Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland -Smaller Groups
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Choose FlexiToursNZ for a premium tour. We put less seats in our vehicles than factory standard and only 3 seats in the back row. Pay a little more to be comfortable. This tour involves a lot of driving and is more enjoyable if you are comfortable and not crushed up
against other people on the vehicle. We keep the groups small with no more than 12 people on our vehicle, meaning our drivers can and will give you, personal service.
Check out our reviews to see what customers say about us, our vehicles and our team of experienced and enthusiastic drivers.
All meals provided on the tour are prepared in a professional kitchen and are normally served in a restaurant or café.
Very occasionally Meals may be served picnic style
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.
What To Expect
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
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
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
Morning and afternoon tea (additional expense)
Pickup outside of the City Centre, shuttles can be arranged for a small fee
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Finish in Rotorua
Finish in Rotorua
Buffet Lunch at Te Puia
Minibus
Pickup included
Rotorua Waitomo Caves Day Tour
One day tour with options - You may Tour starts in Auckland and can finish in Auckland or Rotorua (price is the same)
Pickup included
Reviews
79 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bunty’s van 2 January 2026 - a great experience!
Raelee B,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great day exploring. Bunty our tour guide shared his in-depth knowledge & information generously as an Auckland local. Bunty created an inclusive environment that allowed the group from all walks of life and 3 different countries to share the journey, enjoy each other’s company and banter. Impeccable timing and safe travelling ensured we made every attraction on time; even with a couple of bonus highlights. Thanks again Bunty; we will see you again!
Long day but enough stops...
Joanne S,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Long day but enough stops to get you through. Very worth it. Waitomo Caves were amazing. Not a problem if you don’t like closed in feeling. Rotorua very informative and geysers also amazing.
Good tour, great guide
Gary L,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Waitomo caves is an amazing experience. Rotorua (Te Puia) was somewhat underwhelming, perhaps since I’ve been to Yellowstone many times. Daryll was a fantastic guide though and kept this tour interesting, he’s quite a history expert. He gave us lots of interesting information during the tour.
We had a great time with...
Alyssa O,,Jul 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time with Bunty. We saw the two sites that I was most excited about outside of Auckland without having to drive ourselves. We learned great facts about New Zealand and the history of the Māori people.
Enjoyable and educational day
Katherine B,,Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very well guided tour with Louise as the driver. The Māori guides at both sites were both entertaining and educational as they shared their history and culture. Plenty of rest stops incorporated into the day to make it a comfortable journey
No photos of things I wanted to get photos of!!
Jeanette S,,Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00So fun and culturally enriching to learn about the culture of New Zealand? See Real Kiwi birds, and see the glow worms! Downfall is not in your guides control but not being able to video glowworms or kiwi was a bummer! Peter was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Our guide Ellison was...
Georgina M,,Mar 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Ellison was fantastic. He gave us so much information while on the trip. The glow worm caves were amazing but a very quick trip inside the caves. The geysers were great to see although bring some smelling salts if you have a weak stomach.The hangi was delicious by far the best food I have eaten in New Zealand. I would recommend this trip.
Long day. Big rewards
Janet S,,Mar 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Know going into this that you will be spending lots of time in a (comfortable) van. It was dark setting out but once it got light the scenery was breathtaking. The glow worms and cave were mind blowing if you are at all appreciative of the novelty of their existence and life cycle. The Māori center was impressive although rushed at points. Geysers and mud pools fascinating. Our driver/guide was Shawn who did a great job of accommodating a diverse group of passengers.
Spectacular!
ronaldogK8517ZW,,Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spectacular venue. If you come to New Zealand this is a place you can't miss! The Geothermals geisers are really special as well as the Maori's show. And, you have the oportunity to see these beautiful little animals: the kiwis.
This was a long day that...
Teresa G,,Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a long day that didn’t feel long at all since it was so enjoyable with multiple stops. Ticked all the boxes and our guide, Chris, was entertaining knowledgeable and accommodating. I recommend.
From NZ$510.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by FlexiToursNZ