Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour
Overview
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
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
- Genuine Kiwi hospitality at its best
- See the caves just as nature intended
- All caving equipment & warm clothing provided
- Adventure photos emailed after your tour
- Guided by a local with deep knowledge & connection
- Pick-up and drop-off services
- Public transport (not available in this area)
Meeting Location
1199 Oparure Road
Te Kuiti 3985, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Tours
3 hours Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with a low level of fitness
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-24439P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 463 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
- Genuine Kiwi hospitality at its best.
- See the caves just as nature intended.
- All caving equipment & warm clothing provided.
- Adventure photos emailed after your tour.
- Guided by a local with deep knowledge & connection.
- Pick-up and drop-off services.
- Public transport (not available in this area).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with a low level of fitness
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
- Genuine Kiwi hospitality at its best
- See the caves just as nature intended
- All caving equipment & warm clothing provided
- Adventure photos emailed after your tour
- Guided by a local with deep knowledge & connection
- Pick-up and drop-off services
- Public transport (not available in this area)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with a low level of fitness
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
