2025 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award

2024 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award

2023 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award

Auckland Rotorua Waitomo Caves North Island Tours

Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves

From NZD$309

4.9

(64 reviews)

Departs from: Auckland

Duration: 9 hours

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Travel from Auckland to Rotorua on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day trip that takes you through the heart of New Zealand’s countryside and into the magical underground world of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. With engaging guides, scenic landscapes, and plenty of photo stops along the way, this one-way journey combines nature, adventure, and authentic Kiwi storytelling in one seamless experience.

Why you’ll love this

Journey through the lush Waikato countryside, New Zealand’s largest farming region

Explore the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guided tour and boat ride

Marvel at thousands of glittering glowworms unique to New Zealand

Enjoy a relaxed small group experience with comfort, care, and local insight

End your day in Rotorua, ready to explore its geothermal wonders and Māori culture

Itinerary

What’s included

Small group guided one-way tour from Auckland to Rotorua

Entry to Waitomo Glowworm Caves with guided tour and boat ride

Comfortable, air-conditioned transport with water and refreshments

Engaging local guide with live commentary

Complimentary bottled water and snacks

Why choose us

Famously passionate tour guides

Our guides share stories, laughs, and Kiwi charm on every journey.

Travel in comfort

Small groups, big comfort. Relax in our modern Mercedes minibuses with style and space.

Award-winning tours

Thousands of five-star reviews and top travel awards - experiences loved worldwide.

Kiwi owned. Kiwi operated

Proudly local and passionate about sharing authentic New Zealand with every traveller.

Stories worth sharing

11/10/2025

Good reason to visit NZ

It was a good experience. I really liked the glow warms cave. The bus was clean and arrived on time. The staff was friendly and shared interesting stories about the place and history.

Anastasia S

10/7/2025

Stunning views and informative guide!

Great drive and rich with luscious greenery. We really valued the info that Grant (our guide) offered and his helpful tips. There was the ability to opt in to the Te Puia experience, so give it a thought if you have the time. Grant showed us around town as well, giving us the sort of friendly service only a Kiwi could provide. Would definitely recommend and say that it is worth the money!

Jarrod F

9/25/2025

Memorable & Thankful experience

The tour started timely with our guide Simon picking us up at the meeting place at 6am. He's friendly and cheerful. He shared and chat with the guests who are from a diverse group such as US, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, etc. The drive was smooth & scenic and he always share with us what's ahead in advance before the next stop. He looks out for the guests and checked that everyone is present. We would also like to thank Simon for going the extra mile in dropping us at our hotel in Rotorua & helping to carry our luggages. The Waitimo caves is "wow, woo, ah...." just can't pinpoint any words to describe what I saw and felt there & then. I am glad to have been there to view such magnificent & iconic destination! Thank you for the constant reminders to us so as not to forget the activity & most importantly for the seamless coordination. Kudos to Simon & the team for doing a great job!

Kuan K

9/24/2025

Imperdible

Pasamos un día muy especial. Las cuevas de Waitomo son muy interesantes. Los geisers de Rotorua también aprendimos sobre La cultura maori y los kiwis. Hanos fue un gran guía.

maiu b

9/22/2025

Wonderful experience

Our day tour was wonderful! The guide was very friendly and caring, and everything about the trip was well planned, comfortable, and enjoyable. Thank you so much for all your hard work!

Tourist28694614920

9/19/2025

Maximum enjoyed

The trip was fulfilling, the activities were amazing, well organized, well explained, and done with patience. Our tour guide Jeoff was very patient well knowledgeable of the history and the surroundings of Rotorua. It was 100% enjoyable. I give Jeoff 10/10

Lucy D

8/26/2025

Great trip

Jeoff was a friendly and knowledgeable host and the trip was outstanding. The Waitomo Caves was excellent as well as the geysers in Te Puia. Would thoroughly recommend.

Jcinho

8/4/2025

Aussie Aussie

Our tour guide John was fabulous! Friendly & lots of local knowledge.. def recommend him and we’d love to give him a 5 star review! Tour was easy from pick up from our hotel to travelling along the way & then drop off to our new motel! From the Aussie family….

Megan C

6/13/2025

A great day out

This was an awesome day out. John kept us to time whilst also making the day feel very laid back and not rushed. John was a great host - full of facts and jokes!

Pioneer64305944840

6/12/2025

A nice friendly trip

The trip was very nice. Even if in the morning the weather was not good, until we arrived at Te Puia, sa sun was up, all shinny. John, our driver/guide was very friendly. He introduced us to each other and he selected couriosities about each country we were coming from. The trip was very pleasant overall. Thank you, John!

Crina M

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