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Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$309.00 per person

4.8 (52 reviews)

Instant Confirmation

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

7 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey from Auckland to Rotorua, delving into the heart of New Zealand’s natural splendor and cultural heritage. This tour is meticulously designed to showcase some of the most remarkable landscapes and cultural insights the North Island has to offer.

Starting in the vibrant city of Auckland, your guide will introduce the city's notable landmarks as you begin your journey southward. As you leave the urban sprawl, the landscape transitions into the lush Waikato countryside, known for its extensive farming regions and historical significance. Along the way, you pass through Taupiri, a place rich in Māori culture, marked by its sacred burial grounds and striking totem poles that narrate the stories of the local tribes.

Next, the tour leads you through Otorohanga, celebrated as the "Kiwiana capital of New Zealand". This charming town offers a slice of Kiwi culture and pride, presenting an array of local icons and national symbols that are quintessentially New Zealand.

The highlight of the tour awaits at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a geological marvel over 120 years old. Here, you will navigate through ancient cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites before embarking on a mesmerizing boat ride under a canopy of glowworms, illuminating the caverns with their ethereal light.

Our journey concludes as we approach Rotorua, where you can choose to explore further or unwind at your accommodation. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide ensures a comfortable and enriching experience, making stops at lesser-known spots and sharing insights that enhance your understanding of this unique region. This tour not only promises visual delight and cultural enrichment but also the warmth of New Zealand hospitality, making your travel both enjoyable and memorable.

What's Included

  • Entry ticket and fully guided tour - Waitomo Caves
  • Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Water available & snacks provided

Not Included:

  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    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.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Waikato Region

    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.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Pirongia

    After passing through rich countryside and learning about some local history and the New Zealand Land Wars we stop in this idyllic little town for a quick coffee break.

    15 minutes

  4. 4

    Otorohanga

    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.

    Pass by without stopping

  5. 5

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    Arriving at Waitomo Glowworm Caves 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.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    Lake Rotorua

    Once in Rotorua your guide will drop you at your accommodation in Rotorua (central hotels only) or at a main Rotorua central location, or choose to visit Te Puia before ending your tour !

    5 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

- Enjoy the convenience of pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option & meet us there! - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time....

Important Information

Hotel pick ups commence 20 minutes before the tour start time. Please be ready and waiting in the hotel lobby at your pick up time noted on your booking confirmation. You will be picked up in a minivan with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it. Pick ups are: Park Hyatt 05:40 AM Sofitel Viaduct Harbour 05:40 AM Hilton Hotel 05:40 AM M Social 05:45 AM Movenpick Hotel 05: 45 AM Adina Apartment Hotel 05:45 AM Copthorne Auckland City 05:45 AM Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments 05:45 AM Pullman Auckland 05:45 AM SO/Auckland 05:45 AM JW Marriott Auckland City 05:50 AM Heritage Auckland 05:50 AM Ibis Budget Auckland Central (Pick up also for CityLife, Barclay Suites, Holiday Inn Express) 05:50 AM Crowne Plaza 05:55 AM Rydges Hotel 05:55 AM The Grand By SkyCity 05:55 AM SkyCity Hotel 05:55 AM Four Points by Sheraton 05:55 AM Grand Millennium Auckland 06:00 AM Mercure Hotel 06:00 AM Kiwi International Hotel 06:00 AM VR Auckland City, 188 Hobson Street 06:00 AM Cordis Auckland 06:05 AM

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • 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.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can provide your own or one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
  • Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.