Conservation & Restoration
Where Tourism Supports Conservation
Our family has been part of the Waitomo community for over 100 years. It’s a special part of the world — and one we feel a deep responsibility to care for.
At Down to Earth, tourism plays a direct role in that commitment. Through our tours, we support the ongoing restoration of native forest, waterways, and wildlife across our land as part of the Pākehō Restoration Project.
Looking ahead, our goal is to restore the full 13 hectares of our family land over the coming decade — creating a thriving native ecosystem for future generations.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
We’re proud to be part of the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment, a nationwide initiative focused on creating a more sustainable tourism industry.
By focusing on the four pillars of sustainability — environment, host community, visitor, and economy — we’re working to ensure tourism makes a positive and lasting contribution to Aotearoa.
As a small, family-run business, we’ve always aimed to tread lightly on the land. This is an ongoing journey, and we’re committed to continually improving how we care for the environment and support our community.
Forest Restoration Project
In 2018, we began a native planting project here at Down to Earth — with a simple goal: to protect, restore, and regenerate the native forest that surrounds and extends above our cave system.
Working alongside Waikato Regional Council, we’ve already planted over 8,000 native trees, including karamu, broadleaf, koromiko, lacebark, kānuka, and mānuka.
More recently, with additional council support, we’ve been able to expand our efforts further — protecting more of the land and continuing to build a healthy, resilient ecosystem.
This work now forms part of the Pākehō Restoration Project, our long-term commitment to restoring the full 13 hectares of our family land to thriving native forest over the coming decade.
Low Carbon Footprint
We're thrilled to boast a low carbon footprint.
We've meticulously measured all the CO2 emissions stemming from our daily operations, covering everything from electricity to waste to freight.
It's a crucial aspect of our operations that keeps us tethered to our responsibilities as a company. Every month, we dive into ways to continue making eco-friendly choices.
Protecting Waterways
The Mangapu Stream flows through our cave system and forms part of one of the largest underground river networks in New Zealand.
To protect the health of these waterways, we’ve fenced off stream edges to keep livestock out and reduce erosion and runoff. The Mangapu eventually feeds into the wider Waipā River catchment, so what happens here matters downstream too.
We’re proud to be working alongside Waikato Regional Council, who have recognised that this unique karst system offers a rare opportunity to make meaningful biodiversity and water-quality gains. Their support (and encouragement) helps us keep protecting and restoring this special place for the long term.
Pest Control
We’re on a mission to protect our native environment by keeping pest numbers as low as possible.
Our focus is on controlling rats and possums, which have a major impact on Aotearoa’s ecosystems — preying on native wildlife and damaging the forests that support our birds, reptiles, insects, and plants.
Our trapping programme is already making a difference, with positive signs in both our bush health and birdlife. We’ve recently added six automated traps (AutoTraps) to our toolkit — a game-changing way to help keep rat and possum numbers under control year-round.
It’s one practical step we’re taking to play our part in New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 vision.
Preventing Single Use Plastic Pollution
Disposable cups? You won't find them here at Down to Earth. Every visitor gets a proper cuppa in a real cup. However, it's disheartening that in Aotearoa, a staggering 828 million single- use plastic bottles are discarded annually.
So, we've joined the #Refillution, a brilliant initiative from RefillNZ that makes it simple for folks to locate spots to refill their water bottles free of charge. If you're passing through the area with an empty bottle, pop in and say hello.
We'd be delighted to fill it up with our fresh, filtered tap water. Together, we can spread awareness of solutions to the plastic problem and reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.
The Tiaki Promise
Tiaki means to care for people and place. New Zealand is a gem, and everyone living in or traveling through has a duty to protect it. The Tiaki Promise is our commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and generations to come.
By embracing the Tiaki Promise, you're pledging to be a guardian, safeguarding and preserving our beautiful home. Learn more about the Tiaki Promise – it's an invitation to take care of this extraordinary land. Welcome to New Zealand, or as we say, Nau Mai, Haere Mai Ki Aotearoa!