Untouched cave on an eco glowworm cave tour in Waitomo illuminated by thousands of blue glowworms on limestone walls

Small group of visitors on an eco glowworm cave tour in Waitomo closely observing glowworms on cave ceilings

Crystal clear stream and small waterfalls encountered during a Waitomo eco glowworm cave tour adventure

Natural cave canopy in the Waitomo glowworm caves densely covered in glowing blue glowworms on an eco tour

Eco cave adventurer wearing helmet and headlamp crawling over boulders inside a natural glowworm cave in Waitomo

Trail through beautiful native New Zealand bush leading to the entrance of the Waitomo eco glowworm cave tour

ouple enjoying a moment together beneath a sparkling canopy of glowworms on an intimate Waitomo eco cave tour

About this Glowworm Cave Tour

On our “Off the Beaten Track” glow worm tour, you’ll be joined by one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides as you explore the untouched caves of Waitomo. We keep things intimate with small groups, capped at 8 people, so you can truly enjoy every moment.

It’s all about slowing down, soaking in the beauty around you, and getting lost in the mesmerising glow worm displays.

Nature is the star here—no handrails, no artificial lights, no paved paths—just the raw, natural beauty of the caves. Be ready to climb over boulders, navigate hills, and wade through streams with rocks underfoot. A moderate-good level of fitness is needed to fully enjoy the adventure.

Price
$219 NZD per person
Duration

Plan for a 3.5-hour experience, with just over 2 hours spent inside the caves.
Difficulty

Moderate. Steps and rough terrain. Not suitable for anyone with low fitness, mobility challenges or balance issues
Group Size

We keep groups cozy with a max of 8 people. For a more exclusive experience, choose our Private Tour option.
Minimum Age
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old. Anyone under 16 must have a parent or guardian with them
Weight Limit
Maximum weight limit: 120kg (265lbs).
Camera
Cameras that fit in your pocket are welcome to capture the fun! Our guides will also take great photos of you and send them afterward, free of charge. For larger gear, check out our Photography Tours.
Included
- All the necessary equipment for your comfort and safety.
- Expert local guide with a deep connection to the caves and a wealth of information and stories to share.
- Tea, coffee, and a snack.
- An email with awesome photos of your adventure.
- Genuine Kiwi hospitality
Not Included
We’re a small team, so we don’t offer pick-ups. You will need to make your own way to 1199 Oparure Road, Waitomo District.

Tour Highlights

Rated #1 on Tripadvisor

We’re TripAdvisor’s #1 rated activity in Waitomo, with hundreds of 5-star reviews fromtravellers who call our glowworm caves the highlight of their trip to New Zealand.

Glowworms Off the Beaten Track

Forget the crowds and commercial tour buses. Our small-group cave tours (max 8 people) take you off the beaten path to where glowworms shine brighter in their natural surroundings — an intimate, unhurried experience that lets you truly connect with nature.

The Waitomo Cave Tour Nature Intended

Venture into private caves hidden in the hills of Waitomo — untouched, unspoiled, and alive with glowworms. This is caving as it was meant to be: immersive, awe-inspiring, and a little bit magical.

Small Cameras Welcome

You’re welcome to bring a small camera or phone to snap a few memories — something most glowworm tours don’t allow. Our small-group approach helps protect the glowworms’ delicate habitat, and our guides capture great shots of you beneath the
glowworms too, which we’ll send after your tour.

Family Run Caving Adventure

You’ll be welcomed into our farmhouse for some proper Kiwi hospitality. Our family has lived in Waitomo for over 100 years. We grew up exploring the incredible glow worm caves and pristine native bush on our family farm, and now we love sharing our piece of paradise with new friends.

How To Find Us

Down to Earth is located at 1199 Oparure Road, Waitomo District.

If you enter our official address (1199 Oparure Road, Waitomo District or Te Kuiti, depending on your GPS), it might take you past our entrance—about 500 meters too far!

We’re not sure why, but most GPS systems struggle to find us. So, trust our signs over your GPS when you get close!

Approximate Travel Times

We’re a small team, so we don’t offer pick-ups, but the Waitomo Information Centre can help with transport options.

25 min from Waitomo Caves Village
20 min from Te Kuiti
25 min from Otorohanga
1 hr from Hamilton
2 hr 40 min from Central Auckland
2 hr 30 min from Auckland Airport
2 hr from Taupo & Rotorua

Small tour group navigating rocks and shallow water inside a limestone cave during an underground exploration.

Get booked onto this tour, its FABULOUS!

We had the best afternoon! Would we recommend this tour? YES! Absolutely we would. It's off the beaten track, family run and not commercial at all.

- H Hoff

Two visitors sitting on cave rocks looking up at glowworms during a Down to Earth Glowworm Cave Tour in Waitomo.

This is must must do!

It's not just glow worms. Totally loved the hosts Ash and Michelle. Its a little on the pricier side but still definitely worth it! They deserve nothing less than a 5 stars!

- Sneha A P

Visitors wearing helmets and headlamps observing stalactites and limestone formations inside a cave.

Absolutely magical!

Upon arrival we were greeted by our extremely friendly guide, as well as a family member of the farm. The trail is stunning, fun and adventurous. Overall a stunning experience, would love to come back.

- L Piera

View from inside a limestone cave looking out toward forest greenery and a ladder at the cave exit.

Recommendation with exclamation mark!

Ash welcomed us very warmly and was an incredibly funny and knowledgeable guide. We loved the tour. We are grateful for the brilliant time we had!

- M Andres

Visitor smiling while moving through a narrow limestone passage inside a Waitomo cave.

One special glowworm experience!

A very unique and memorable experience! Our guide was extremely professional and obviously has so much passion introducing this place he grew up in. Photos came out awesome and the experience was educative too. Would definitely recommend!

- Priscilla T

View through a limestone cave opening toward flowing water and daylight outside.

Best glowworm tour you can go on!

No reason to look anywhere else. Ash was entirely accommodating and gave a phenomenal tour!

- B Murray

Two visitors standing on a rock ledge beneath glowworms, highlighting the cave’s height and glowing ceiling.

Skip the crowds and go here!

Fascinating adventure with a very small group and fabulous guide. And the 10 minute walk to the cave is gorgeous. Highly recommended.

- K Baun

Two visitors standing in a shallow stream within a forested limestone gorge near the cave entrance.

One of the best guided tours I ever had!

We chose Down to Earth because they care about environment and their community and are not just after the money. A fantastic team. Highly recommended!!

- S Fussel

Small group tour in a narrow limestone gorge with steep rock walls and flowing stream, surrounded by lush native bush

This is the team to glow worm with!

I can't say enough good things about this experience, an absolute highlight of our NZ trip. THIS IS THE COMPANY TO BOOK WITH!

- J Clower

Visitor wearing a helmet looking into a lush, forested limestone gorge near the cave exit.

This tour was absolutely gorgeous!

Practically in their backyard you step down to a wonderful, direct and "no-footpath" experience. Worth every penny and 10/10 would do again :-)

Off The Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour

Duration

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Difficulty