Private Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Waitomo, New Zealand
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Escape the crowds and get off the beaten track on this exclusive glowworm cave tour based out of a family farm. This private tour is tailored to your group and lets you move at your own pace through the caves. See the mesmerizing glowworm displays and traverse the caves with your knowledgeable guide, with equipment provided. Don’t forget your camera on this intimate tour through this stunning natural wonder.
- Relax and enjoy refreshments, snacks, and post-tour shower
- Stay warm and dry with warm clothes and caving gear provided
- A reasonable level of fitness is required for safety and enjoyment
- Receive personalized attention on a private tour for groups of 2–8
What's Included
- Private tour
- Local guide
- Tea, coffee, and a snack, after your tour
- Shower facilities for after the tour
- We provide all the equipment and clothing you will need for your adventure. We supply you with: Thermal top Thermal pants Fleece top Shorts Gumboots Even socks! This way once the tour is over you can pop back into your clean clothes and leave us to deal with your dirty laundry! On the tour you will also be required to wear a helmet and head lamp which we provide.
- Snacks
- Coffee and/or Tea
- You must have your own transport to get to 1199 Oparure Road. There is no public transport and we can not pick up or drop off.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti 3985, New Zealand
Please follow signs on Oparure road.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Down To Earth - Eco Cave Tours In Waitomo
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 8 people per booking
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Not recommended for anyone with physical difficulties.
- A reasonable level of fitness is required.
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 51 reviews
David_T, Dec 2025
It is very hard to imagine that there is any other tour that can match this one! 100% custom to your group’s ability and confidence level. If you are interested in exploring caves, experiencing the glowworms and going on an adventure, this is the tour for you! Well worth the time and money.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the amazing review! 😊
We’re thrilled you had such a great time from start to finish, and that the private tour exceeded expectations. We love being able to tailor the adventure to your group’s ability and confidence level — so you can really enjoy the caves and glowworms at your own pace. Thanks again for the recommendation, and we’re so glad you felt it was worth it! ✨
Holly_L, Jun 2025
We booked this tour when we were unable to book some of the other glow worm cave tours. This was hands down one of the best vacation tours we've ever experienced. Our guide, Ash, was phenomenal! He was kind, funny and met all of our special accommodation needs. Our daughter is hearing and visually impaired, which we notified them of ahead of time, and they were so kind and accommodating throughout the experience.
This is a private tour and a walk in and walk out tour, but Ash gave us all the time we needed so our daughter, 25 years old, could experience it with the family.
Would highly recommend this for a more personal experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much, Holly! We're thrilled to hear it was such a special experience for your family. Ash loved guiding you all, and we're so glad your daughter was able to enjoy the tour fully.
Thanks for the kind words and for recommending our little slice of Waitomo — we'd love to see you again someday! 💚
— The Down to Earth Team
Kevin_C, Jul 2024
This is the best cave tour we have ever been on. True spelunking led by an expert guide; not a young kid leading you on a groomed path giving you rehearsed lines. Ashe was a wonderful guide who quickly got to know us and tailored the experience to us. We climbed over rocks and through narrow places but always felt safe. We went in the coldest part of the year and even though our feet got wet in the streams the constant moderate temperature inside the cave kept us plenty warm enough. This would be a realistic place for Gollum's cave and the Glow Worms make it even more special. We definitely recommend this tour service for anyone wanting to go on an adventure.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for the amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that your family had such a memorable and adventurous experience with Ash as your guide. It’s wonderful that the tour felt tailored to your group and that you felt safe while exploring the caves. We truly appreciate your recommendation.
Mark_K, Feb 2024
Great experience. Our guide Ash was very personable and very knowledgeable . Be prepared to exert some physical activity but well worth it.
This a walking tour through a cave which requires you to navigate some narrow passages Ash was there to assist any of us that needed help
Kristin_A, Dec 2023
Great little family business. Ash was a very experienced guide, we had an amazing time and enjoyed the tour a lot. Thanks a lot!
Alida_G, Oct 2023
We were a group of 7 ages from 25 to 60. Our guide Ash was the best, he was very funny but serious about safety at all times.
The whole walk was beautiful with some challenging steps and water to our knees.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hi Alida 🌟
We're thrilled to hear that your group of all ages had an amazing adventure with us! Ash is indeed a gem, striking the perfect balance between humor and safety - we're so lucky to have him.
Challenging steps and water up to your knees are all part of the fun, right? It's wonderful that you found the whole walk beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience, and we can't wait to welcome you all back for more fantastic adventures!
From $642.59
per group (up to 8)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Private Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours
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