Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Guided Tours

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

Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland-10
Waitomo Caves tour group exploring glowworm-lit cave formations near Rotorua, New Zealand.
Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland-10
Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland-10

Set out on a full-day tour across New Zealand's North Island from Auckland, marveling at Waitomo's glowworm-lit caves and Te Puia's geothermal sights and rich Maori heritage.

Highlights

  • Take in New Zealand’s geothermal and cultural gems on this full-day guided tour, combining Waitomo Caves, Rotorua's geysers, and Te Puia’s Māori arts.

  • Explore Waitomo Caves with your guide, marveling at the ancient formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone pillars.

  • Discover Te Puia's geothermal marvels, including Rotorua's active mud pools and the Pohutu Geyser, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Witness Maori craftsmanship at the National Carving and Weaving Institute and immerse in Maori culture with a visit to a traditional village.

  • Fun fact: Rotorua is surrounded by lakes, including Lake Rotorua, which was created over 140,000 years ago, and Rotorua in Maori means "second lake."

Inclusions

  • Full-day tour of Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, and Te Puia

  • 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Cave

  • Waitomo River boat ride

  • 1.5-hour guided tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley, Rotorua

  • Visit to Puhuto Geyser, Mud Pools, and Maori Village

  • Kiwi bird-watching

  • English-speaking guide

  • Small-group tour

  • Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD

  • Snacks and water

  • Entry to Te Puia Geothermal Valley

  • Access to Kiwi Bird Enclosure

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your adventure begins in Auckland, weaving through the lush Waikato countryside known for its rolling hills, mighty rivers, and rich farmland. As you journey south, your guide brings the landscape to life with stories of local Māori history and culture, pausing in the charming town of Pirongia for a coffee break before continuing to Otorohanga, the "Kiwiana capital of New Zealand." The highlight of your morning is the ethereal Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you'll venture underground to witness ancient limestone formations and embark on a mesmerizing boat ride beneath thousands of twinkling glowworms - a uniquely New Zealand experience that has captivated visitors for over 120 years.

The afternoon transports you to a world of geothermal marvels at Te Puia in Rotorua, where you'll witness the spectacular Pōhutu Geyser and immerse yourself in Māori culture at the National Māori Arts School. Your guided experience includes up-close encounters with native wildlife, including a chance to spot the elusive kiwi bird, and a tour of Rotorua's highlights such as the historic Government Gardens and the picturesque Lake Rotorua. Throughout the journey, you'll enjoy comfortable transportation, complimentary refreshments, and the expertise of knowledgeable guides who transform this day trip into an unforgettable exploration of New Zealand's natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, before returning to Auckland with a camera full of memories and a heart full of stories.

What to bring

  • 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 is not allowed at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Accessibility

  • This tour is accessible to those with reasonable mobility.

  • The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Additional information

  • It's recommended to wear a warm jacket along with comfortable shoes.

  • Infants aged 0 to 2 can travel for free if they do not occupy a seat.

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID during the pick-up.

Hotel Transfers

  • This ticket includes hotel pickups and drop-offs.

  • In the next step of booking, please specify the name and address of your hotel.

  • On the day of your tour, please arrive at your hotel lobby 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.

  • If your hotel does not have a lobby, please wait at the entrance of your hotel.

Missing any information?

Similar experiences you'd love

Free cancellation
Family looking at glowworms during a guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Guided Tours
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 from 676 ratings.
from
NZ$79
Free cancellation
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland-8
Day Trips
From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
New
from
NZ$279
Free cancellation
Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckland-1
Free cancellation
Waitomo Caves Zipline Park Tickets-3
Ziplining
Waitomo Caves Zipline Park Tickets
Instant confirmation
New
NZ$125
Free cancellation
Guided Tour of Ruakuri Cave-10
Outdoor Activities
Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour
4.5
Rated 4.52 out of 5.0 from 159 ratings.
NZ$113

Browse by themes

World at your tap.

Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
iphone

We've served 31 million+ guests and we are here for you

31 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

4.4/5

28,000+ verified reviews with 90% excellent score

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime