Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Te Puia Tour
FromNZ$409
12 hours
Auckland Central, New Zealand
About this activity
Discover New Zealand's natural wonders on a guided tour from Auckland, featuring the Waitomo Caves' glowworms and Rotorua's geothermal marvels at Te Puia.
Highlights
- Explore the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves
- Witness the Pōhutu geyser at Te Puia
- Experience Māori culture at Te Puia
- Marvel at geothermal wonders in Rotorua
- Enjoy scenic landscapes en route from Auckland
Full description
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Auckland to two of New Zealand's most captivating destinations. Begin with a guided exploration of the Waitomo Caves, where you'll be mesmerized by the ethereal glow of thousands of glowworms illuminating the subterranean passages. Next, immerse yourself in Rotorua's rich Māori heritage at Te Puia, home to the impressive Pōhutu geyser and a vibrant cultural experience. This small-group tour offers a seamless blend of natural beauty and cultural insight, all within a comfortable 12-hour itinerary.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Waitomo Caves
- Visit to Rotorua's Te Puia geothermal park
- Round-trip transportation from Auckland
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Arriving at our first feature attraction 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.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
5
Arriving at our second feature destination, Te Puia, you will receive a fully guided 90 minute tour to best experience the geothermal and cultural wonders including: Pōhutu Geyser, Māori Architecture, The National Māori Arts School, geothermal craters, geothermal events and even the chance to view a Kiwi bird in the Kiwi viewing house.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
6
Pass by: To finish off our Rotorua experience we do a guided driving tour seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. If there is time, we may even visit a special souvenir shop for some discounted shopping and to try Manuka Honey.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Pass by: Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves walking through caves and geothermal areas; ensure you're comfortable with moderate physical activity.
- Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly for food and drinks during the day.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural sites.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear.
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have one a car seat one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
- Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
- Due to uneven surfaces & stairs, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Traveler reviews
4.7737 reviews
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Excellent Experience
I had a great time during this tour! Our guide was knowledgeable, kind, and prioritised our comfort throughout the day. Depending on the time of year, your small group tour could end up being fairly close to a private tour, so even better value for money! The Waitomo caves were a dream, and learning more about Maori culture at Te Puia was exactly what I hoped for and more. We even had a chance to see a kiwi bird during our visit to the Kiwi Conservation Centre on site! I'd highly recommend this experience for anyone looking to make the most of their time in New Zealand.
Danielle_JMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Never a dull moment!
Michelle and Chris made sure we had everything we needed, including great conversation and a safe ride. The views and the activities were exactly as described and I couldn’t have done all this without them! Thanks FlexiTours!!
Caitlin MMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great tour
Great driver aka tour guide and service
cheew2026May 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Amazing trip
An amazing experience, definitely recommend. Guide Jeoff was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. Made me feel safe and informed the whole time.
abigailmD9691PWMay 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great trip with Hanoz as our guide. Extra stops
Great trip with Hanoz as our guide. I enjoyed the effort to get to know the guests and the extra stops and commentary
chelsycegMay 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear.
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have one a car seat one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
Due to uneven surfaces & stairs, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.