• ComePlayFor Real

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100% Pure Play

100% Pure Play

Waitomo Adventures

Our world is not for the faint hearted!
Waiting for you is New Zealand’s Biggest and Most Challenging Underground Playground.
Bring your best game – you’ll need all your skills and experience to level up as you delve into these fantastic places

 

Overview

Marvel at the sheer majesty of subterranean caverns “immeasurable to man”. Be at one with Nature. We’ve been operating since 1987 with unparalleled safety. Nevertheless, the “wild” caves we look after have never been tamed.

There’s no footpaths. They are the “real deal” and when you visit them 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 !

Whether you’re doing NZ’s highest abseil (100m) into the spectacular Lost World (feels like you’re descending into the bowels of a pre-historic beast!); swimming along an underground river or being smashed through the fantastic Haggas Honking Holes you’ll be blown away by what lies beneath.

Here are links to three mighty adventures. You need to be fit and keen. These are not for the fainthearted.
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Highlights

Arguably, the most spectacular abseil for initiates in the world.

Spectacular

Great For First Time Abseilers

Great For First Time Abseilers

Arguably, the most spectacular abseil for initiates in the world – nothing in NZ comes close. The pre-historic oligocene setting is spectacular; unbelievable; mind-blowing.

You’re suspended like a very small thing on a very long string but with the confidence and reassurance of your guide alongside the whole time providing additional and immediate backup.

The on-rope descent takes about 20 minutes. With the underground river roaring up from far below, It’s like descending into the bowels of some prehistoric beast.

In The Caverns

Things To See

Things To See

The above ground location is a beautiful landscape of farmland with native forest planted by us over many years to help look after the climate and also the caves underneath.

Once down in the cave, catch your breath, because this is actually just the beginning - there’s a lot more to do and see aa you explore the massive vaults - See excellent glowworms and gigantic flowstone formations.

Gradually climb back to the surface through massive craggy caverns ledges and ladders including the legendary 30m “stairway to heaven”.

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Stacks of Free Insta-worthy Photos FREE!

Stacks of Free Insta-worthy Photos FREE!

Although not pro photographers, our guides are pretty handy with a camera – which is good because caves can be tricky places to photograph.

As personal phones and cameras & Go-pros are not permitted for safety, we make sure to take plenty of snaps of you on your adventure.

Unlike some other companies, photos are provided Free of Charge ie you won't be asked for annoying additional photo charges in addition to the advertised trip price.

A Journey Together

Highly Qualified & Experienced Guides

Highly Qualified & Experienced Guides

Guides inform, assist and ensure safety throughout – they are among the best qualified in New Zealand.

Equally important, in our view, is that our guides are here for you - because they love sharing in your quest for fun, thrill and adventure.

Don't let their down-to-earth, fun loving nature fool you though, they take your safety very seriously.

 

Video Gallery

A picture is worth a thousand words.

 

Common Questions

Everything you need to know.

Waitomo, NZ

Central North Island Location

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  • What Do I Need to Bring
    Loose fitting, comfortable adventure clothing (not Jeans) and long thick socks suitable for bush walking. We provide all other equipment including helmets, lights, any vertical gear, overalls and PVC boots. We have changing facilities available so you can arrive in your street clothes and get changed onsite.
  • What Time Should I Arrive?
    Be sure to book to secure your caving tour by booking in advance. Please note we only accept Visa or Mastercard. Our trips are popular and bookings are recommended, especially in the summer months. To secure the most suitable departure time(s), make your booking early.

    Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time for our Adventure Trips.
    Check in for the Troll Cave is 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
  • Is This Adventure Suitable For Children?
    * Remember almost ANYONE CAN DO TROLLCAVE - so come & have fun with us even if you cant go "real" caving.

    Any children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or mature adult known to the child who is aged 18 years and over. It is critical that any child is sufficiently mature and responsible enough to follow the instructions of the guide.

    Minimum Ages for our adventure caves are:
    Lost World Half Day - 10 Years
    Lost World Through the Window - 10 Years
    Lost World Epic - 15 Years
    Haggas Honking Holes 15 Years
    St Benedicts Caverns - 12 Years

    Minimum Weight 40kg
    Talk to us before you book if you or your child weighs less than 40kg (90 Pounds)
  • What About Photography?
    Photography – No Cameras, Go Pros etc
    We provide a basic photo service.
    Please do not come to us if you wish to take your own photos or videos – it will not end well.
    If you try to check-in with a camera, or pull out a camera during the activity, then your trip will be terminated and there will be no refund.
    Our guides take photos on basic cameras and these are provided to clients via internet at no extra charge i.e. Free photographs.
    However, please be aware that the focus of our activities is on adventure, not photography. We have found that the flow of these activities becomes disrupted if clients take their own camera gear. One person's photographic dream can be at the expense of others in the group who just want to get on with the adventure. There are also safety issues e.g. where loose gear could fall and become damaged or even injure someone.
    There are also privacy issues – where other participants on the activity may not want to be photographed (whether it’s deliberate or not)
    For all these reasons, no client photography equipment is permitted on any activities. This includes no cameras; no videos; no Go-Pros etc

  • How to Pay
    Prices are GST (tax) inclusive and also include the use of all necessary equipment (except the minimal "you need" items). To secure your booking you will need to book online using the link on this page. Please note we only accept Visa or Mastercard
 

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