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

Good to know

Know before you go

• Bring a warm jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes for varying temperatures

• Hotel pickup is available only from Auckland CBD

• Photography is not allowed inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

• This tour is suitable for those with average mobility but is not wheelchair-accessible

• Infants may travel free if not occupying a seat; two or more guests required per booking

Visitor guidelines

Your experience

Begin your adventure from Auckland

Start your journey in Auckland and travel with a small group through New Zealand’s picturesque Waikato region, an area famed for its lush rolling landscapes and deep historical roots. Relax as your experienced driver-guide shares insights into the land and Maori history, setting the stage for an immersive day. En route, a short stop in the welcoming town of Pirongia gives you a chance to enjoy local coffee and take in country views before you continue along rural highways to your first major destination.

Descend into Waitomo’s magical caves

Arrive at Waitomo Caves, a natural wonder known for its limestone chambers and captivating glowworm displays. With your guide leading the way, explore tunnels lined with stalactites and stalagmites—centuries in the making. Board a silent boat and glide along the Waitomo River beneath a ceiling aglow with thousands of bioluminescent glowworms, creating a starry spectacle that is uniquely New Zealand. Your guide’s commentary reveals how these caves were formed and explains the ecological significance of the rare glowworms.

Discover Rotorua’s geothermal marvels

Next, travel to Rotorua and enter Te Puia, a hub of geothermal and cultural activity. Step into a landscape swirling with steam vents and bubbling mud pools before reaching the impressive Pohutu Geyser, the largest in the southern hemisphere. Your guide explains the science behind these natural phenomena and the importance they hold for Maori communities. Witness the raw beauty and power of the Earth as water erupts metres into the air.

Experience Maori culture and artistry

Te Puia is more than geothermal wonders. Here, visit the National Carving and Weaving Institute, where traditional Maori arts are preserved and practised. Observe master carvers at work, learn about intricate weaving techniques and gain respect for a culture that has thrived for generations. Continue to a reconstructed Maori village for a glimpse of daily life, local traditions and stories handed down through the ages. Your guide helps decode the symbols and meanings behind every carving and cultural artefact you encounter.

Wildlife encounters and natural beauty

Enjoy the opportunity to spot New Zealand’s elusive native bird, the kiwi, in a special enclosure dedicated to their conservation. The tour route also takes in notable Rotorua landmarks, including the historic Government Gardens and the scenic expanse of Lake Rotorua, whose volcanic origins date back over 140,000 years. Learn the meaning behind Rotorua’s name—literally "second lake" in Maori—and appreciate the significance these waters hold for the local people.

Comfort, convenience and expert guidance

Your day is enhanced by hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland, complimentary snacks and bottled water, and the peace of mind that comes from travelling with a knowledgeable local guide in a small group. Return to Auckland in the evening, enriched by the beauty, culture and stories experienced during this comprehensive tour.

Book your From Auckland: Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Te Puia Guided Tour tickets now!

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation