Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)
4.8
33 Ratings
Auckland
Embark on a small group tour from Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves. Explore the stunning glowworm caves, enjoy wildlife viewing, and discover secret stops along the way. Book now!
Duration: 13 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Auckland Central - Your tour begins in New Zealand’s largest city. As we depart, your guide will not only set the stage for your adventure but also highlight some of the city’s top attractions.

  • Waikato Region - Leaving Auckland, we head south through the picturesque Waikato countryside, the largest farming area globally. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, powerful rivers, excellent photo opportunities, beautiful mountains, and various farm animals along the way. We pass through Taupiri, which features many culturally significant sites, including local Maori burial grounds and cultural totem poles.

  • Pirongia - After traveling through lush countryside and learning about local history and the New Zealand Land Wars, we stop in this charming little town for a quick coffee break.

  • Otorohanga - Our adventure continues as we enter Otorohanga, known as “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand.” Experience all things Kiwi as you pass through this unique and delightful town.

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Upon arriving at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you will be guided through the ancient and awe-inspiring caves, observing various formations such as Stalactites, Stalagmites, and Lime Columns. Then, descend further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board a 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 traveler.

  • Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm - On our way to Rotorua, we stop outside Big Bird to meet some of our friendly local animals. Although we don’t have time to enter the park, the animals often come to the fences for photos, delighting guests.

  • Lake Rotorua - Once in Rotorua, your guide will drop you at your accommodation (central hotels only) or a central Rotorua location. Alternatively, you can continue with us to another Rotorua attraction (at an additional cost).

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Entry ticket and fully guided tour - Waitomo Caves
  • Snacks
  • Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Additional Information

Highlights:

  • Visit to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Exploration of Rotorua’s prime attractions
  • Opportunities for observing wildlife

Embark on a personal, expertly led One Way excursion from Auckland to Rotorua, with the additional benefit of unique stops and hidden gems along the way.

Our tours are celebrated for their enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who bring the trip to life through engaging storytelling and comprehensive insights, all while traveling in well-equipped, modern minibuses designed for your comfort and safety.

At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, we believe it’s not just the awe-inspiring destinations that make our tours special, but also the intimate group sizes, our personable guides, the overall journey, and the meticulous attention to details. Indulge in exclusive hidden stops, wildlife encounters, custom-built vehicles, complimentary snacks and drinks, and a host of other delightful surprises that make our excursions unforgettable.

  • 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.
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • 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 below 7 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don’t have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours notice).
Location
SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Victoria Street West
Please pick this location if your hotel is not on our list. We do not pick up from your hotel if it is not listed
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(33 Ratings)
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Trobert2017
May 27, 2024
Great experience! - We had such a great time traveling to the Waitomo glow worm caves and then to Rotorua to see the geothermal park. It was a long day but so thankful to be able to see these New Zealand landmarks. The scenery was superb and so was our guide! If your in Auckland run and reserve this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dipmtra
May 7, 2024
Greg driver/guide, par excellence. - Wonderful trip, great hosting especially by driver cum guide Greg Leneham. He made sure our trip was conducted efficiently and interestingly. He was caring, punctual and jovial and added value to the tour. The journey itself was comfortable and the experience inside the cave was sublime
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maggiec585
Apr 1, 2024
Awesome nature & culture in one package - The full day tour to bioluminescent Waitomo caves, Lake Rotorua and hot geysers plus the cultural visit to the Māori arts and crafts school was everything we expected. Stunning views, good time to enjoy sites, lovely staff, gift shops and comfort stops if needed. Our small group guide - Kiwi-Aussie Matt- was a safe driver, informative, funny and easy going. Yes pick up was early but that helped us enjoy all sites ahead of the crowds. Cheeky Kiwi Travel was punctual and sent several reminders before the day. The trip was long but broken up into meaningful segments. We recommend the experience of seeing NZ this way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bing_h
Mar 26, 2024
The trip went well exactly as I planned - Great driver. He was very helpful in anything we need to know. He was very knowledgeable and helpful in helping us.
Review provided by Viator
L2396rplindal
Mar 20, 2024
Terrific way to see & learn as we traveled south to Rotorua - This was a fantastic trip with Greg as our driver/guide. He was on time, funny, informative, considerate and full of great stories about New Zealand. He made comfort stops, as well as fun stop to feed the ostrich! (They are fast and hungry!) We went on to the Waitomo Caves, and what a stunning experience! Loved being in a small group, makes for easy access to the venue. Weather cooperated for a fantastic drive to Rotorua.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
300trev_1
Feb 9, 2024
Great experience loved every minute! - Went to the glow worms was a awesome tour just expect not to take photos as it effects the glow worms and is sacred cave, Brendon our guide was fantastic good energy and has travelled the whole of New Zealand so has a lot of knowledge about his country highly recommend it! Thanks cheeky 👋
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vsgarrett
Feb 3, 2024
Amazing tour - John was an amazing tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. We would highly recommend John and reach out for future tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
323karlu
Jan 17, 2024
Interesting and convenient - The trip was well planned with stops where you wanted them. It was fun, interesting and convenient. The staff were very accommodating
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amanda_h
Dec 18, 2023
Great way to get to... - Great way to get to Rotorua from Auckland in a comfortable van and see the glowworm caves along the way.
Review provided by Viator
Happiness25477311583
Nov 7, 2023
Definitely A Must! - What a great experience! I needed a way to get from Auckland to Rotorua, and this was the right choice!! Cameron is phenomenal and didn't mind me rambling about rugby or practicing my Te Reo with him. Plus, having everyone introduce themselves on the tour made it like traveling with a bunch of new friends!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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