-
travel_explore
Hamilton Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
Forget the footpaths and escape the crowds. Bring your camera or phone and capture the Waitomo experience you were really looking for — small groups, real caving, underground streams, and glowworms far from the main tourist trail.
Highlights
- Amazing glow worm displays!
- Phone/small cameras welcome
- Only 2-8 people per group
- Away from the crowds
- Just the right amount of adventure
- Authentic eco experience
- Family owned and operated
- #1 Trip Advisor rated tour in the Waitomo District
Do Waitomo Differently.
Looking for something far from the usual tourist stop? This is your chance to step off the beaten track and into a real New Zealand glowworm adventure.
Our 3.5-hour guided cave tour is designed for small groups of just 2–8 people, so it feels personal, relaxed, and far away from the crowds. Your adventure starts at our family farmhouse, where we kit you out with everything you need, clothing, boots, helmet, lights, and all the gear.
From there, we head into native bush, scramble over limestone boulders, wade through a freshwater stream, and make our way into our private cave system. There are no concrete paths, no handrails, and no artificial lighting, just you, your group, your guide, and one of Waitomo’s most incredible natural glowworm caves.
You are welcome to bring a small camera or phone on our tour. Yes, we are selfie approved! Your guide will also take photos during the tour, which we send to you for free afterwards — perfect for remembering the adventure without having to worry about capturing every moment yourself.
Your visit also helps protect the place you are exploring. A portion of every ticket goes straight back into conservation work on our land, helping us restore native forest, control pests, protect waterways, and care for the cave environment for the future.
After the cave, you can warm up with a hot shower and refreshments back at the farmhouse. We love meeting travellers from around the world and are always happy to share local tips, road trip ideas, and hidden gems around Waitomo and New Zealand.
Come and check out why we consistently receive 5-star reviews and are currently rated the #1 Outdoor Experience in the Waitomo District on Trip Advisor.
This is not a walk-through cave tour. This is a real, small-group, off-the-beaten-track glowworm adventure — and one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Waitomo.
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
- Per Person$99.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$159.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$219.00
- Per Person$109.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$159.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$159.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$219.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$189.00
- Per Person$189.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 679 authenticated Bookme reviews
katrinbri from Netherlands wrote on 12 June 2026
Small group, great tour!
We loved our tour with Down to Earth. The group was small, our guide Ash was fantastic. Wading through the water, climbing boulders and rock formations and getting to see thousands of glow worms. We can’t recommend this enough.
anastazie from Czechia wrote on 16 May 2026
Amazing adventure
It was so much fun. They gave us clothes, gumboots and all the equipment. There were only few people in the group and the guide was great. He was funny and professional and took amazing pictures of us with the glowworms.
Sydney Cook from New Zealand wrote on 09 December 2025
A Must Do
The tour was amazing and the tour guide was even better. Ash made sure everyone was enjoying the tour and took the best pictures to document it. Afterwards you have biscuits with the family and they really make you feel welcome. If you want to do a Glowworm Cave tour do this one!
Laura Dietz from New Zealand wrote on 21 September 2025
Wonderful Experience
It was a unique and wonderful experience. We felt very comfortable with our guide Ash. I can only recommend this cave Glowworm tour to everyone. it was very exciting!!
From Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour
Thanks so much, Laura! 💚 We’re thrilled you had such a wonderful time with Ash. Our small-group tours through our family’s private cave system are designed to feel personal, exciting, and one-of-a-kind — it was lovely to meet you both, enjoy the rest of your NZ travels,
Copyright © 2026 Bookme Limited.
When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.
Qualmark Gold
This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
Qualmark Silver
This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.
Qualmark Bronze
The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.
Continue with Facebook
chungmauy from New Zealand wrote on 13 June 2026
Good experience
The cave is truly unique, yet it is not overly challenging to explore. Our guide (Ash) led us safely through the fascinating rock formations while sharing insightful information about the geological environment. The experience was both enjoyable and educational, leaving us with wonderful memories. Thank you, Ash, for making this tour so memorable. Highly recommended!