The Waitomo Experience

An immersive adventure for those who seek exhilarating fun, wonder and beauty of the natural world.

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The Waitomo Experience 5 Star Google Reviews.The Waitomo Experience 5 Star Google Reviews.
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the experience

A premium caving adventure exploring the ancient subterranean world of Waitomo.

Fully guided in small groups of no more than six people, float through an underground river staring at a ceiling illuminated with thousands of glowworms.
Walk and climb over rocks while discovering breathtaking formations naturally chiseled over millions of years.
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Complete your experience by unwinding and soaking in a cedar hot tub, surrounded by beautiful native bush.

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Learn about The Waitomo Experience Safety and Regulations. You can also view our Risk Disclosure Statement on this page too. Your safety is our top priority.
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Our experiences

okOhua glowworm cave Tour

A three-hour caving adventure through the Okohua Glowworm Cave

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private tour

A private bespoke tour through the Okohua Glowworm Cave

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corporate Groups

A team building experience through the Okohua Glowworm Cave

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Experience the Okahua Glowworm Cave Group Tour at Waitomo in New Zealand with The Waitomo Experience.
Attractions

What you'll see

This isn't just a trip through a cave. From the drive in through stunning New Zealand farmland, to soaking in a hot tub in beautiful native bush, this trip is a luxury and bespoke experience that will stick with you for a lifetime.

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glowworms

The Okohua Cave and surrounding bush has tens of thousands of glowworms that illuminate a blue/green glow. They transform their environment to look like a shining night sky light up by stars. Certain areas of the trip, the glowworms are so condensed they light the cave ceiling up which you can view by floating in a tube down the river to view their spectacular display.

Certain areas of the trip, the glowworms are so condensed they light the cave ceiling up which you can view by floating in a tube down the river to view their spectacular display.

black water rafting

Fully guided, drift deep into the Okohua Cave on your own tube, carried by an underground river as the ceiling above you comes alive with thousands of glowworms. Their soft blue-green light transforms the cave into a starlit sky, guiding your way through one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Book a Okahua Glowworm Cave Tour at Waitomo in New Zealand - Great guides, amazing caves, the glowworms are 5 star alone and even hot tubs!
Certain areas of the trip, the glowworms are so condensed they light the cave ceiling up which you can view by floating in a tube down the river to view their spectacular display.
Discover breath taking formations naturally chiseled over millions of years.

Limestone formations

Fresh springs that run underground have carved out incredible limestone formations over millions of years. Stalactites and stalagmites grow from the ceiling and floor of the cave, creating a breathtaking display of natural beauty.

Stalagmites and stalactites grow from the ceiling and floor of the cave, creating a breathtaking display of natural beauty.
Stalagmites and stalactites grow from the ceiling and floor of the cave, creating a breathtaking display of natural beauty.
Fresh springs that run underground have carved out incredible limestone formations over millions of years.

cedar hot tub

Once completing your caving trip, you have the option to have a shower and hop into our cedar hot tub to warm up and soak in the beautiful nature surrounding you.      

Once completing your caving trip, you have the option to have a shower and hop into our cedar hot tub to warm up and soak in the beautiful nature surrounding you.
Once completing your caving trip, you have the option to have a shower and hop into our cedar hot tub to warm up and soak in the beautiful nature surrounding you.
trees planted:

0000

Kaitiakitanga (the Māori concept of guardianship and protection of the land and natural resources) is something we take seriously at The Waitomo Experience.

The Okohua cave lies on a third generation family farm that has planted thousands of native trees. For every visitor that comes through the Okohua Cave, we plant a native tree. We developed this initiative to always give back to Papatūānuku (mother earth) and protect our natural asset for generations to come.

Built on Trust

SUSTAINABLE

We operate on a carbon positive farm.

INTIMATE EXPERIENCE

We have one guide for every six people, with a maximum of 12 people per trip.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

We provide a range of different options throughout your trip to ramp the adventure up or keep it more relaxing.

Built on Trust

We operate on a carbon positive farm.

Sustainable

We operate on a carbon positive farm.

Audited and certified by AdventureMark, governed by WorkSafe NZ.

SAFETY FIRST

Audited and certified by AdventureMark, governed by WorkSafe NZ.

We are a family owned and operated business .

FAMILY OWNED

We are a family owned and operated business .

Customer testimonials

Don't hear it from us, hear it from the explorers who’ve been underground.

"The Waitomo Experience was my first time adventuring underground into a cave, I was left speechless. There was excitement from start to finish that exceeded all my expectations. From floating down the river admiring the picturesque environment, to being surrounded by thousands of glowworms I couldn't get enough.

Vaughan our guide was not only friendly but also highly skilled, offering knowledge and great customer service.Would highly recommend."
Dom Barker
"What an incredible day out in Waitomo! This caving tour was the perfect mix of adventure, fun, and personal touches. The small group size made the whole experience feel really special. No crowds, no rush, just fully immersed in the moment.

Our guides were legends! warm, knowledgeable, and full of great stories. We climbed, splashed through water, explored hidden corners of the cave, and learned heaps along the way. The gear was in great condition, clean and comfy, and the cherry on top was a relaxing soak in the hot tub afterwards.

If you’re looking for a unique, well-run experience that goes beyond the usual tourist trail - this is it."
Anastasia N
"The experience was amazing. Absolutely love it! The guide was super caring, professional and knowledgeable. He knew everything about the cave and the glowworms. The limestone formations in the cave were stunning. It felt like walking into another world and it felt so unreal. My favourite part was sitting on the tube and floating beneath the galaxy of glowworm. It was like stargazing. Even it was winter time, the wetsuit provided was warm enough. And they were so considering that we had a little break during the adventure and hot drink was served. I enjoyed the hot shower and cedar hot tub at the end as well. Best adventure ever! Highly recommend!"
Wingby Cheung
"Absolutely amazing experience! Our guide, Vaughan, was fantastic—he took the time to explain the rock formations, the glowworms, and shared some really interesting facts along the way. It never felt rushed, and we got to fully take in the incredible beauty of the cave. Some sections involved crawling through tight spaces, which made it even more exciting, but there were also easier routes for those who weren’t feeling as adventurous. The main site is in a stunning location with breathtaking views, and the hot tub at the end was the perfect way to relax and enjoy the view. Would highly recommend!"
"One of the best experiences I have done in NZ. They are only new and I was lucky enough to be one of the first! Great guides, amazing caves, the glowworms were 5 star alone and even hot tubs!! A absolute must do in Waitomo!!"
"Mind blowing trip, glow worms are spectacular. Hot tubs after are also amazing. All set on a beautiful farm. Highly recommend."
"We absolutely loved our tour! I've been caving before, but this experience felt much more personal and engaging. Our guide Vaughan provided great insights into the formations, and we had the freedom to explore at our own pace. The tour was well-suited for different caving abilities, making it enjoyable for everyone. Must do!"
"Most beautiful experience. Staff are welcoming and full of great banter and knowledge of the caves. Glowworm tour was amazing and will definitely be coming back! Thanks heaps guys, you were awesome."
"Amazing Glowworms. Vaughan my guide was the best, very knowledgeable about the cave and made the group have lots of fun. Tubing was my favourite. Highly recommend."

join us for an adventure of a lifetime

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