The evening before we had glowworms for free (see previous article). Was it really a good idea to pay 160 NZD for another glowworm tour? YES!
Most people looking for glowworms in Waitomo end up doing the touristy boat ride in one of the caves. We heard it’s nice, but we found Glowing Adventures, a family business offering the off-the-beaten-track experience with small groups. Whereas small means just the two of us and Heath, our guide (pure luck). After dressing up with cave-pyjamas, helmet and boots we walked into the cave.
At multiple locations it was really narrow and it required a bit of acrobatics to get through narrow corridors and between stalagmites and stalactites. We also experienced absolute darkness (you can’t see your own hands before your eyes). Of course, the highlights were the glowworms.
Heath explained us their stages of life, how they catch their food and how and why they glow. We got wet, dirty and exhausted – but also very satisfied. Definitely another highlight on our journey.
Coming… 
Just one second… 
Close encounters 
Glowworms, not stars 
Growing stalagmite