Winter Special! Get $30 off per person with code WINTER25 | May–Sep 2025 | Excludes private tours

Capture the Magic with Our Ultimate Glowworm Tour!

The Ultimate Glowworm Tour

Down to Earth Waitomo Eco Tours

3.5 hour duration

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Ready to explore after dark?

Our Ultimate Glowworm Tour takes place after hours, so it’s not available for instant booking.

To lock in your spot, just email us your preferred date — it’s best to send through two or three options — and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with availability.

Highlights What to Expect

A new private tour — exclusive, after dark, and all yours.

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.

This exclusive after-dark adventure takes you deep into untouched wilderness with our local guide. Step off the beaten track and witness nature’s most dazzling light show — no crowds, no noise, just you and the glow.

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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!
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Bring Your Camera – Capture the magic with your phone or go all out with a tripod and larger camera whatever suits your style!
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Exclusive Access – Experience true exclusivity with private access to the cave entrance and farm—just you, your group, and the magic of nature!
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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!
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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.
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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!

Difficulty level

Moderate Steps and rough terrain. Not suitable for anyone with low fitness or mobility/balance issues.

Age/Group

2–8 people Ages 10+

Camera

Tripods, cameras or phones are welcome. Please bring a backpack for larger items.

What to bring

Bring warm layers, a phone or camera, and a sense of adventure and curiosity. We’ll handle the rest!

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Rate $2299 (2-8 people)

What to Expect on Our Ultimate Private Glowworm or Photography Tour

Did you know glowworms don’t just live in caves? In New Zealand, millions of them light up rock faces and forest canopies, putting on an incredible show in the open air. Invisible by day, they come to life after dark—transforming the landscape into something out of Avatar.

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.

Your private tour is just for your group (2–8 people), guided by one of our local experts. We’ll take you to the most spectacular glowworm displays in the region, exploring outer cave entrances and untouched native bush—well off the beaten path.

Step Into Our “Out-of-Cave” Experience
2–8 people – $2,299

  • Exclusive Private Tour
    Just you and your guide—no strangers, no rush. Explore pristine wilderness, outer cave areas, and incredible glowworm hotspots on this after-dark adventure.
  • Tour Timing
    Tours begin around 6 PM (timing varies with the seasons).
  • Adventure Level:
    Expect steps, stream crossings, and uneven terrain. This tour suits those with good fitness and a sense of adventure. (Not suitable for guests with mobility challenges.)

What We Provide

Don’t worry about gear—we’ve got you covered! We provide everything you need, including:

  • Safety gear and warm outer layers (if needed)
  • Socks, and sturdy boots
  • Helmet with light
  • After the tour, enjoy a hot drink, a snack.

Bring Your Phone — We’re All About Those Memories!

We love when guests capture the magic! Phones and cameras are welcome on this tour. Our guides will also snap some great shots of you during the tour and send them to you afterward—at no extra cost.

Getting Here

To find us and avoid ending up at one of the other cave tour companies in the area, be sure to visit our Location Page. We’ll make sure you get here the right way.

Let’s make this after-hours adventure happen!

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