Formerly Glowing Adventures. We're now Down to Earth! Learn more...

Safety Policy

Our safety policy

Before embarking on your adventure, we kindly ask you to carefully review this essential information. At Down to Earth, we place your safety at the forefront of our caving adventures, and we have stringent procedures in place to prioritize your well-being. However, it's important to acknowledge that this is a natural environment, and as such, it can be unpredictable, which means there are inherent risks involved.

You can rest assured that all our activities have undergone rigorous independent audits conducted to the highest standard of safety set by government and industry standards. These evaluations have included technical experts and have resulted in the certification of our operations through OutdoorsMark.

Risk Disclosure

Please be aware that the activities offered by Down to Earth (DTE), including caving and walking to and from the cave locations, carry substantial risks and potential hazards, including the risk of serious/fatal injury. These risks and hazards encompass but are not limited to rockfall, falling vegetation, flooding, earthquakes, fast-flowing water, and cliffs.

Fitness Level/Mobility

Our tours are not suitable for individuals with mobility issues. Your adventure will include activities such as walking through water on uneven ground and climbing over large boulders. Thus, a reasonable level of fitness is required to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Alcohol/Drugs

We kindly request that there be no consumption of alcohol, drugs, smoking, or vaping on our tours. If any participant is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, we will decline their participation.

Pregnancy

If you are expecting, congratulations! If you were active before your pregnancy and continue to be, this tour is suitable for the first six months. However, it is not suitable if you have had any pregnancy-related issues or have been advised to refrain from activities by a medical professional.

Due to the physical nature and associated risks on this tour, it is not suitable in the last trimester. If you are uncertain or have any questions, please email us.

Ages

For our "Off the Beaten Track" tours, we welcome adventurers aged 12 years and older. Our Private Tours are open to those aged 10 years and above. In Private Tours, we have the flexibility to tailor the experience to your specific group. However, in mixed tours, it can be more challenging to accommodate varying levels of fitness and ability.

Clothing and Equipment

We provide all necessary equipment, including helmets, headlamps, clothing, and boots. Rest assured that all our safety equipment adheres to approved and recommended manufacturing guidelines.

Medical Declaration

Your safety and enjoyment remain our top priorities. It is crucial to inform us about any medical issues you may have. In many cases, minor medical concerns won't hinder your participation. If you have any uncertainties, please don't hesitate to reach out to us before booking at contact@glowing.co.nz.

Your safety is paramount, and Down to Earth staff have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of all participants. Therefore, we may have to decline individuals from participating if we believe they pose a hazard to themselves or others.