Sustainability & Eco Tourism | Down to Earth Glowworm Cave Tours

A Family Commitment to

Sustainable Tourism

Our family has been part of the Waitomo community for over 100 years. It’s a pretty special part of the world. We’ve made a commitment to support the people and land around us and help ensure this beautiful place is protected for generations to come.

Down to Earth proudly joins the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment. By focusing on the four pillars of sustainability (economic, host community, visitor, environment) we’re contributing to the growth of a truly sustainable tourism industry that makes a positive and enduring contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand.

As a small family-run business, we've always aimed to tread lightly on this land, and we're continuously working to do even better. Check out some of our recent environmental and community initiatives.

Forest Restoration Project

In 2018, we kicked off a planting project right here at Down to Earth. Our goal? To protect, rejuvenate, and nurture the lush native forest that envelops and stretches above our cave system.

We partnered with the Waikato Regional Council to plant over 8,000 native trees, including karamu, broadleaf, koromiko, lacebark, kanuka, and manuka.

In 2023, we're expanding our efforts by fencing off another hectare of our farmland, all part of our ongoing project to create more habitat for our precious native birds. Our long-term vision? To reforest our family land and help offset our carbon footprint.

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.

Community-Led Partnership

Pākeho Climbing Crag

The Pākeho Climbing Crag is one of the ways we give back to our community — by sharing our whenua for people to enjoy, learn, and connect with nature.

We have a partnership with Aotearoa Climbing Association (ACAT), who oversee access and help ensure it’s used responsibly. It’s enjoyed by local climbers, schools, and universities for recreation and outdoor education. From time to time, the climbing community also gives back through volunteer days, helping with things like track maintenance and tree planting.

Access & permission: To climb at Pākeho, you’ll need to follow ACAT’s access guidelines and obtain permission.

Supporting St John

Down to Earth is proud to support St John — a charitable organisation that delivers essential health services to Kiwis every day.

From ambulance services and first aid training to youth and community programmes, their work touches countless lives across Aotearoa.

St John is also part of our family story. Our connection goes back more than 60 years. Our grandmother, Amy, was Te Kūiti’s first female ambulance driver and received a long-service medal for her dedication — a story you can read about in our local newspaper.

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.

Supporting Community

Supporting Ōtorohanga Kiwi House is one of the ways we give back to our local community and conservation efforts. We’ve jumped on board with their Power It Forward initiative, helping fund solar at the Kiwi House and reduce operating costs so more of their budget can go straight back into conservation mahi.

We’ve also adopted a kiwi through their Adopt a Critter programme, which helps support the day-to-day care of native wildlife.

If you’re in the area, the best way to help is simply to visit the Kiwi House — admission fees make a real difference. For other ways to support them, check out their website.

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!

Conservation & Community