Glowing Adventures

Are you looking for heaven? No, this isn't it, but it's pretty close to what heaven must be like. I was with a group of friends on a short trip to New Zealand and about 2.5 hours drive, south of Auckland, you will find Waitomo and it is in this idyllic surrounding that you will find Down To Earth Tours. Nothing that you see online will match up to what this place is like in real life. The drive down is magical to begin with and then when you get to the place, it's even better. Our guide was Ash, and he knew his stuff! We couldn't have asked for a better guide, or a better experience. After Ash kits you out in some warm clothes and a pair of gum boots, you are all set to go! The walk down to the entrance of the caves made you feel like you were on your own "Hobbit" adventure. (Excuse the "Lord of the Rings" comparisons, I'm a huge fan!) The sound of the stream get clearer as you make your way to the bottom, crystal clear water greets you and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive eels that call the stream, home. (Don't sorry, they are harmless, it is New Zealand after all!) Some passages through the caves are tight and require you to squeeze through, while some others require you to climb over. All in all it is an experience to be had. The stalactites and stalagmites are a sight to behold and something to marvel at, considering that they take eons to grow. Getting water in your boots is inevitable, so dont be afraid to wade through the stream. And then you see them, well you see them once you turn off the light on your helmet...the Glow Worms!!! They are fascinating as they are beautiful. At one point, Ash asked us all to sit on a rock and then told us to all turn off our lights together. We were not ready for the sight that presented itself to us. The entire cave ceiling turned in to a night sky! There were Glow Worms all of over the place and it was magical. We almost didn't want to leave! Ash was a fantastic guide and he took pics of us all throughout the tour. You are allowed to take your phone with you too. So if you are ever down that way, check them out and be ready for a sight and experience that you will never forget!
Apr 28th, 2023

We had a super wonderful time with the Down to Earth trip to the Waitomo glow worm caves. We had a problem with our hire car and were really tight for time, thinking we would miss our adventure, but the people from Down to Earth were very helpful and accommodated our delay. The company provided full gear - clothes, boots, helmets, etc., so that one didn't end up with one's own clothes wet and muddy. There were comfortable facilities to change and wash. The visit to the caves was a very enjoyable combination of a walk through a beautiful landscape, wading through a river under interesting rock formations, and exciting walking, climbing and crawling through the cave system - nothing arduous, just very interesting. Our guide, Ash, was just great - lovely sense of humour and really knowledgeable about the area and its flora and fauna - we thoroughly enjoyed his company. We were allowed to take photos on our phones where safe, but Ash also took some beautiful photos of us inside and outside the caves and of the glow worms, which were then made available to us for free! After the visit to the caves, we were treated to tea, coffee and cookies back at the office. I would totally recommend this company to anyone who wants to see the glow worms and enjoy a very balanced and interesting experience!
May 1st, 2023

Its a great experience
Apr 25th, 2023

Magical experience that brought me to tears! Very adventurous and unique experience. Ash was an excellent guide.
Apr 25th, 2023

Apr 21st, 2023