5-Star
Tripadvisor Reviews
5-Star
Google Reviews
- Architecture
- Test
$219 NZD
per person
Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour
3 to 3.5 Hours
Let our friendly local guides lead you off the beaten track through lush native forest and into untouched glowworm caves. With no crowds and no rush, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace and discover the native plants and wildlife that call this special place home. We’ll kit you out with everything you need.
- Architecture
- Test
$1,099 NZD
per group 1–8
Private Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour
3 to 3.5 Hours
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 dedicated guide. No strangers, no rush — just exclusive access to nature at its best. A more personal way to experience both the caves and the land we’re working to protect.
- Architecture
- Test
$1,099 NZD
per group 1-4
Glowworm Cave Photography Tour
3 to 3.5 Hours
Created for photographers, this private tour gives your group the time, space, and flexibility to capture Waitomo’s glowworms, native forest, and cave atmosphere at your own pace. Your guide will adapt the experience around your photography, allowing more time to compose shots, experiment with settings, and make the most of each location.
- Architecture
- Test
$2,499 NZD
per group 1-8
The Ultimate After-Dark Glowworm Cave Tour
3 to 5 Hours
Experience the caves after dark, when the forest falls quiet and the glowworms take centre stage. This private evening adventure reveals a completely different side of Waitomo, with deeper darkness, a more dramatic glow, and time to soak up the atmosphere as night settles around you. Led by your own guide, the experience can be shaped around your group, with opportunities to pause, explore, and capture the caves at their most striking. Bring a camera — you’ll want to capture this.
What a fun adventure!
This was amazing! It was a bit more intense than I realized- crossing an underground steam, scrambling over rocks, climbing through a few tight spaces- my 13 year old son and I both LOVED it! The scenery on the way to and from the caves was also incredible.
- EChosa
Such a fun experience in a beautiful place!
The hike down to the caves was beautiful, and Ash, our guide, was very informative about the land, area and history. The caves were fun to weave through and the Glowworms were fascinating. I highly recommend this experience.
- Candice d
A must-experience!
Fantastic tour. Everything was thought of. Great, likeable people. Absolutely breathtaking experience!
- Adriano C
Amazing Experience!
The experience was amazing. With Ash being a great leader, the small group of only six people and also the spotless facility where Michelle served us coffee and tea after the tour!
- C N
Great tour led by great people
Overall, this experience was incredible - from a warm welcome in the beginning, to the guide being an absolute riot, even though we had a small group, the attention to each person in the group was fantastic, and the value for the money was perfect. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to experience the glowworms up close and personal!
- Josh
So glad I chose this over other tours!
I absolutely loved climbing through the caves and having more of an adventurous experience. Ash was my guide and he was so personable and knowledgeable! The view of the glowworms and caves were breathtaking,
- Sam Hageman
Amazing Caving Experience
I would definitely recommend anyone in the world to try this amazing adventure! One of my happiest moment in my life to explore the cave with rocks and flowing river by myself. And the glowworms were magical✨
- Zhavira D
No crowds - just lots of glowworms!
This is a unique guided tour for those who prefer small groups and who enjoy nature. No crowds - just lots of glowworms! The path to the cave was beautiful. It was an exceptional experience!
- Camille King
Absolutely Fantastic Tour!
I feel so lucky that I got to experience this tour! Ash was super friendly from the beginning and lead a fantastic tour. I will always keep the memory of seeing the glowworms for the first time, and I cannot recommend Ash and this tour enough!
- Sabrina G
Lots of glow worms
This tour was such a fun and delightful experience. Ash was wonderful, full of fascinating facts about everything one might want to know about the glow worms and caves. Definitely the highlight of our New Zealand visit!
- Elise B
#1 Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour
We’re proud to be Tripadvisor’s top-rated glowworm tour in Waitomo. Visitors from around the world call it the highlight of their New Zealand trip
Off The Beaten Track
No crowds, no buses — just small group tours (max 8 people), plenty of space, and free photos sent after your tour.
Authentic Eco Adventure
No lights. No handrails. Just wild caves, limestone wonders, and glowworms in their natural habitat — the way nature intended.
Proudly Kiwi & Family Run
Our family has called this land home for over 100 years. We grew up exploring the forest and caves — now we’re proud to share this special place with you.
Your Visit Helps Restore This Land
Every tour helps support our Pākehō Restoration Project — restoring native forest, protecting waterways, and caring for this rare karst landscape that many native species call home.
Cameras Welcome
Bring your phone or a small camera to capture the magic. On our Photography Tour, tripods and pro gear are welcome too.
World-Famous Caves
Of over 300 caves in Waitomo, ours is one of only two rated “internationally significant.” Come meet some VIP glowworms!
Adventure, Your Way
Fun, safe, and tailored to your group. Our guides adjust the pace and challenge to suit you.
Forest Restoration
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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Carbon Footprint
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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River Guardians
We've put up some fences to protect our precious waterways. Clean water = happy vibes!
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Pest Control
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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No to Single-Use Plastic
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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