Waitomo Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Cave Tour with Glowworms
by Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Cave Tours
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$438Overview
This small-group tour in Waitomo lasts about 3 hours 15 minutes and includes all caving equipment and warm clothing. The experience begins with a 20-minute safety briefing and preparation. After gearing up, the group walks for 10 minutes to the cave entrance. Then, participants follow a 10 to 15-minute walk through native forest and the Mangapu gorge to warm up. The tour continues off the beaten track, entering private caves away from the usual tourist routes. Inside the caves, the group spends just over 2 hours navigating limestone formations by scrambling over boulders and wading through shallow streams. The cave walls are illuminated by millions of glowworms, creating a natural display. After exiting the cave, the group walks back through the bush for about 10 minutes to the starting point. There, tea, coffee, and cookies are provided, and there is time to change. The tour is limited to 8 people and is guided by a local expert familiar with the caves and their environment. Adventure photos taken during the tour are emailed afterward. The tour does not include pick-up or drop-off services. Cameras must be small and portable; large cameras and tripods are not allowed. This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness and is not suitable for those with mobility issues or children under 12 years old.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Waitomo Private Cave Exploration
The tour lasts about 3 hours including preparation and return. It begins with a 20-minute safety briefing and gearing up. A 10-minute walk leads to the cave entrance, followed by a 10 to 15-minute walk through native forest and Mangapu gorge. The main caving section lasts just over 2 hours, during which participants move through limestone formations, scramble over boulders, and wade in shallow streams while observing glowworms on the cave walls. Afterwards, there is a 10-minute walk back through the bush to the office or house where guests can change clothes and enjoy tea, coffee, and cookies.
180 min
Meeting point
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.
End point
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.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Waitomo Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Cave Tour with Glowworms
by Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Cave Tours
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$438Overview
This small-group tour in Waitomo lasts about 3 hours 15 minutes and includes all caving equipment and warm clothing. The experience begins with a 20-minute safety briefing and preparation. After gearing up, the group walks for 10 minutes to the cave entrance. Then, participants follow a 10 to 15-minute walk through native forest and the Mangapu gorge to warm up. The tour continues off the beaten track, entering private caves away from the usual tourist routes. Inside the caves, the group spends just over 2 hours navigating limestone formations by scrambling over boulders and wading through shallow streams. The cave walls are illuminated by millions of glowworms, creating a natural display. After exiting the cave, the group walks back through the bush for about 10 minutes to the starting point. There, tea, coffee, and cookies are provided, and there is time to change. The tour is limited to 8 people and is guided by a local expert familiar with the caves and their environment. Adventure photos taken during the tour are emailed afterward. The tour does not include pick-up or drop-off services. Cameras must be small and portable; large cameras and tripods are not allowed. This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness and is not suitable for those with mobility issues or children under 12 years old.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Waitomo Private Cave Exploration
The tour lasts about 3 hours including preparation and return. It begins with a 20-minute safety briefing and gearing up. A 10-minute walk leads to the cave entrance, followed by a 10 to 15-minute walk through native forest and Mangapu gorge. The main caving section lasts just over 2 hours, during which participants move through limestone formations, scramble over boulders, and wade in shallow streams while observing glowworms on the cave walls. Afterwards, there is a 10-minute walk back through the bush to the office or house where guests can change clothes and enjoy tea, coffee, and cookies.
180 min
Meeting point
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.
End point
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.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.