About Waitomo Adventures

Our Mission is to be New Zealand’s leading provider of underground adventures to the public. To do so using recognised industry principles of best practice in relation to the safety of staff and clients and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

We Guarantee

Our options include the most dramatic & spectacular caves available to tourists in New Zealand.
We are responsible for looking after approx. 20km of caves in this area and are the only company approved to guide tours through these caves.
Our glowworm-viewing options have excellent displays of glowworms.
You do not need any previous caving or climbing experience, just moderate fitness.
Our adventure cave guides are the most comprehensively trained team of this kind in New Zealand.
Our safety systems are government-approved - we carry both Qualmark & Outdoorsmark endorsements.
We are a family owned company that supports the local community.
Our friendly service is second to none - there are no hidden costs.
Your photos are free (i.e. no extra cost on top of the trip price).
We will pick you up from anywhere in Waitomo Village – for free (e.g. from local accommodation).
If the weather is not cooperating for your chosen option, we will offer you a free upgrade to a higher value option (if possible) or your money back – at your option.
We are open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Not All Caves Are Created Equal

If you enjoy unspoiled nature on her own terms - If you want an amazing and rewarding experience - If you enjoy a good laugh - Come and join us in our Underground Playground!

Our History

How Waitomo Adventures came to be.

How It All Started

Over 35 years ago (1987) Nick Andreef founded the operation when he pioneered excursions through the fantastic Lost World Cave system.

As word spread, the increasing popularity of these activities led to the investigation of other “wild caves” resulting in the range of six amazing adventure options now available.

Today Waitomo Adventures Ltd remains family owned and operated. Nick remains the CEO ably supported by his awesome team of highly trained professionals.

That makes Waitomo Adventures the longest running cave operation under the same management in the Waitomo region.

We’re also one of the last remaining adventure companies in New Zealand offering "slow tourism" - better for your soul; better for the environment ! Feel free to help us withstand the corporatisation of adventure tourism in this country. Just a few years ago there were 1500 registered adventure operators in NZ, now there’s less than 300.

Why Go Caving?

Caves are the last frontier of land-based exploration on this planet.

They are the subject of legend; mystery and primal emotions. In this environment explorers can tune out the electronic age and tune into their own real and ancient feelings including those of awe; challenge; conquest; joy and even fear – In short you can feel alive!

You can also marvel at the sheer majesty of subterranean caverns “immeasurable to man”.

The caves we operate have never been tamed. They are the real deal and when you visit these “wild” caves you know in your soul that you are in a special place.

People entering this subterranean domain experience both a physical & emotional journey - but perhaps the main reason to visit is simply that caving is … FUN !