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Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland

Offered by ExperienceKart

From

$999.00 per person

5.0 (12 reviews)

Instant Confirmation

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Tour Overview

Experience the serene beauty and awe-inspiring underground realms of New Zealand on a day tour from Auckland to the Waitomo Caves. This journey offers a unique opportunity to explore two of the region's most remarkable cave systems, each brimming with geological and biological wonders.

Your adventure begins with a comfortable pickup in the Auckland CBD, setting the stage for a scenic drive through the lush landscapes of the Waikato region. Along the way, enjoy a stop at the Bombay Hills, where the gentle slopes provide a perfect introduction to the region's natural beauty and geographical significance as the boundary between Auckland and Waikato.

Upon arriving at Waitomo, your first encounter will be with the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Here, glide silently by boat beneath a canopy of the native glowworm, Arachnocampa Luminosa, whose radiant blue-green light creates a starry effect on the cave ceiling. This magical display is both enchanting and surreal, offering a peaceful escape from the world above.

Next, delve deeper into the subterranean network with a visit to Ruakuri Cave. This cave offers a different but equally mesmerizing experience, with its impressive limestone formations and the soothing sounds of underground waterfalls. The Ruakuri Cave is not just a visual spectacle; it’s a place where silence speaks volumes, and the intricate details of nature's artistry are displayed in the folds of its limestone and the shimmering crystal tapestries.

Throughout your tour, knowledgeable guides will share insights into the geological history and the unique ecosystems thriving within these caves, ensuring a rich and educational experience. After a day of exploration, relax as we drive you back to Auckland, filled with lasting memories of the natural wonders you’ve witnessed. This tour not only promises visual delight but also an appreciation for the intricate natural processes that sculpt such breathtaking underground landscapes.

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature
  • Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
  • Complimentary refreshments and water on board
  • Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
  • Be captivated by thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat
  • Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Cafe Style Lunch Included
  • Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the iconic Glow-worm Caves tour
  • Admission to 90 minutes guided experience at Waitomo Ruakuri Cave
  • WiFi on board
  • Discover Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour as you explore Ruakuri Cave
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
  • See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head!
  • Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide
  • Admission to 45 minutes guided experience at Waitomo Glow Worm Cave

Not Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Bombay Hills

    The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Robert Harris

    We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.

    15 minutes

  4. 4

    Te Awamutu

    Te Awamutu calls itself the ‘Rose Capital of New Zealand’. During the blooming season, November to April, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as 2000 rose bushes turn on the charm.

    Pass by without stopping

  5. 5

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms. The subterranean cave system is located beneath the rolling green countryside of the Waikato, one of New Zealand’s prime farming regions. Your guided Waitomo Caves tour will be an unforgettable sightseeing experience as you walk through majestic caverns, explore limestone shafts, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a boat ride through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny native glowworms. ​ Glowworm caves in New Zealand offer visitors the chance to explore dark caves that are lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms (scientifically known as Arachnocampa Luminosa) who shine bright as a way to attract their prey.

    1 hour

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    Ruakuri Cave

    The second attraction included in this package; Ruakuri Cave, offers views of the 'other' side of Waikato cave systems. Offering a captivating blend of the most compelling subterranean experiences (including glowworms), it will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Begin the tour by journeying down through the spectacular, man-made spiral entrance, marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries while listening to the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls. If you want to see glowworms up-close and personal and learn about their fascinating life, then this is the tour for you. After exploring the top New Zealand visitor attractions, your driver guide will take you back to Auckland, returning in the early evening.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  7. 7

    Otorohanga

    Enjoy a delicious café style lunch.

    1 hour

  8. 8

    Auckland Central

    After an exhilarating fun-filled experience at Waitomo, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Waitomo if you are staying locally in the region.

    15 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Or Meet At Meeting point

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland

8 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
  • Easy and good fitness level required.
  • This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
  • No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
  • Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave so bring your camera to click the best shots
  • No backpacks or large bags allowed in cave due to delicate formations.
  • Please do not touch the formation in the cave as it discoloured easily, please help us protect our cave.
  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
  • The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
  • Caves average at a temperature of 16-17 degrees Celcius year round
  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.