Underworld Adventures — Attraction in South Island

We don’t tend to leave reviews, but felt this was a mixed experience considering the high price we paid for the tubing activity. Once we’d taken the bus and the train to the riverside, we were kept waiting for over half an hour as the morning session before us was delayed and we had to wait to collect our helmets and tubes from this group. Once we finally got underway there was a shortage of guides as the delayed timing of the previous groups meant they needed to stop for lunch. That meant that 16 of us (the usual max size of a group is 8) were taken into the cave together with one guide and another group of 8 were kept waiting outside for even longer for another guide to arrive. As it was, we spent a good portion of the tour struggling to hear our guide or waiting a long time for him to take the same photo of everybody. Eventually another guide returned and we were split into groups of 8 but we felt like we were rushed through and overheard the guides speaking about skipping part of the experience which we were disappointed by. The actual sight of the glow worms was impressive and our guide Will was informative and professional and did his best despite the logistical headaches of the day. The tubing down the river was fun but just a warning that it is very shallow and very easy to knock yourself on the rocks below - which can be quite painful and was not mentioned to us at any point in the initial safety briefing or during the activity. And then when we got back to the base there were only 3 showers, so a group of us had to wait shivering to take our turn and then have a very short shower in order not to keep others waiting. We were told at the safety briefing that this was the busiest day of the year so assume it’s not always that chaotic. However considering how much each individual had paid, this excuse didn’t really cut the mustard and ultimately they should have planned accordingly rather than make such a mess of the day’s timings. The cherry on the cake was downloading our pictures from the day (included as part of the experience) and finding there was only 4 of the two of us in total! We could see from the screen back at the centre that other groups had far more than this. A novelty experience and the glow worms are beautiful but poorly managed and timed. Not quite sure where everybody’s money is...

One of the coolest experiences of our trip! Each part is amazing on it's own, but when you add them all together....simply outstanding. Their location is easy to find to start your adventure, getting outfitted in the wetsuit was quick and easy, a quick safety briefing and group photo and we were on our way. The little train to take you to the trail head reminded us a lot of Mr Rogers Neighborhood, a lovely hike followed thankfully not hindered too much by the wetsuit or the inner tube we were then carrying. A brief bit of history and some more photos at the mouth of the cave and off we went in small groups into the cave. The stalagmites, stalactites, and natural rock formations of the cave were gorgeous. After some time we reach the water where the guide puts each small group on their inner tubes and "chains" us together feet to shoulders, with the guide at the top of the chain steering us. I've heard the ceilings of glowworm caves look like a bit like the night sky, this felt more like the night sky in a Disney movie! Sadly this portion went by faster than I would have liked (honestly, I could have stayed there for HOURS), but then we got to ride the inner tubes down the river back to the trail head offering a different view of the beautiful forest we had hiked earlier. Once back at base camp we had the opportunity to take a hot shower while they made us a little booklet with a group and individual photo. The guides all had Go Pro's and took plenty of photos that are available for download. However, this was the first time I wish I had one to take my own photos. One final note, do NOT miss out on the pies at the cafe inside basecamp....easily some of the best we had the...

I can't speak highly enough about my experience at underworld adventures! They had an incredibly knowledgeable staff, just bursting with fun and interesting fact every kind about everything from the history of the area, to the geological features, the fauna, the Flora, as well as pop culture references like movies that have been filmed in the area and bands that have played nearby.

I felt very safe for my whole tour, but not too boxed in by rules and regulations. We were able to explore at our own pace, and take as many photos as we like. The journey also involved two different trains and a short hike through a rainforest, all of which were a delight. The moving wood platform bridge was a bonus for me but might make the wrong person a little bit motion sick if they're moving too quickly.

The small cafe back at the base was well served, with lots of tasty hot food to put the life back into your bones. Staff there was also extremely friendly and attentive, and I even had the opportunity to swap some fun photographs with a few of the employees and heard some very interesting stories that they were kind enough to share.

One of the things that tickled me the most about this excursion was that everyone who worked here seemed to be legitimately excited about sharing these caves and all of the wonders inside of them. Nothing seemed like a boring script that was repeated ad nauseam, nobody seemed to be disengaged or bored with their position. High levels of excitement and professionalism really added to my experience, and they will add to yours! Give under World Adventures your money and your trust, they won't...