Narrow limestone passage in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves glowing with blue glowworms during a guided adventure

Caver resting beside an underground stream during an after-dark glowworm cave adventure in Waitomo, surrounded by illuminated rock formations.

Natural cave entrance in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where daylight meets glowing blue glowworms along the cave walls on a guided tour.

Guided glowworm cave tour in Waitomo, New Zealand, featuring a visitor standing beneath thousands of glowing blue glowworms inside a dramatic limestone cave.

Wide limestone cave chamber in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where visitors explore beneath a ceiling filled with glowing blue glowworms.

Underground stream flowing through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, with blue glowworms lighting the cave ceiling during a guided adventure tour.

An Exclusive After Dark Tour

Private, just for your group. This is a fully tailored experience — bring a camera and tripod and make it a photography mission, or travel light with a small camera/phone for a more adventurous route. Either way, we’ll shape the tour around what you want.

Glowworms don’t just live in caves — they spill out into the forest, lighting up cliffs and canopies in a spectacle very few ever see. Around our hidden cave entrances, they shine their brightest when the world goes quiet.

Step off the beaten track and witness nature’s most dazzling light show — no crowds, no noise, just you and the glow. This is a completely custom experience, tailored to suit you and your group.

On arrival, you’ll meet your guide and discuss your expectations — whether you want to focus on photography, enjoy a more adventurous route, or simply take in the magic at a slower pace.

Thanks to the thousands of native trees we’ve planted, the areas around our cave entrances have become a glowworm paradise. These little creatures are thriving—and glowing brighter than ever.

Are you ready for the glow-up of a lifetime?

Price
$2,499 NZD for a private group up to 8 people.
Duration

Plan for a 3-5 hour experience, which begins 6-8 PM (timing varies with the seasons).
Difficulty

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

Maximum group size of 8 people.
Minimum Age
The minimum age for this tour is 10 years old. Anyone under 16 must have a parent or guardian with them
Weight Limit
Maximum weight limit: 120kg (265lbs).
Camera
Your choice! If you’d like to bring a camera and tripod and really focus on photography, you absolutely can. Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring just a small camera and enjoy a more adventurous experience. Either way, this is a private, tailored tour — we’ll shape it around what suits you best.
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

After-Hours Adventure

Make the most of your holiday with a tour between 6PM and midnight (seasonal timings). Experience the cave in a whole new light—after dark!

Glowworms – Like Nowhere Else!

Watch as the sun sets and darkness takes over—the night comes alive with thousands of magical lights, creating a glow like no other!

Bring Your Camera

Capture the magic with your phone or go all out with a tripod and larger camera whatever suits your style!

Meet Your Guide

Join our friendly local guide for an unforgettable adventure! With a passion for the land, they’ll share fascinating stories and hidden gems to make your journey even more special.

Adventurous

Wade through freshwater streams and scramble over boulders, discovering hidden gems along the way. No footpaths, no shortcuts – just raw, unfiltered exploration at its finest!

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!

- Sneba 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 Pierra

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...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

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

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

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

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 :-)

The Ultimate Glowworm Tour

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