Formerly Glowing Adventures. We're now Down to Earth! Learn more...
No, back in 2015, we kicked off our journey under the name "Glowing Adventures". In 2022, we gave ourselves a fresh new look and became "Down to Earth – Waitomo Eco Tours".
Why the change? Well, because it just suits us to a T...
Down to Earth – It's all about that friendly kiwi hospitality.
Down to Earth – We're dead serious about keeping tourism sustainable.
Down to Earth – Well ….. of course, that’s where we take you!
New name, same fantastic adventures!
Well, for starters, Down to Earth is run from our own private farm land.
So, yeah, we're not your run-of-the-mill tour outfit, and that's what makes us pretty darn special.
Nothing! We provide everything. You will get a little wet and a bit muddy so let us do the washing while you head off to enjoy the rest of your day.
Unlike other Waitomo cave tours that include travel time in the tour, once you roll up to our office/house, you're already at the heart of the action! No need to pile into a minivan and bump along the countryside. Nope, our caves are just a short stroll through some beautiful farmland and bush from where you park your car.
You're in for about 3 hours of adventure! Here's how it all breaks down:
To make sure you're all set and not left hanging, booking ahead is a smart move. We're a tight-knit family-run crew, and thanks to the whole Covid-19 rollercoaster, we're not quite back to full throttle. Right now, we've got just two tours scheduled each day. So, lock in your spot, and let's make some awesome memories together!
Absolutely, feel free to bring a small camera along. We are selfie approved! Loads of folks bring their phones to snap pics, and that's totally cool with us. We've even got a handy zip-up pocket in the gear we give you that's just the right size for a phone or a small camera.
But, a quick heads-up – big cameras, tripods, or those oh-so-extendable selfie sticks are a no-go. Safety first, you know? We need your hands to be free and ready as you explore the caves.
Now, if you're a serious shutterbug and you're thinking about bringing some larger photography gear, you might want to check out our private photography tours. They're perfect for getting that epic shot!
As a small company we can’t offer pickups. Oh and just so you know, we don't have any fancy "Uber" style services in this area! But the good news is, there are a few local transport services in Waitomo who can come to the rescue, depending on which area you are hanging out. There are more details here.
If your plans do a 180 and you need to back out of your booking, don't be shy - give us a shout ASAP! Here's the deal: If we get a heads-up with a bit of breathing room, we will be able to slide a refund your way.
Unfortunately NO refunds within 24 hours of your tour start time, sorry mate! With short notice we won’t have time to find new takers for your spots. Please see our cancellation policy for further details.
Normally, a little rain won't rain on our parade. You might get a tad wet on the walk to the caves, but hey, that's part of the adventure, right? If you're feeling extra cautious, we've got raincoats at the ready.
Now, when Mother Nature really goes wild with heavy rain and flooding – and it's seriously rare, but – safety comes first. In those cases, we might have to call off a tour. But don't fret! You'll get a full refund, and we'll call you ASAP.
Quick tip: Always drop us a contact number when you book, so we can reach you if needed.