12 hour(s)
English
Included
Explore the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Scenic flat-bottom boat ride along the Waitomo River
Discover geothermal wonders and Māori culture at Te Puia
See Pohutu Geyser, mud pools, Kiwi birds, and carving schools
€ 236.96
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
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Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Experience two of New Zealand’s iconic attractions in a single day with our full-day tour, offering a special deal when you book both adventures together. After being picked up from Auckland CBD, you’ll journey south through the stunning Waikato Region on a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Upon arrival, take a moment to grab a snack or warm drink at the café before joining your guide for an unforgettable tour inside the Waitomo Grotto. Walk through the magical glow created by thousands of tiny living worms unique to New Zealand and learn about the cave’s history and significance. The highlight of your visit is a serene flat-bottom boat ride along the Waitomo River, bringing you up close to the glowing creatures in their natural habitat.
Next, hop back on your comfortable vehicle for a two-hour drive to Rotorua, where you’ll explore the geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture at Te Puia. Witness the Pohutu Geyser, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, marvel at boiling mud pools, and visit the National Wood Carving School and Prehistoric Māori Village. Keep an eye out for native Kiwi birds and enjoy a glimpse of a traditional Māori Haka performance. After approximately two hours immersed in the sights, sounds, and culture of Rotorua, you’ll be transported back to Auckland CBD, concluding a full day of adventure, natural wonders, and cultural experiences.
Pick up from Auckland CBD
Water & Snacks
Waitomo Caves entry with boat ride.
Admission & guided tour in Te Puia
Kiwi Bird Watching
Geyser, mud pools, Māori village, Haka, carving schools
Drop Off at Auckland CBD
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Comfortable walking Shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Camera
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes recommended
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Keep personal essentials
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Great set up. Interesting guides. Large cafe and gift shop. Parking down a huge slope! We did walking and boat tour to see the glow worms. Loved it but had manage so many stairs in the almost dark.
We did the combination of the walking tour and boat tour and I’d definitely suggest doing the walking tour at least, as it allows for photos. Our tour guide Jetta was fantastic - her knowledge of the history of the caves was so interesting. There are tons of experiences you can take advantage of at the caves and I think it’s definitely worth the trip!
This is by far one of the best and most unique excursions that we have done during our various travels. The guides were all very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the tour. We were a little nervous about the water being too cold but you are in so many layers, including an optional fleece under your wetsuit, that you dont even notice! Definitely a must do while on the North Island.
Fantastic experience, great activity to do with the whole family, the cave and the river are beyond expectations and all the scenery walks around are something everyone should do at least once. Guides were super friendly and knowledgeable the place is super clean and they have everything to make it a lifetime experience. Thank you.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a tour group, and I wanted to share my experience. While it may be a bit of a journey from downtown Auckland, the adventure truly felt worthwhile. Before entering the cave, a photographer captures special moments for souvenirs. They do this because photography inside the cave is not permitted, primarily to protect the delicate habitat of the glowworms. It also helps support the local economy through tourism. I have to admit, the photos can sometimes be a little cheesy, but there’s no pressure to buy them. Once inside the cave, our guide warmly explained the importance of not touching the rock formations, as this could harm the unique ecosystem surrounding the glowworms. When the lights went off, the sight was nothing short of magical—glowworms twinkled like stars above us, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The walk was about 800 meters, so wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is essential, especially since the ground can be quite slippery. At the end of the tour, we boarded a boat to exit the cave, and we were kindly reminded to keep our voices low to preserve the peaceful ambiance. As we emerged from the cave, a gift shop awaited us, which was a nice way to wrap up the visit. I found a lovely Christmas ornament there, and the prices were quite reasonable. Additionally, you can retrieve the photo taken before the tour, which is a nice touch. Overall, I found the experience to be quite fascinating and uplifting, connecting with such a unique aspect of nature.
Wonderful places but we expected something more to the visit of the Maori village and tour of Rotorua. At the village you will quickly see the kiwis, the geysers and then visit the institute but it is all very fast and with few explanations (the whole thing lasted 1 hour). We only had 10 minutes at the end of the tour to stop at the shop and the bathroom, so we basically had to rush and not have time to get some souvenirs. Then a drive around Rotoura without the possibility of getting out to take a photo. Keep in mind that it will be a total of 7 hours of driving and about 2 hours of things to visit, plus two breaks. The driver told us a lot during the trip and was very punctual.
