Whether it’s summer’s cool caves or winter’s quiet beauty, every season offers a unique way to experience our family’s Waitomo caves.
Picture this…Mist hanging low over the paddocks, tūī calling from the kōwhai trees, and caves waiting quietly beneath the rolling hills. Every season here in Waitomo feels a little different and that’s part of the magic. While the glowworms sparkle the same way year-round, the land above tells a shifting story. Each season brings its own colours, sounds, and surprises.
Here at Down to Earth Eco Cave Tours, our family has been guiding visitors through our private cave system for almost 10 years now. But our roots go much deeper. Our family has lived here and privately explored these caves for four generations. Over the years, we’ve come to love all the little changes that make the seasons of Waitomo so special.
The farm bursts into colour, and the grass is such a vibrant green that visitors often tell us it looks fake! The kōwhai and rātā are flowering, and the birdsong is at its loudest. Cheeky fantails flit down the track, sometimes following guests right to the cave entrance. Lambs are born in the paddocks around us, always a heart-melting sight. Underground, the streams run fresh and lively after winter rains, adding an extra sparkle to your cave walk.
Above ground, the sun beats down on the hills, but step inside the cave and it’s cool, calm, and glowing — we call it nature’s air conditioning. Summer is our busiest season, and we’re usually fully booked. But because our tours are small and personal, it still feels relaxed, like the cave is yours alone to explore.
The hillsides turn golden, leaves drift from the trees, and there’s a stillness in the air. It’s a gentler season, perfect for photographers and nature-lovers who like a slower pace and a little extra space. The temperatures are mild, making it one of the most comfortable times of year to explore.
Cold mornings bring rolling mist across the farm, and the bush feels hushed and magical. It’s our quietest season, when tours are few and far between. Underground, though, the caves stay at a steady, comfortable temperature all year round. Winter is our “best-kept secret” : fewer visitors, slower days, and glowworms shining just as brightly as ever.
Every season has its own story here in Waitomo. From the life and colour of spring, to the long bright days of summer, the golden beauty of autumn, and the quiet magic of winter — there’s always something new to notice when you step into our family’s caves.
Ready to experience Waitomo’s seasons for yourself? Book a tour and discover which one becomes your favourite.
Until next time,
The team at Down to Earth – Waitomo Eco Cave Tours