Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour
Description
Explore Waitomo’s hidden glowworm cave on a private, premium adventure with The Waitomo Experience. As the exclusive operator of the breathtaking Okohua Glowworm Cave, we offer an intimate small group journey designed for those seeking a more private underground experience. Float on tubes beneath thousands of glowworms, swim through clear underground passages, climb over ancient limestone formations, and wade through crystal pools to hidden waterfalls. A good baseline of fitness and confidence in water is required as our expert guides lead you through this adventurous journey, providing top of the line caving equipment and sharing their deep local knowledge along the way. After emerging, enjoy a peaceful bush walk back to base before relaxing in a cedar hot tub overlooking native forest and rolling farmland. With a maximum of just six guests per tour, this eco-friendly experience delivers an intimate, adventurous, and unforgettable journey beneath Waitomo’s magical surface.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- We cannot take any travelers under 45kg
- Minimum age is 12 years old
- We recommend that you feel comfortable in water
- We cannot take anyone over 120kg
- Children aged 12-16 must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or older
- Maximum age is 67 years old
- If you are over 67 years old and you are fit and capable of an adventurous activity, send us a message or email.
Reviews(34)
An absolute must! This was a full experience where we not only got to see LOADS of glow worms but we got a bit of adventure too. Jamie was an incredible guide. Knowledgable, patient and super professional, she made us feel safe and confident every step of the way. Spoiler (if you need one): You get to swim in (cold) water and float under a milky way of glow worms, you get to climb through the cave, you get to choose rather challenging and difficult paths if you feel confident enough and jump off to the water with floaties that you then use to float down the cave. The hot pool at the end makes this a perfect ending to an incredible experience. The caves are really well taken advantage of in a very sustainable way ❤️.
Thanks so much for the great review! Stoked to hear you enjoyed the mix of glowworms and adventure. Jaimie loved taking you through the cave, and we’re glad you finished it all off with a well-earned soak in the hot tubs!
Myself and my partner thoroughly enjoyed this epic adventure and were guided by Jamie. She was a fantastic guide, extremely knowledgable, utterly professional and we had a great laugh. The cave itself was magical and will be something we will always remember.
Thanks so much for the lovely review! We’re really glad you both had such a memorable time in the cave. Jaimie will be stoked to hear your kind words too!
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!!
Thank you so much for the incredible review and for trusting us with your first caving adventure. It was a pleasure taking your group through the cave, and I’m glad you enjoyed the glowworms, cave formations, and that well-earned hot drink along the way!
The experience was absolutely fantastic. Would recommend to anyone.
Thank you for the review! We're really glad you had a fantastic time with us, and we appreciate the recommendation.
This was the highlight of my northern island trip. The drive up alone was stunning, and the excursion was absolutely amazing. Really fun, adventure and the guide Jamie did a phenomenal job leading us through and making the experience unforgettable. Gorgeous views at the end while warming up in the hot tub was an awesome way to end the day. Definitely worth the money to book a private tour with them.
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We’re really happy to hear the experience was a highlight of your North Island trip. Jaimie will love hearing your kind words. Thanks again for joining us!
More than expected with this experience, not just floating around. Climbing through the caves was an amazing activity! Jamie was very good with explaining and working with all our different levels of fitness and anxieties.
Thanks so much for the great review! Jaimie will really appreciate your kind words as well. Great to hear she helped everyone feel comfortable and supported throughout the tour!
This was amazing. You hike, you climb, you swim, you crawl, you tube all to get down the cave. We hiked and tubed a few places in the dark. We all got a turn to lead and time to explore areas of the cave. Plus we learned. The amount of natural glowworms is unreal and it was truly beautiful. You'll be cold in May but not as cold as you think, they give you gear. Jamie, our guide, did a great job with everyone and was so friendly and respectful. You must book this!!!!
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We’re really glad you enjoyed the full adventure side of the experience, climbing, swimming, crawling, tubing, and exploring the cave in the dark. Great to hear Jaimie helped make everyone feel comfortable and supported along the way. Thanks again for joining us and for the recommendation!
I was so nervous driving to the start of the tour. But the staff were reassuring and confident. Once I got down that ladder, all nerves disappeared. Christina was a great guide. It was as if she had memorised the placement of every rock in those caves. It was an awesome experience.
Thanks so much for the lovely review! We’re really glad the team helped you feel comfortable and confident before heading into the cave. Kristyna will really appreciate your kind words. Awesome to hear the nerves disappeared once the adventure got started and that you had such a memorable experience with us!
Amazing experience! Truly challenging. Staff was outstanding, unfortunately I came in a bit late but they still managed to get me in. Congrats to all involved!
Thanks so much for the great review! We’re really glad you enjoyed the adventure and appreciated the more challenging side of the experience. Happy we could still get you on the tour, and awesome to hear the team helped make it such a positive experience. Thanks again for joining us!
10 out of 10 experience. We had such a fun time climbing and swimming our way through the cave and seeing so many glow worms. The group size is small and personable and well worth the money. If you’re thinking about booking, do it. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We’re really glad you enjoyed the climbing, swimming, and exploring through the cave, and getting to see so many glowworms along the way. Great to hear the small group experience made it feel more personal as well. We really appreciate the recommendation and are stoked you had such a fun adventure with us!
