From Auckland: Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Te Puia Guided Tour

Experience New Zealand’s natural wonders and rich Māori culture on a full-day, small-group guided tour. Explore glowworm caves, geothermal phenomena, Māori heritage, and Rotorua city sights with passionate guides bringing the journey to life.

Getting started

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Auckland CBD hotel. Board your vehicle and scenic drive through the Waikato countryside toward the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

What to expect

• Waikato countryside: Travel through lush farmland, mighty rivers, and mountains. Pass sites of Māori cultural significance, including burial grounds and totem poles.

• Pirongia: Stop for a quick coffee break in this idyllic town while learning about local history and the New Zealand Land Wars.

• Otorohanga: Drive through “The Kiwiana Capital of New Zealand,” spotting iconic Kiwi-themed attractions and photo opportunities.

• Waitomo Glowworm Cave: Take a guided 45-minute tour of the caves, exploring stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone columns. Float on a boat along the underground river beneath thousands of glowing glowworms, a unique New Zealand experience for over 120 years.

• Big Bird: En route to Rotorua, meet friendly animals outside Big Bird for quick photos with these local creatures.

• Te Puia Geothermal Park: Enjoy a fully guided tour of geothermal and cultural wonders, including Pōhutu Geyser, Māori architecture, The National Māori Arts School, geothermal craters, and even Kiwi bird viewing.

• Rotorua city highlights: Take a guided driving tour of Rotorua city, seeing Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring), and the Blue Baths.

• Return to Auckland: Relax on the scenic drive back to your hotel, completing your full-day adventure.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Wear non-slip shoes as the cave floors are wet and slippery.

• Bring a warm jacket as the temperature of the cave can be cool.

• When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

• Photography, videography, smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

• Oversized items including bikes, surfboards and your pet are not allowed on this tour.

Accessibility

• The Waitomo Glowworm Cave is suitable for guests with reasonable mobility, with well-maintained paths and sturdy handrails throughout. However, it is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams/strollers.

Additional information

• Children under the age of 7 must be in a child safety seat, as per the legal requirement in New Zealand.

• Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over on this tour.