---
title: About Our Family-Run Waitomo Glowworm Tours | Down to Earth
description: Four generations exploring and caring for our private Waitomo cave system. Learn the story behind our family-run glowworm tours and the land we call home.
---
**Small groups mean limited space**
Book early for **November–April**
Popular dates sell out months in advance
[](https://www.glowing.co.nz/?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Tours](https://www.glowing.co.nz?hsLang=en-nz#tours)
- [Off the Beaten Track Tour](https://www.glowing.co.nz/eco-glowworm-cave-tours?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Private Waitomo Tour](https://www.glowing.co.nz/private-tours?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Photography Tour](https://www.glowing.co.nz/photography-tours?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Ultimate After-Dark Tour](https://www.glowing.co.nz/ultimate-glowworm-tour/?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Shop](https://shop.glowing.co.nz/)
- Conservation
- [Pākehō Restoration Project](https://www.glowing.co.nz/pakeho-restoration-project?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Help Fund Trees & Traps](https://www.glowing.co.nz/help-fund-traps-and-trees?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Our Environmental Commitment](https://www.glowing.co.nz/environmental-commitment?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Supporting Our Community](https://www.glowing.co.nz/community?hsLang=en-nz)
- [About](https://www.glowing.co.nz/about-us)
- [Our Story](https://www.glowing.co.nz/about-us)
- [Our People](https://www.glowing.co.nz/our-people/?hsLang=en-nz)
- [FAQ](https://www.glowing.co.nz/faq/?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Cancellation Policy](https://www.glowing.co.nz/cancellation-policy/?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Partner With Us](https://www.glowing.co.nz/partner-registration?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Our Favourite Places](https://www.glowing.co.nz/favourite-places/?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Safety](https://www.glowing.co.nz/safety-policy/?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Blog](https://www.glowing.co.nz/blog?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Contact](https://www.glowing.co.nz/find-us?hsLang=en-nz)
[Book Now](https://www.glowing.co.nz?hsLang=en-nz#tours)
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# Our Story
## About Down to Earth Waitomo
We’re the Boddie family, and by some twist of fate, we’ve discovered a truly rare ecosystem across our family farm — where native forest, waterways, and glowworm-lit caves are all part of one connected landscape.
We’re the fourth generation to call this special place home, and for us, it’s not just somewhere we work — it’s something we’re responsible for.
Every tour we run helps fund the ongoing restoration of our land through the [Pākehō Restoration Project](https://www.glowing.co.nz/pakeho-restoration-project?hsLang=en-nz). From native planting and pest control to protecting waterways and unique cave systems, this work is part of everything we do.
It’s how we ensure this landscape not only remains untouched — but continues to thrive, so it can be shared for generations to come.
## Down to Earth Facts
8000+
native trees planted
.png)
3000
5-star reviews
22000+
visitors welcomed
10+
years of operation
## Our Family Tree
### Great Great Grandad James
Back in the late 1800s, our Great Great Grandfather James Boddie made the incredible journey from Scotland to New Zealand with his wife Isabella and their ten kids.
Picture this – no internet, no in-flight entertainment, and certainly no flights! It must’ve been quite the adventure. James started out as a farmer, then ventured into business, and even tried his hand at politics, becoming Te Kuiti's first-ever mayor in 1910.
### Great Grandad Henry
James' third son, Henry (or Harry), was one of the early pioneers who settled in the Waitomo District in 1912. Together with his family, Harry faced the huge task of clearing land for farming, all without the modern machinery we have today. It’s incredible to think about the hard work they put in.
### Grandad Gordon
Harry’s eldest son, our Grandfather Gordon Boddie, grew up right here on the farm. Gordon went to the local school and was a part of the vibrant Pākeho community. He passed away in 1991, passing the land on to his two sons.
### Our Dad Bevian
Gordon’s youngest son, Bevian, has some of the best stories from his childhood adventures exploring the caves – with candles and some very "creative" equipment!
While we’ve swapped those tools for safer options these days, we still love hearing his stories. Though Bevian’s retired now, he’s never too far away. If something needs fixing, he’s the first one to jump in. This land is in his blood.
## Down to Earth Waitomo Today
Today, the farm is in the hands of Bevian’s son, Stefan, and his wife, Michelle — the fourth generation of the Boddie family to care for this land in Pākehō.
In 2015, we decided to share our little slice of paradise with visitors from around the world. It’s been incredible to see how much people connect with this place — and how much they value experiencing it in its natural state.
We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by this landscape every day, and even more so to be able to share it — while continuing the work to [protect and restore](https://www.glowing.co.nz/pakeho-restoration-project?hsLang=en-nz) it long into the future.
[](https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g616349-d8862803-Reviews-Down_To_Earth_Eco_Cave_Tours_In_Waitomo-Waitomo_Caves_Waitomo_District_Waikato_Re.html)
[](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=e24e8362541e5270&rlz=1C5CHFA_enNZ782NZ782&si=AMgyJEtREmoPL4P1I5IDCfuA8gybfVI2d5Uj7QMwYCZHKDZ-Eylgj_UF7DmFmv9cn-5f6XtDUAkJ1oyBHRSUrjhceT8WYIxzXEnD1Ni0HziGAYUbJfQX58CzvUo7DuyJJNcuvJ5Ic109jSUApdBMJqIMug7-PREdxhaj0z3GsVDq4YvIyQrVIKU%3D&q=Down+to+Earth+-+Waitomo+Eco+Tours+Reviews&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwigrOuLy-CNAxV51zgGHYZ5Lr0Q0bkNegQIMxAE&biw=1309&bih=707&dpr=2.2)
[](https://www.tiakinewzealand.com/en_NZ/)
[](https://qualworx.nz/)
[](https://www.glowing.co.nz/environmental-commitment?hsLang=en-nz)
[](https://www.glowing.co.nz/environmental-commitment?hsLang=en-nz)
[](https://sustainabletourism.nz/)
[](https://www.glowing.co.nz/?hsLang=en-nz)
#### Quick Links
- [Find Us](https://www.glowing.co.nz/find-us?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Safety Policy](https://www.glowing.co.nz/safety-policy?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Cancellation Policy](https://www.glowing.co.nz/cancellation-policy?hsLang=en-nz)
- [FAQ](https://www.glowing.co.nz/faq?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.glowing.co.nz/privacy-policy?hsLang=en-nz)
- [Partner With Us](https://www.glowing.co.nz/partner-registration?hsLang=en-nz)
#### Follow Us
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[Book Now](https://cta-ap1.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIBWXKLmwrX41oWDK2lZpnFicnpGZR3IHQV14SiLbCt9TmfhTiR9Rcdlh0jukcdcoNhaoTTK6cGw5XRSRIDhnVdB0L7clDR%2FT1KeNBW1cjavj6auVduqzZvdNSXW7Y5aHnSnjBQRd5RtZdz3aKpR3MbhFptRfvjWwvu47FRb40d3hn8&portalId=442216394)
#### Contact Us
- [contact@glowing.co.nz](mailto:contact@glowing.co.nz)
- [+64 7 878 7234](tel:+6478787234)
- [1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti, Waitomo](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eBPG1z495JQpxt9TA)
© 2026 Down To Earth. All Rights Reserved.
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