How a hidden climbing crag on our Waitomo farm turned into a small but mighty conservation effort — thanks to the support of local climbers.
If you’ve ever been on one of our glowworm cave tours, you’ve probably heard us talk (a
lot!) about the land we’re lucky enough to call home. But what you might not know is
that tucked away in a quiet corner of our farm is a lovely little climbing crag — a real
hidden gem.
With the help of the awesome team at the Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust, we decided
to open up the crag to the public, free of charge. It’s a place where climbers can connect
with the rock, the forest, and the glow of nature all around, on the condition that they
treat it with the same care and respect we do.
This year, a few kind-hearted climbers who’ve visited left donations as a way of saying
thanks. We were genuinely touched. So we’ve made a promise: every single cent of that
support goes right back into protecting this land we share.
We’ve always done a bit of pest control around here, but thanks to these donations,
we’re now stepping it up. This past weekend, we installed our very first Auto Trap AT220,
a clever, low-maintenance, humane trap that helps remove introduced predators like
possums and rats. It’s toxin-free, waste-free, and it’s exactly the kind of eco-friendly
solution that fits with our kaupapa.
The folks at NZ Auto Traps have a simple but powerful goal:
"Make Predator Free 2050 a reality — because protecting our
native bush and birds is worth it.”
These traps will give our tūī, pīwakawaka, and other native wildlife a better chance to thrive in the bush around our cave system. We started by trialling one, and its been working a treat! We’re planning to roll out several more around the crag and surrounding forest.
So if you're here for one of our Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours, or just passing through with your climbing gear, know that you’re stepping onto land that’s loved, protected, and shared with care.
Huge thanks again to the Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust, and to everyone who’s supported our little conservation journey so far. We feel incredibly lucky to welcome people like you — adventurers, nature-lovers, and curious wanderers — into this special corner of the world.
Until next time,
The team at Down to Earth – Waitomo Eco Cave Tours