Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour

Explore the Okohua Glowworm Cave in Waitomo

Discover a more personal way to experience Waitomo on a guided 3.5-hour adventure through the exclusive Okohua Glowworm Cave.

Located on our fourth-generation family farm, this is an active caving experience for travellers who want to go beyond standard cave tours.

Just six guests. One private cave. We are the sole operators with exclusive access to this spectacular family owned and operated cave. Guided in groups of no more than six, you'll float through an underground river on tubes beneath a ceiling illuminated by thousands of glowworms. Walk, climb, wade and swim through spectacular limestone passages before emerging into native bush an unforgettable journey few people will ever have.

Finish your adventure with a soak in a cedar hot tub surrounded by beautiful native bush.

What Makes the Okohua Glowworm Cave Different?

Small groups of up to six

Every tour is limited to six guests per guide, creating a more personal experience with more time to explore the cave and interact with your guide.

Exclusive cave access

The Waitomo Experience is the only operator with exclusive access to the Okohua Glowworm Cave.

Active cave exploration

This is not a boardwalk tour. You'll move through the cave itself by walking, climbing, wading, swimming and floating on tubes beneath thousands of glowworms.

Glowworms and limestone formations

The cave is home to tens of thousands of glowworms, along with stalactites, stalagmites, natural limestone chambers, underground springs and other geological features.

Family owned and operated

The Okohua Glowworm Cave is located on our fourth generation family farm in Waitomo. We carefully manage visitor numbers to help protect the cave and surrounding environment.

Carbon positive farm

Our farm sequesters more carbon than it produces, and we continue planting native trees to restore the landscape and protect the environment around the cave.

Cedar hot tubs

After several hours underground, finish your adventure with a hot shower and a well-earned soak in cedar hot tubs.

Key Trip Information

• Approximately 3.5 hours in total
• Approximately two hours underground
• Maximum six guests per guide
• Minimum age: 12 years (guests aged 12–16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over)
• Minimum weight: 45kg
• Maximum weight: 120kg
• Maximum age: 67 years (if you are over 67 and are fit, mobile and experienced with active outdoor activities, please contact us before booking)
• A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required
• Guests must be comfortable in deep or moving water
• No previous caving experience is required

What You'll Do

During the tour you can expect to:

• Walk over uneven natural cave terrain
• Climb over rocks and obstacles
• Wade through underground water
• Swim or float short sections
• Float on tubes beneath thousands of glowworms
• Navigate natural limestone passages
• Experience complete darkness in sections of the cave

There are no constructed pathways or handrails inside the cave.

What to Bring

Please bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Warm socks you don't mind getting wet

We provide your specialist caving equipment, including a wetsuit, helmet, light and gumboots.

Thank you for choosing The Waitomo Experience and the Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour.

Caving is an adventure activity that takes place in a natural and unpredictable environment. While we actively manage risks through trained guides, specialist equipment, safety procedures and regular audits, some inherent risks cannot be completely removed.

Please follow the instructions of our guides at all times.

Potential hazards include, but are not limited to:

Water-related hazards: Swift currents, submerged objects, changing water levels, deep water and cold-water temperatures.

Environmental hazards: Uneven surfaces, slippery rocks, confined spaces, darkness, falling debris and natural disasters.

Physical strain: Walking, climbing, swimming and manoeuvring through natural or confined cave passages.

Wildlife encounters: Potential contact with insects, birds or other wildlife.

Equipment failure: Although all equipment is inspected and maintained to a high standard, there remains a small risk of equipment failure.

Equipment misuse: All equipment must be used as instructed by your guide.

Weather conditions: Rainfall and sudden weather changes can affect water levels and cave conditions.

These risks may include falling, drowning, slipping, hypothermia, rockfall injuries, natural disasters, mental distress, bruising, fatigue and delayed access to medical assistance.

Health and fitness: Participants must be in suitable physical health and disclose any medical conditions, injuries or medications that may affect participation.

Safety instructions: You must follow all instructions and guidance provided by your guide.

Personal judgement: Tell your guide about any concerns or discomfort during the activity.

Suitable clothing and equipment: Wear swimwear and socks that can get wet. Wetsuits, helmets, lights and gumboots are provided and must be worn as instructed.

Our guides are trained to lead guests through the Okohua Glowworm Cave safely.

Before entering the cave, your guide will provide a safety briefing, explain the equipment and demonstrate techniques you'll use underground. Your guide will remain with the group throughout the experience and monitor cave and group conditions as the tour progresses.

By participating in the activity, you confirm that:

• You understand the inherent risks associated with caving


• You agree to follow all instructions provided by your guide


• You are participating voluntarily


• You are not impaired by alcohol, recreational drugs or medication that may affect your ability to participate safely

If you have any questions about the physical requirements, medical conditions or suitability of the experience, please contact our team before booking.