Auckland.kiwi Logo

Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland -Smaller Groups

Offered by FlexiToursNZ

From

$486.00 per person

4.7 (75 reviews)

Confirmation: INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Tour Overview

Embark on a journey that combines comfort with discovery, as FlexiToursNZ takes you through some of New Zealand's most significant cultural and natural landmarks in a small, intimate group setting. With a maximum of 12 guests, our tours ensure a personalized experience, allowing you to delve deeply into the fascinating features of each site without the rush of larger tour groups.

Our tour begins with a visit to Te Puia, located in the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley on the edge of Rotorua. Here, you'll spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring a 70-hectare landscape that hosts not only the Pohutu geyser but also vibrant mud pools, hot springs, and delicate silica formations. Te Puia is also a sanctuary for the Kiwi bird and serves as the national hub for traditional Māori arts including wood carving, weaving, and stone and bone carving. Enjoy a lunch here and witness the skilled artisans preserving the cultural heritage that has been alive for over 170 years.

Next, the tour takes you to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a must-see for its unique inhabitants, the Arachnocampa luminosa, glowworms that illuminate the cave ceilings with their luminescent light. Walk into the captivating depths of the caves and glide out on a serene boat ride, all while learning about the caves’ historical and geological significance from our knowledgeable guides.

Though our journey includes significant travel, rest assured that comfort is paramount. Our vehicles are configured with fewer seats for more space, and meals are thoughtfully prepared and served in pleasant settings, ensuring a relaxed and enriching experience throughout your day.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Luxury minibus , leather seating - extra legroom
  • Buffet Lunch at Te Puia
  • Local taxes
  • Live commentary on board
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Not Included:

  • Morning and afternoon tea (additional expense)
  • Pickup outside of the City Centre, shuttles can be arranged for a small fee

What To Expect

  1. 1

    New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

    Within TE Puia you will find the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. They have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today

    30 minutes

  2. 2

    Lake Rotorua

    We have limited time in Rotorua so we quickly have a look at Lake Rotorua on our way in or way out of Rotorua

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Te Puia

    Te Puia where you will have lunch and time to explore Te Puia - total time in Rotorua approximately 1.5 hours. Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of Rotorua. It is home to the Pohutu geyser, mud pools, hot springs, silica formations, the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  4. 4

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    We travel to Waitomo Caves, World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance. You will walk into the caves and sail out in a small boat.

    1 hour

    Admission: Included

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

We pickup for free at all Central Auckland accomodation, hotels, apartments, etc. We only go to the hotels/accomodation which are booked for that day. We also offer a subsidised shuttle service for people staying our of the city centre to bring them to meet the tour coach. Please liaise with us re where you are to be picked up. It is essential you get in contact with this information as soon as possible. Guaranteed departure - WE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND OUR POLICY “We guarantee to travel for one person” due to low numbers and sustained losses caused by Covid19. ...

Important Information

Please phone or email to reconfirm your booking 24 hours prior to departure. If you are staying a hotel please supply your room number and a phone number (local or International) we can reach you on (Customer service are to call between 7am and 9pm New Zealand time). Hotel pickups from 6:30am. Please note you must be ready and waiting at your specified time. We have set times at the  attractions on tour  and we apologize but we cannot wait for late passengers.

Additional Info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Small-group tour
  • Infant meals not included
  • Infant seats are required by law in NZ in private vehicles for children under 7 years. We recommend the same standard be applied for your child's safety and have them available in all vehicles.
  • Tour is not suitable for children under 2 years to travel with group - private tours can be arranged on request

Cancellation Policy

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