Set out on an adventure into our private caves, hidden in the rolling hills of Waitomo — untouched, unspoiled, and alive with glowworms.

This is caving as it was meant to be: immersive, awe-inspiring, and just a little bit magical.

Gear up and follow your guide through native forest before stepping into our secluded cave system. With your headlamp lighting the way, you'll scramble around giant boulders, wade through shallow streams, and admire ancient limestone formations — all while millions of glowworms light up the walls around you.

Step away from the crowds — our small-group tours offer a truly authentic experience.

Pocket-sized cameras welcome — with plenty of time and space to capture the magic.

Connect with a guide who shares the caves' secrets and stories, making your journey personal and unforgettable.

Loved by travellers worldwide, with thousands of glowing 5-star reviews.

Waitomo's Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour

Our knowledgeable guide will escort you through beautiful untouched caves here in the Waitomo district. 

This option is our 

Private Tour which consists of just your party of 2-8 people, plus a guide. We will tailor the tour for your group giving you the ability to move slowly through the caves to enjoy, explore and take in the surroundings, including our mesmerising glow worm displays. 

Come and check out why we are the 

#1 cave tour in Waitomo! 

Our eco-tours are through completely untouched and beautiful New Zealand scenery on our family farm. We are off the beaten track away from the crowds, we 

LOVE it that way and so do our customers! 

Don't forget small pocket-sized cameras are welcome. 

Within a short drive of Waitomo Caves Village and the small towns of Te Kuiti and Otorohanga.

Private Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours

We offer two different Blackwater Rafting experiences through the Ruakuri Cave.

The Black Labyrinth is the original, 3-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. You will jump off two small waterfalls (highest is 1.5 meters), float on a tube underneath an impressive display of glowworms and navigate through the cave's natural streamway. All participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 45kgs. 

The Black Abyss is the ultimate 5-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. Abseil 35 metres into the cave and zipline across a river under a grotto of glowworms. You'll then float on a tube through the caves' natural streamway. All participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh 45kgs.

An average level of fitness and mobility is required for both of our tours. It is important to understand that these tours take you into a completely natural cave environment. Please understand that your guides have final discretion of whether you will be able to participate on our tours.

Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

On our photography tours we provide beautiful natural New Zealand scenery both inside and outside of the glow worm caves, with an experienced guide.

These tours are "private". That is, your group and your guide will be the only participants on the tour. On photography tours we take a minimum of two and a maximum of four people.

There are excellent photo opportunities, including beautiful glow worms. The cave system is one of only two in the Waitomo district that is classified by New Zealand's Department of Conservation as being of "International Significance". And it is completely untouched!

On photography tours we allow larger cameras and other equipment like small tripods. And you have the freedom to take a lot more time over your photography than you do on our other tours. Photographing glow worms is challenging, and can take some time. The results though can be spectacular!

Half-day Tours in Waitomo

Waitomo's Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour

Private Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours

Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

3-Hour Private Photography Tour in Waitomo Caves