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Highlights

• Eco caving adventure in Waitomo
• 3 hour small group glow worm tour
• #1 glow worm cave tour in Waitomo
• Maximum of 8 people per tour

Description

Down to Earth (formerly Glowing Adventures) take you into the heart of New Zealand forest and deep into the untouched limestone caves for this very memorable experience. There are over 300 caves in Waitomo, but New Zealand's department of conservation has classified these caves as one of the few of 'international significance', making this a highlight of many visitors trips!

Off the Beaten Track Glow Worm Tour

On the Off the Beaten Track tour, your local guide will allow you to slowly make your way through the cave so you are able to immerse yourself fully in this magical environment. The caves have no modifications which makes this tour a real adventure. With no handrails, extra lighting, or paths you will experience the purest form of nature as you clamber over boulders and wade through streams. Once in the caves, you will be in awe of the sparkling constellations of thousands of shining glow worms above.

You are welcome to bring a pocket-sized camera to capture the remarkable scenery, however, if you wish to bring larger equipment, you should join the Photography tour.

Photography Tour

The photography tour is perfect for those travellers wanting to capture the beauty of the glow worms, on this tour your large camera and tripod can come too! This allows you that extra time to set up your cameras to get the best shots possible. The difference between this tour and the Off the Beaten Track tour is the focus being on the entrance of the cave and Mangapu Gorge, which you will be keen to capture as this is incredibly picturesque. Alongside this, there are opportunities to grab some snaps of the glow-worm displays, limestone formations and New Zealand's lush native bush.

Trip Includes

• A friendly and knowledgeable local guide
• Small intimate group sizes
• Exploration of native New Zealand Forest
• Impressive rock formations and untouched limestone caves
• Spectacular glow worm displays
• Free photos of your adventure
• All equipment needed to explore the caves

Duration

• Allow 3 hours (approximately 2 hours in the caves)

Departures

• 9:30am & 1:30pm
• Departs from Oparure Road in the Waitomo District
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• Off the Beaten Track tour and Private tour: Maximum group size is 8 and a minimum of 2 people 
• Photography tour: Maximum of 4 in a group, but can run with just 1 person
• Minimum age is 12 years, Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
• Maximum weight is 120kgs (265lbs)
• Tours require a good level of fitness as you will be required to climb over boulders, walking uphill and be capable of wading through streams with rocks underfoot
• Socks, footwear, thermals and a helmet will all be provided, you will just need some swimwear to wear underneath

Normal Retail Prices

• Off the Beaten Track Tour:
  • per person NZD$219.00
• Private Glow Worm Tour:
  • per group (2-8 people) NZD$1099.00
• Glow Worm Photography Tour:
  • per group (maximum of 4) NZD$1099.00