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Offered languages
- English
Escape the crowds and discover a side of Waitomo most visitors never see. Our Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour takes place on our private, family-owned farm and is limited to small groups, giving you a relaxed and personal experience from start to finish.
This is a real cave adventure — you’ll walk, wade through shallow streams, scramble over rocks and explore an incredible natural cave filled with thousands of glowworms. There are no concrete pathways, handrails or big tour groups here.
We provide all the gear you need, your guide takes complimentary photos along the way, and phones are welcome so you can capture your own memories too.
Best of all, every visit helps support conservation on our land, including the planting of thousands of native trees.
Small groups. No crowds. A genuine Waitomo adventure.
Loved by travellers worldwide, with thousands of glowing 5-star reviews.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Waitomo has lots of cave tours, which can be confusing! Don’t just follow signs to “Waitomo Caves” — as the district is large with many operators. Instead, enter 1199 Oparure Road into Google Maps and it will bring you straight to us.
Itinerary
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1
You’ll be underground for about 2 hours, with the entire experience lasting around 3 hours. Here’s how it’s broken down: -We’ll start with about 20 minutes of preparation and safety briefing. -Then, a 10-minute walk to the cave entrance. -Enjoy a 10-15 minute stroll through the stunning New Zealand bush and Mangapu gorge—this is your warm-up. -Explore the caves for just over 2 hours, with glowworm displays along the way. -After the cave, we’ll take a 10-minute walk back through the bush to our office/house. -Feel free to take a little extra time to change and enjoy a well-deserved tea or coffee with some delicious cookies.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not suitable for elderly or those with mobility issues — involves climbing, hills, and wading through streams.
- Maximum of 8 people per tour.
- Minimum age is 12 years.
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not suitable for elderly or those with mobility issues — involves climbing, hills, and wading through streams.
- Maximum of 8 people per tour.
- Minimum age is 12 years.
- Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- A reasonable/good level of fitness is required.
- NO large cameras or tripods. Phones or pocket sized cameras are welcome.
- Safety First — if flooding means we need to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund.
- Not recommended for travelers with a low level of fitness
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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