Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the mesmerizing Waitomo Caves
- Experience the enchanting glowworm grotto
- Enjoy a scenic drive through New Zealand's countryside
- Discover Rotorua's geothermal wonders
- Learn about Maori culture and history
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour through Waitomo Caves
- Glowworm grotto boat ride
- Transportation from Auckland to Rotorua
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city, your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today, but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Pass by: Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world. Encounter stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. During this journey we pass through Taupiri which has many interesting sites of cultural significance including local Maori burial grounds & cultural totem poles.
Pass by: Continuing our adventure we enter Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi as you pass through this unique and charming town.
Arriving at Waitomo Glowworm Caves you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your glow-worm boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see for any traveller.
Once in Rotorua your guide will drop you at your accommodation in Rotorua (central hotels only) or at a main Rotorua central location, or choose to visit Te Puia before ending your tour !
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- The tour involves walking and some uneven terrain; consider your mobility when booking.
- Check the weather forecast for the day of the tour to dress appropriately.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cave exploration.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can be cooler inside the caves.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cave formations.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
- Due to uneven surfaces & steps, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Traveler reviews
Great trip to Waitomo Cave and Rotorua
It was a great trip to Waitomo Glow worm cave and Rotorua. Our tour guide, Trent, was a gracious host. Even with a very small group, he still drove us to the sites with great enthusiasm. One of our tour mates slipped on the curb side of Waitomo cave entrance and had to cancel the rest of her trip. Trent made sure that she was taken cared of and brought back to the city before we head out to our next destination. It was a great experience. One of the highlights of our trip.
Lovely service
A big thank-you to our driver Simon! Lots of interesting facts and stories during the trip. He was absolutely lovely towards everyone, myself included 😊
GREAT TOUR WITH TRENT !
One of the most unique experiences I have ever had! The places are amazing and the tour was GREAT! Specially because of our guide, Mr. Trent! Friendly, educated, clever and gentle! Always giving informations about everything on the way and also giving full attention to the group. He knows a lot about Maori culture and history. He drove us carefully and was always with us helping as much as possible. Smileful and really enjoying staying with us and taking care of the group. He even mede quick stops at a few other places on the way that were not included on the tour to show us some nice spots and give us more information. All the activities happened in a perfect way because of him. I highly recommend this tour with Cheeky Kiwi and specially with Mr. Trent as a guide! He loves what he does and he does it very well!!! Cheers
Thank you Trent !!!
One of the most unique experiences I've ever lived. Sensational. Mr. Trent, our guide, made all the difference. Punctual, sociable, intelligent, polite, kind and has an excellent knowledge of Maori culture. Careful in the direction and perfect in dealing with us. All along he provided information about the climate, vegetation, geography, culture, customs and various curiosities. He did everything he could even to help a member of the group who had a small accident with a fall. He was equipped with first aid and provided all necessary assistance possible. The places were amazing, the cost was appropriate and the time helped but I repeat, the guide (Trent) made all the difference. I already know more than 70 countries and have made many tours around the world, this was undoubtedly one of the best! Super recommend the tour with Cheeky Kiwi and especially with Mr. Trent!
Great way to transit from Auckland to Rotorua
We had a great day with Jeff as our guide and driver from Auckland to Rotorua. He provided a wealth of information on New Zealand and the region we’re traveling through. We also enjoyed our visit to the glowworm caves and the Māori Cultural Center. Jeff also had a number of suggestions for other things we may be of interest to us during our stay in Rotorua. I would definitely recommend this trip as an option to travel from Auckland to Rotorua versus flying if not driving g oneself.