⚠️ Hidden Gem Alert!!

If you're looking for a glowworm experience that feels personal, exclusive, and far away from the crowds, The Waitomo Experience looks like one of Waitomo's best-kept secrets.

Family-owned and operated on a third-generation farm, this adventure takes guests into the stunning Okohua Glowworm Cave, a cave they have exclusive access to. Unlike the larger commercial cave tours, group sizes are kept incredibly small, creating a much more intimate experience where you can take your time exploring this underground world.

From black water tubing through underground rivers to wandering beneath thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling like a starry night sky, this looks like the kind of adventure that leaves a lasting impression. To top it all off, the experience finishes with a soak in a cedar hot tub surrounded by native bush. Not a bad way to end the day 😍

We're actually booked to experience this ourselves in a few months' time and can't wait to see what all the fuss is about. The reviews are incredible, and from everything we've seen so far, it looks like exactly the kind of adventure that we're going to be raving about.

Key details:

🌟 Family-owned and operated
🌟 Exclusive access to the stunning Okohua Glowworm Cave

🌟 The whole experience lasts for 3.5 hours.

🌟 The price is $269 per person. (mid 2026 pricing)

🌟 Small group tours for a more personal experience
🌟 Black water tubing through underground rivers
🌟 Thousands of glowworms overhead
🌟 Incredible limestone formations
🌟 Cedar hot tub included after the tour
🌟 Located on a third-generation family farm
🌟 Carbon-positive business
🌟 A more intimate alternative to the larger Waitomo cave tours

🌟 Accommodation available on their farm: www.instagram.com/thewaitomowoolshed

If you're planning a trip to Waitomo and prefer unique experiences over big crowds, this one should definitely be on your radar.

Contact Details

www.thewaitomoexperience.co.nz

754 Boddies Road, Waitomo Caves

www.facebook.com/thewaitomoexperience

www.instagram.com/thewaitomoexperience

Reviews:

"An absolute highlight of our vacation! Our tour with "The Waitomo Experience" was absolutely incredible. We were guided by Vaughan, who was not only extremely friendly and helpful, but also super cool to hang out with and full of fascinating knowledge about the glowworms, the cave and its history. The entire adventure was amazing from start to finish. We climbed, swam, floated and squeezed our way through the cave, surrounded by countless glowworms, that created the most magical atmosphere. What I loved most, unlike the big commercial tours where you get rushed through with huge groups, this was super small, personal and unhurried. We had enough time to take everything in and enjoy the adventure at our own pace and also prepare comfortably before entering the cave. To top it all off, we ended the experience relaxing in the hot tub overlooking the beautiful farm landscape. It was the perfect way to finish an unforgettable tour. I can't recommend "The Waitomo Experience" enough. If you're looking for a unique, exciting, and truly memorable adventure in New Zealand, this is the place to go!" - Freddy Z, Google Reviews. 2026

"ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!! There’s a reason this experience has nothing less than 5 stars cause it truly lives up to the hype (and more). This was such a phenomenal experience for us as a group to explore caving and get closer to nature. John and his team are absolute professionals and he made sure that we were safe and well taken care off. Especially loved the hot drink break half way through the experience and loved learning about glowworms and cave formations. If you’re ever in New Zealand and looking for adventure, this has got to be on your list!!" - Dwarakesh, Tripadvisor. 2026