flory
Practically in their backyard you step down to a wonderful, direct and "no-footpath" experience. Worth every penny and 10/10 would do again :-)
- J Schauza
We had the best afternoon! Would we recommend this tour? YES! Absolutely we would. It's off the beaten track, family run and not commercial at all.
- H Hoff
Upon arrival we were greeted by our extremely friendly guide, as well as a family member of the farm. The trail is stunning, fun and adventurous. Overall a stunning experience, would love to come back.
- L Pierra
It's not just glow worms. Totally loved the hosts Ash and Michelle. Its a little on the pricier side but still definitely worth it!!
They deserve nothing less than a 5 stars!
- Sneba A P
This was a great tour run by a fantastic family owned business. The caves were amaxing and the glow worms were fascinating. I would without a doubt recommend this to anyone!
- M Dallas
