One year ago, we welcomed our first guests into the Okohua Glowworm Cave.

We had no idea what our first year would look like.

We weren't chasing awards or rankings. We simply wanted to create the kind of cave experience we felt was missing in Waitomo. Small groups. Genuine adventure. Time to slow down and experience the cave properly.

One year later, thanks to every guest who has trusted us with part of their New Zealand holiday, The Waitomo Experience has become Waitomo's highest rated cave tour.

That milestone means everything to us.

Not because of the rating itself, but because of the people behind it.

Every review tells the story of someone who climbed, swam, floated beneath glowworms, stepped outside their comfort zone, and then took the time to tell others about it.

This blog is simply our way of saying thank you.

"The highlight of our New Zealand trip."

There isn't one review that defines our first year.

But one sentence appears again and again.

"An absolute highlight of our vacation!"

Freddy Z.

"Overall, it was one of the highlights of our trip."

Azman Faris

"Hands down one of the best experiences I've had here."

Sazrina

People travel halfway around the world to experience New Zealand.

To hear that a few hours spent underground with us became one of the memories they'll take home is something we'll never take for granted.

Small groups really do make a difference

When we limited every tour to six guests, we hoped people would notice.

We didn't expect quite how often it would appear in your reviews.

"Unlike the big commercial tours where you get rushed through with huge groups, this was super small, personal and unhurried."

Freddy Z.

"What we loved most about this trip was how small and intimate it felt, with a maximum of just six people per group."

Kaylee Yaung

"It wasn't over commercialised with huge groups... it was a small group that made the whole experience far more intimate."

Philip Pimenta

For us, small groups have never been about exclusivity.

They create space.

Space to ask questions.

Space to take in the glowworms.

Space to challenge yourself without feeling rushed.

Most importantly, they allow us to genuinely connect with every guest who joins us underground.

Adventure with confidence

Exploring a natural cave should feel adventurous.

It should never feel intimidating.

One of the most rewarding parts of reading your reviews has been seeing how many people mention feeling safe throughout the experience.

"I booked this adventure with slight apprehension... I felt very safe during our exploration."

Kailee Oliver

"My Cave Guide was kind and caring and we felt absolutely safe in her care."

Kendall Miller

"The staff were friendly, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do, which made us feel safe and excited at the same time."

Azman Faris

Every member of our guiding team shares the same goal: helping guests feel confident enough to enjoy every moment of the adventure.

More than just glowworms

The glowworms are incredible.

But they're only part of the experience.

Again and again, guests talk about climbing through limestone passages, floating quietly through the underground river, learning about the cave's history, and sharing the experience with family and friends.

"We climbed, swam, floated and squeezed our way through the cave, surrounded by countless glowworms."

Freddy Z.

"Actually getting to climb and float your way through a jaw-dropping network of limestone caverns!"

Joey Smith

"Floating down the river and looking up at thousands of glowworms was such a magical experience."

Tess

Those are exactly the moments we hoped people would remember.

And then... the cedar hot tubs

We smile every time someone mentions the hot tubs.

When we first planned the experience, we always imagined they'd be more than just a way to warm up.

Turns out, you agree.

"Finishing it off with a good soak in the hot tubs was the perfect ending."

Tess

"The hot tub at the end was great and we would definitely do it again!"

Marcia Burke

"To top it all off... a soak in a hot tub overlooking farmland and native trees."

Jo Clearwater

After a few hours in cool underground water, there's something special about ending the day in warm cedar tubs, looking out across the farm and reflecting on the adventure you've just shared.

Thank you

Reading these reviews has been one of the most rewarding parts of our first year.

Not because every review is five stars.

Because every review comes from a real person who chose to spend part of their New Zealand journey with us.

Whether you travelled from the other side of the world or just down the road, thank you for choosing our small family business.

Thank you for your trust.

Thank you for your encouragement.

Thank you for recommending us to others.

Most of all, thank you for making our first year more successful than we ever imagined.

We're only getting started, and we can't wait to welcome many more people into the Okohua Glowworm Cave in the years ahead.

See you underground.

The Waitomo Experience Team

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