Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
This isn’t your average day trip. From secret wildlife encounters to passionate storytelling, we’ll show you the North Island like only a Kiwi can.
At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, we don’t just take you to world-famous destinations, we make the journey as unforgettable as the places themselves. This small-group tour is crafted for travellers who want more than a bus ride, it’s a fully guided, immersive experience
This small-group, fully guided tour combines two of the North Island’s most iconic attractions: the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua’s geothermal and cultural treasures.
Highlights include:
Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Explore ancient limestone formations before gliding by boat through a glowworm-lit grotto.
Te Puia Geothermal Park: See Pōhutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, and experience Māori culture at the National Arts School
Rotorua City Highlights: A guided drive past Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens, and the iconic Blue Baths.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear.
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have one a car seat one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
Due to uneven surfaces & stairs, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties - A moderate amount of walking is involved.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Water available & snacks provided
Entry Tickets & Guided Tour - Te Puia
Entry Tickets & Guided Tour - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Small Group Fully Guided Bus Tour from Auckland & Return
Hotel pickup (listed locations only) & drop off
Lunch - not included, but there are plenty of opportunities to purchase food during your journey.
Gratuities
Souvenirs (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Auckland Central
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city, your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today, but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Waikato Region
Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world. Encounter stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. During this journey we pass through Taupiri which has many interesting sites of cultural significance including local Maori burial grounds & cultural totem poles.
Options
Waitomo and Rotorua Tour
Fully guided tour including entry tickets of Waitomo Glow-worm caves and Rotorua (Te Puia Geothermal Park and Maori Village.
Pickup included
Reviews
576 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Had an amazing time on...
Beatriz C,
Aug 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Had an amazing time on this tour! Our guide was super friendly, shared lots of interesting info, and always made sure everyone felt safe. I was traveling solo, and he even dropped me off as close as possible to a safe spot for my Uber at the end of the day. We had plenty of water, snacks, and stops to grab food or use the bathroom (the ice cream stop was a nice bonus!). The van was really comfy, which made the long day easy. The Glowworm caves were absolutely magical, and Te Puia was incredible to see. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting NZ!
Two must see things in New Zealand.
Daniel M,
Jul 8, 2025
- Viator
4.00There was a lot of bus time but that wasn't avoidable. The sites were well-worth seeing. I didn't luke being funneled into gift shops and snack bars by the tour guide.
Very good!
RominaLujan C,
Jun 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very good everything, the caves are amazing and the geothermal park too. The empr3sa Kiwi has very good services, the drivers/guides are very friendly
Rotorua , Caves , Glow worms
Kaylyn C,
May 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00I thought this tour was excellent the caves were amazing and the Glowworms , the tour guide was very informative and a lovely lady .
Couldn’t ask for more! Cave, Te Puia, Rotarua, Arapuni Swing Bridge and more!
Kendra W,
May 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Dave H was the absolute best! We committed to be on time on the bus and he committed to pack as much as we could in! And he delivered. Not only did we get to see Waitoma Cave and Te Puia, but we also got to squeeze in plenty of comfort stops AND Arapuni Swing Bridge, drove thru MataMata and saw some of Hobbiton AND stopped at several sights in Rotorua. We even had a quick chance to stop and buy Whittaker chocolate. And also shop for authentic Māori carvings! Wow. We couldn’t have done any more. Plenty of snacks and bottled water on the bus. Bus seats are very comfortable on the Mercedes bus. Audio quality on the bus was superb and Dave taught us so much! He even pointed out a ton of sights and we went into and out of Auckland. Highly recommended Cheeky Kiwi but especially Dave!
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel