Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland
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New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes aren’t always found in plain sight. Journey from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny lights illuminate an underground world hidden beneath the hills of the Waikato. Then continue to Rotorua and Te Puia to experience steaming geothermal landscapes, powerful geysers, and the living Māori culture of Aotearoa. From the hidden world beneath Waitomo to the spectacular forces shaping Rotorua above ground, experience a side of New Zealand that goes far beyond the scenery. While the destinations you will be visiting are spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life, sharing their stories and background knowledge, and run in modern minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
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.
Stop 3
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.
Stop 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.
Stop 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.
Stop 6
Nga Manu Ahurei is Te Puia’s native bird enclosure, where you can see New Zealand’s unique native birds up close, including the elusive kiwi. Learn about these precious species and the conservation work helping to protect New Zealand’s native wildlife.
Stop 7
Pohutu Geyser is New Zealand’s largest active geyser, erupting spectacularly several times a day and reaching heights of up to 30 metres. Located within Te Puia, it’s an impressive display of Rotorua’s geothermal power and one of the region’s most iconic natural attractions.
Stop 8
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.
Stop 9
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.
What’s included
- Water available & snacks provided
- Booster seat
- Entry Tickets & Guided Tour - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Small Group Fully Guided Bus Tour from Auckland & Return
- Complimentary hotel pickup & drop off in Auckland CBD (select locations only)
- Entry Tickets & Guided Tour - Te Puia
Not included
- Lunch - not included, but there are plenty of opportunities to purchase food during your journey.
- On-board restrooms
- Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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.
- Due to uneven surfaces, stairs & a moderate amount of walking, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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