5-Star
Tripadvisor Reviews
5-Star
Google Reviews
- Architecture
- Test
$219 NZD
per person
Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Tour
3.5 Hours
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, giving you time to explore and take in the native species that call this place home. We’ll kit you out with everything you need.
- Architecture
- Test
$1,099 NZD
per group 1–8
Private Glowworm Cave Tour
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
3.5 Hours
Built for photographers, this tour gives you the time and space to experiment with different exposures and capture glowworms in all their glow. You’ll also have the opportunity to photograph unique limestone formations, textures, and native species within a rare karst ecosystem. It’s about more than a shot — it’s about documenting something truly unique.
- Architecture
- Test
$2,499 NZD
per group 1-8
The Ultimate Glowworm Tour
3-5 Hours
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.
Get booked onto this Tour, its FABULOUS!
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
THIS Tour was Absolutely Gorgeous!
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 Schauzu
Absolutely Magical!
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
This is must must do!
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
One special glowworm experience!
A very unique and memorable experience! Our guide was extremely professional and obviously has so much passion introducing this place he grew up in. Photos came out awesome and the experience was educative too. Would definitely recommend!
- Priscilla T
Recommendation with exclamation mark!
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
Skip the Crowds and Go Here!
Fascinating adventure with a very small group and fabulous guide. And the 10 minute walk to the cave is gorgeous.
Highly recommended.
- K Baun
Best glowworm tour you can go on!
No reason to look anywhere else.
Ash was entirely accommodating and gave a phenomenal tour!
- B Murray
THIS is the team to glow worm with!
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
One of the best guided tours I ever had!
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 Fussel
#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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