Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland

4.7
(612 reviews)

13 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This isn’t your average day trip. From secret wildlife encounters to passionate storytelling, we’ll show you the North Island like only a Kiwi can.

At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, we don’t just take you to world-famous destinations, we make the journey as unforgettable as the places themselves. This small-group tour is crafted for travellers who want more than a bus ride, it’s a fully guided, immersive experience

This small-group, fully guided tour combines two of the North Island’s most iconic attractions: the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua’s geothermal and cultural treasures.

Highlights include:

Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Explore ancient limestone formations before gliding by boat through a glowworm-lit grotto.

Te Puia Geothermal Park: See Pōhutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, and experience Māori culture at the National Arts School

Rotorua City Highlights: A guided drive past Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens, and the iconic Blue Baths.

What's Included

Water available & snacks provided
Entry Tickets & Guided Tour - Te Puia
Entry Tickets & Guided Tour - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Small Group Fully Guided Bus Tour from Auckland & Return
Hotel pickup (listed locations only) & drop off
Lunch - not included, but there are plenty of opportunities to purchase food during your journey.
Gratuities
Souvenirs (available to purchase)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select SkyCity Hotel for now. You can update this later! - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. - Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. - You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.

Itinerary

Duration: 13 hours (approximately)
  • Auckland Central (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 ticket free
  • Waikato Region (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 ticket free
  • 1

    After passing through rich countryside and learning about some local history and the New Zealand Land Wars we stop in this idyllic little town for a quick coffee break.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (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 ticket free
  • 2
    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 3

    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.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • (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 ticket free
  • Auckland (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 ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
Underground Tours
Nature Walks
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.7 Based on 612 612 reviews
5 stars
504
4 stars
70
3 stars
23
2 stars
6
1 star
9
from per person
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