Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 24 hours in advance

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Off the Beaten Track - Eco Glowworm Cave Tour

A small-group Waitomo glowworm cave adventure on private family land. Explore off the beaten track with stream walking, limestone formations, glowworms, and real adventure caving away from the crowds.

From: NZ$219.00

Per Person

3 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Highlights

Amazing glow worm displays!
Phone/small cameras welcome
Only 2-8 people per group
Away from the crowds
#1 Trip Advisor rated tour in the Waitomo District

Full Description

Step away from the crowds and experience Waitomo in a more adventurous, authentic way.

Our Off the Beaten Track Tour is a small-group glowworm cave adventure on private family land. Unlike the main tourist caves, this is a natural cave experience with no concrete paths, handrails, or artificial lighting. You’ll explore by helmet light, walk through shallow stream water, see beautiful limestone formations, and spend time beneath the glowworms in a peaceful, uncrowded cave environment.

This tour is designed for those who want a real adventure, while still being guided, supported, and well looked after. You don’t need previous c...

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Includes

Experienced local guide with deep knowledge of the caves and land

Small group experience — maximum of 8 participants

All caving equipment provided — helmet, headlamp, thermals, fleece, shorts, socks, gumboots

Photos emailed to you after the tour

Exclusive access to a private cave system

Hot drinks and a snack at the end of your adventure

Shower facilities available on site

Meeting Point

Don’t Follow the Signs to “The Other Cave”

Here’s where it gets a little tricky — there are five different cave tour companies in the Waitomo District and more than 300 caves in the area. So it’s easy to end up at the wrong one!

We’re not located at the main, sign-posted Waitomo Caves turnoff. Instead, you’ll find our hidden gem off the beaten track at:

1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti, Waitomo
Don’t trust your compass — trust this link: How to find us

Additional Information

We kindly ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour time. As much as we’d love to wait for everyone, we can’t hold up the group — and we want every guest to get the full experience.
Late arrivals, no-shows, or cancellations within 24 hours unfortunately are not eligible for a refund.

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before activity starts.

Risk Disclosure

Health and Safety

All participants are required to read and sign a "Risk Disclosure" form at arrival, prior to taking part in any "Adventure Activity" by NZ law.

Please view this form now before booking. No action is required now other than to read it to make sure you are happy to sign at arrival.

View Participant Risks Here

Terms

This is a real adventure in a real cave — and that comes with natural hazards. Please take a few minutes to read our safety policy before your tour.

From

NZ$219.00

Per Person

3 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

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1199 Oparure Road, Te Kūiti, New Zealand, 3985

Off the Beaten Track - Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

Our personalised 3 hour guided tours are for small groups of 2-8 people. We’ll welcome you to our farmhouse and give you all the clothing, footwear and equipment you need.Highlights:Amazing glow worm displays!Just the right amount of adventureAway from the crowdsOnly 2 - 8 people per group!Cameras welcomeAuthentic eco experienceFamily owned and operated1 Trip Advisor rated tour in the Waitomo DistrictYou’ll begin your adventure walking through beautiful native bush, climbing over boulders and wading through the freshwater stream that flows into our cave system.What’s really special about Down to Earth is that we have left our caves in their purest and most natural state. With no concrete paths or electric lighting, this is a genuine eco-adventure into the heart of New Zealand’s magical glow worm environment.Once inside the caves, you can explore magical glow worm displays and stunning limestone formations at your own pace, stopping to take photos along the way. You’re welcome to bring a small camera along on the tour. Your guide will also take great pictures of your adventure which we’ll email you afterwards for free.After your tour, enjoy a hot shower and refreshments back at the farmhouse. We love meeting new friends from all over the world and sharing our local knowledge and travel tips.The incredible cave system on our family farm is one of only two in Waitomo classified as ‘of international significance’ by NZ’s Department of Conservation. Come and experience a true piece of New Zealand paradise!Down to Earth is located off the beaten tourist track, but still within a short drive of the Waitomo Caves Village and the small towns of Te Kuiti and Otorohanga.

Maximum group size is eight, and minimum group size is two.Minimum age is 12 years. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.Please note that this tour is not suitable for the elderly or anyone with mobility difficulties. It involves climbing over boulders, walking up hills and wading through streams with rocks underfoot, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.There is no public transport access to Down to Earth, and we are not able to pick people up. You will need your own transport to get to us.

Duration: 3 Hours

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You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?

Nothing at all! We provide everything you’ll need, including boots. You’ll likely get a little wet, but don’t worry—we’ll take care of the clean-up while you enjoy the rest of your day! If you’re bringing a phone, we recommend using a phone lanyard to keep it safe — and we do sell them onsite if you need one.

Do I need to book or can I just show up?

Booking ahead is a good idea! As a small, family-run business, we only offer two tours per day. Lock in your spot, and we can guarantee a memorable adventure.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes — our caves are selfie friendly! Phones or small cameras are most welcome on our Off the Beaten Track tour. We’ll provide a handy zip-up pocket in your gear, and we highly recommend bringing a phone lanyard to keep your phone safe (we sell them onsite if needed). Large cameras are NOT permitted. Not bringing a camera? No worries — your guide will take photos during the tour and email them to you afterward at no extra charge.

How physically challenging is the tour?

The entire tour covers about 2km at a slow pace, with plenty of time to stop, take photos, and soak up the atmosphere. As there are no footpaths, handrails, or modifications inside our cave, the activity is adventurous and requires a moderate to good level of fitness. Would you be comfortable going on a half-day forest walk or hill walk? Can you walk up five flights of stairs unassisted? Are you comfortable wading through knee-high water? Can you balance well while stepping from rock to rock? If you answered "Yes," it sounds like you're ready for our adventure! Please note: The Photography Tour not as adventurous, as less time is spent exploring and more time is spent concentrating on photography.