Experience one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions on a guided walk through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Follow expert guides through ancient limestone passages and dramatic caverns, where thousands of tiny glowworms light up the ceilings above — a truly unforgettable underground experience unique to Aotearoa.
Looking for an authentic Waitomo glowworm experience? Glowing Adventures offers eco-friendly guided cave tours that go beyond the ordinary. Explore untouched limestone caves filled with thousands of native Waitomo glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa), and experience their natural glow in a pristine, uncrowded environment.
Why choose Glowing Adventures in Waitomo?
Off-the-Beaten-Path Glowworm Caves
Visit quiet, untouched caves far from the crowds, where glowworms thrive in their natural habitat.
Eco-Friendly Guided Tours
Led by knowledgeable local guides, each tour focuses on conservation, education, and protecting Waitomo’s delicate cave ecosystems.
Experiences for Every Explorer
Choose from relaxed guided cave walks, exclusive private glowworm tours, or specialist photography experiences designed to suit all ages and interests.
Discover a quieter, more meaningful way to experience the Waitomo glowworms. Book your guided cave tour with Glowing Adventures and explore New Zealand’s underground world through sustainable, small-group experiences.
Price: $219 per person
Duration: Three Hours allowing approx 2 hours in the cave
Departure times: 8:30 am – 11:30 am & 2:00 pm
Group Size: Maximum 8 persons per tour
Embark on an immersive eco-adventure through native New Zealand bush before entering untouched limestone caves glowing with thousands of Waitomo glowworms. This small-group tour offers a slow, unhurried pace and a truly authentic cave experience far from the crowds.
Why choose this tour? Fitness note: Moderate fitness is required.
Price: 1099 per group (1 to 8 persons)
Duration: Three Hours allowing approx 2 hours in the cave
Departure times: 8:30 am – 11:30 am & 2:00 pm
Group Size: Maximum 8 persons per tour
Escape the crowds and explore Waitomo’s glowworm caves at your own pace on this exclusive private tour. Enjoy full attention from your guide as you journey through unspoilt cave systems and native bush in complete privacy.
Highlights
Price: $1099 for upto 4 persons.
Duration: Three Hours allowing approx 2 hours in the cave
Departure times: 8:30 am – 11:30 am & 2:00 pm
Designed specifically for photography enthusiasts, this private tour allows extended time in key glowworm and landscape locations, including the scenic Mangapu Gorge and cave entrances.
What makes this tour differentImportant notes
⚠️ Fitness & access
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour offers an unforgettable experience exploring ancient limestone passages illuminated by thousands of native glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa). The caves are left in their natural state, allowing you to experience this rare bioluminescent phenomenon in a quiet, pristine environment found only in New Zealand.
Choosing a guided tour with Glowing Adventures means experiencing Waitomo’s glowworms in small groups or private tours, led by knowledgeable local guides who prioritise conservation, education, and authentic exploration. Their eco-focused approach offers access to untouched caves well away from mass tourism.
Small-group eco tours allow for a slower, more personal cave experience with plenty of time to observe, photograph, and appreciate the glowworms. With limited group sizes, you’ll enjoy a calm, immersive environment without crowds, artificial lighting, or rushed schedules.
On a private glowworm cave tour, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to unspoiled caves with no concrete paths or artificial lighting. The experience includes climbing, wading through streams, and exploring at your own pace with your guide. All caving gear is provided, along with hot drinks, snacks, and shower facilities after the tour.
Yes. The Glowworm Photography Guided Tour is designed specifically for photography enthusiasts. It allows extended time in key locations, permits larger camera equipment, and focuses on glowworm-rich areas and scenic cave entrances within an internationally significant cave system. This tour is private and ideal for those wanting high-quality, low-light images.
A moderate level of fitness is required for all Glowing Adventures cave tours. Guests should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, climbing over boulders, ascending slopes, and wading through shallow streams. These are authentic, unmodified caves rather than paved walkways.
Yes, the tours are suitable for confident children who are comfortable with adventure-style activities. However, due to uneven terrain and physical elements, they may not be suitable for very young children. If you’re unsure, the small-group eco tour is usually the best option for families.
You only need to bring yourself and a sense of adventure. All essential caving gear is provided, including boots, socks, overalls, and helmets. We recommend bringing a towel and dry clothes for after the tour.
Small cameras are welcome on the Eco-Tour and Private Tour, although conditions can be low light and damp. For guests wanting to use larger cameras or tripods, the Glowworm Photography Guided Tour is specifically designed for this purpose and allows extra time for setup and shooting.
No. The caves visited by Glowing Adventures are completely natural, with no artificial lighting, concrete paths, or handrails. This preserves the glowworms’ natural habitat and provides a truly authentic Waitomo cave experience.
No, transport is not provided. Guests must self-drive to the Glowing Adventures base near Waitomo. There is no public transport access, so having your own vehicle is essential.
These tours are not suitable for guests with mobility limitations. The experience involves climbing, walking on uneven ground, and wading through streams. If you have concerns about accessibility, we recommend contacting the operator before booking.