Photographing glowworms isn’t easy. Learn the tips, gear, and techniques photographers use to capture Waitomo’s glow in total darkness.

Picture this… You’re standing in our family’s private cave system, far beneath the rolling green hills of the farm. The air is cool and still — the kind of quiet you only get underground. Above you, the ceiling glows like a star-filled sky, thousands of glowworms shining softly, their light dancing on the damp limestone walls. Down here, it’s just you, the glow, and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to capture a little piece of our Waitomo magic through your lens.

It’s a moment that feels otherworldly and here at Down to Earth Eco Cave Tours in Waitomo, you can experience it for yourself on one of our Glowworm Photography Tours.

If you’re planning to join us for a photography tour you might be in for a surprise, photographing glowworms is not just tricky… it’s really tricky. This isn’t your usual low-light challenge. It’s no-light photography, the only natural light source is the glowworms themselves, with the occasional beam from a headlamp. But don’t worry, that’s where the magic (and the challenge) lies!

While our guides know every twist, turn, and hidden corner of our caves, they’re not professional photographers and won’t be able to assist with your camera settings or gear. What they can do is take you to the very best spots for glowworm photography and help as much as they can along the way.

Over the years, we’ve hosted some incredible photographers who’ve shared their favourite tips for capturing glowworm magic. We’ve gathered their advice into this blog so you can arrive prepared and ready to capture the magic for yourself.  Here’s how to make the most of your Waitomo cave photography adventure.

1. Bring camera gear that can handle the dark

A sturdy tripod and a camera with manual mode are non-negotiable. Automatic settings simply can’t cope with this level of darkness, you’ll need full control over your exposure to get those stars-on-the-ceiling shots.

2. A little light goes a long way

If you happen to be near a cave entrance, a whisper of natural light can help your camera find its bearings, but too much will wash out the glowworms. If you’re deeper inside, a very dim head torch can create some subtle foreground light or even a silhouette for scale. We’ve seen photographers pop a pair of socks over their torch to keep it soft and subtle, simple, but genius.

3. Pack a wide-angle or fast prime lens

A wide-angle lens (14–50mm, f/3.5 or lower) will let in more light and give you those sweeping, dramatic cave shots. If you’ve got a prime lens with a fast aperture, even better. Just don’t swap lenses underground, the cave air is humid, and moisture and cameras don’t mix well.

4. Embrace the high ISO

We know, low ISO means better quality, but in a New Zealand glowworm cave, you’ll often need ISO 1600 or higher to make the magic appear on your screen.

5. Long shutter speeds make a huge difference

Long shutter speeds are your secret weapon here. We’re talking 30 seconds minimum, sometimes even 5 minutes or more. It all depends on your lens, your light, and your creative vision. The bonus? You get time to stand still, breathe, and really take in the glow.

6. Play with Angles and Composition

Glowworms look incredible from so many perspectives. Try shooting from the water for reflections, capturing silhouettes for scale, or changing your position to see how the light shifts. Just mind your footing, caves can have uneven ground and the occasional drip from above.

7. Be patient — It’s worth it

Glowworm photography is part skill, part experiment, and part magic. Some shots will be better than others, and that’s okay. Take your time, enjoy the process, and remember: sometimes the best moments are the ones you don’t rush.

Pro Tip: Those jaw-dropping glowworm shots you see on postcards? Often they’re a clever blend of two images, one capturing the glowworms, the other a person or light source, layered together in editing.

Looking for inspiration?

Check out these gems from past visitors:

• Glowworm photography video by Alex Stead
• How to Photograph Glow Worms by Tom Archer

Ready to try it yourself?