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 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.
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)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Day Tour from Auckland
Waitomo Caves & Te Puia : Fully guided tour including entry tickets of Waitomo Glow-worm caves,Te Puia Geothermal Park & Rotorua
Pickup included
Reviews
676 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great trip
busylady1954,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an unmissable trip, Liam was a great guide - he gave us plenty of interesting information enroute. The thermal springs & geysers were spectacular.
ROTORUA AND WAITAMO CAVES DAY TOUR
354nicw,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent 1 day tour which showcased the essence of Rotorua and the Waitomo Caves. A great experience for those with limited time seeking to see more than Auckland. Very comfortable vehicle, good tour size and great guides Liam and Ben.
A highlight in a lifetime of travel
W1592KXcarmeng,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this whole experience. Its a long day, but with multiple stops and experiences along the way (pie! icecream! secret spa! giant sheep & dog buildings!), plus a host of travel trivia, quirky global facts, local knowledge and funny anecdotes from our driver John and colleague Chet, the day went surprisingly fast. The glowworm caves will remain a highlight in a lifetime of travel, and the Rotorua experience was both fun and educational.
BEST WAITOMO & ROTORUA TOUR
Explorer11566992686,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cam was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable on the history of New Zealand sharing interesting stories along the way. Everything was amazing, especially the ice cream stop on the way back!
Awesome trip !
cherylkC7019GW,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had fun. Nice experience. Journey was smooth, on time, driver was friendly. They provide water and snack. Very recommended. I would choose Cheeky Kiwi again whenever i visit NZ in the future.
Beautiful day
R627XCsuzannec,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed my day trip today, being a solo traveller for the first time, Grant made me feel very comfortable and he was very informative throughout the whole journey- I would recommend your company to anyone who is going to travel here
Wonderful experience
Global40292016635,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Richard was a great tour guide, friendly, knowledgeable, hospitable and helpful. Would thoroughly recommend both the tour and cheeky kiwi. Great and memorable experience.
Rich was the best tour guide, friendly and very professional!
P6062RYbarbarao,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rich gave a wonderful tour!!! He was an excellent driver and was very patient and kind. He went above and beyond for us, making little stops along the way to get coffee and to use rest room even to stretch our legs. He even made sure we were delivered to our respective hotels in Rotorua. Excellent!!! Highly recommend!!! Thank you Rich!!!!
Amazing !
Navigate25587834369,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing! Loved the places we visited. Ben , our tour guide and driver was very enthusiastic and made sure we were tsken care of. Loved the snacks too!
Great tour. Lunch was problematic.
like national parks,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great tour! Mike and Liam offered great and informative commentary, which was highly respectful of Maori culture. The two main stops were great-especially the Arts and Crafts Institute. They also took very good care of everyone on the bus. My only issue was the lunch stop (on your site you stated: there will be several opportunities for you to purchase food along the way). Today there was only ONE opportunity. Te Puia cafe (not the restaurant, which closes at 2 and has a broader menu) had nothing I could eat. Mike and Liam were so concerned and kind about it, but you should make sure that wherever you stop for lunch on this tour, many food choices/places are available. Without this problem, I'd have rated a 5.
From NZ$409.00
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel