Duration
3.5 hours
Type
Guided
Group Size
8 People Max
Difficulty
Moderate
About this Glowworm Cave Tour
On our “Off the Beaten Track” glowworm tour, you’ll be joined by one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides as you explore the untouched caves of Waitomo, set within a rare karst landscape we’re actively working to protect and restore.
We keep things intimate with small groups (max 8 people), so you can fully enjoy every moment. It’s all about slowing down, taking it in, and getting lost in the mesmerising glowworm displays.
Nature is the star here — no handrails, no artificial lights, no paved paths — just the raw beauty of the caves. Expect to climb over boulders, navigate hills, and walk through streams underfoot. A moderate level of fitness is required to get the most out of the experience.
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.
Beyond the Crowds, Closer to Nature
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.
Step Into a Rare Natural Jewel
As you explore, your guide will share how this rare karst landscape works — and how our restoration efforts help protect the caves, waterways, and native species that depend on it.
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 glowworm 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
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
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
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
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
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
Best glowworm tour you can go on!
No reason to look anywhere else. Ash was entirely accommodating and gave a phenomenal tour!
- B Murray
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
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
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
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 :-)