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
635 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour and guide!
Sightsee292209,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved the tour -- gave us a great overview. And our guide -- cheeky Mike -- was fantastic. He was funny, and kind, and knowledgeable! Highly recommend!
beautiful
Traveler711249,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00was everithing beautiful, the caves were amezing and all the rest aswell the travel was comfy and nice maybi just a bit to long but thats fine, we really liked everithing
Night sky with the caves
DavidTHY90,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Every thing that was stated in the itinerary and description was provided for, guide was friendly, professional and accommodating.
You cannot go wrong with Cheeky Kiwi Travel! Also, Waitomo/Te Puia - must see!
angeladenis2020,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Once again Cheeky Kiwi did an amazing job of things. Our guide was great and the sites fantastic. Waitomo Caves has been on my bucket list for at least a decade - to finally see it…I was literally crying. More beautiful than words or pictures can describe. I only wish the tour with the glow worm portion was longer, you only spend about 10 minutes in the boat to view them. Not the fault of Cheeky, they get us to the caves, they don’t do the guided portion of this part of the tour. I could have spent all day there! Te Puia is also amazing, very much a worthwhile trip, you won’t be disappointed. I opted to stay in Rotorua for a few days, and so grateful that Cheeky has made my 30 day trip amazing!
Glow Worms, Geysers and Kiwi
P4691BBscotts,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a thoroughly enjoyable day despite some light rain in the afternoon. Simon did an exceptional job of looking after the entire group and our needs. His efforts were appreciated. Glow Worms, Geysers and Kiwi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Excellent your....
Monagur M,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent your. Informative as the guide provided information about the sights and other things during the drive. Punctual and friendly guide.
Great tour of glow worms and TePuia
karengV4870JF,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Alessandro. He always made sure we knew exactly when and where he was meeting us and ensured we had opportunities to use a washroom or get food. This was important as the tour involved long stretches of driving. The glow worm cave tour did not disappoint and Te Puia was great.
Amazing! Highly recommended
Cruiser00346795164,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience and very informative. John is very accommodating and nice. John help us to feel relax and involved despite of the different cultures and languages of the group. Highly recommended!
If you like a history, stories and beautiful scenery this is a must while here in NZ!
SAMMY W,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Thank you Cheeky Matt!!! The day was phenomenal. The drive is filled with beautiful scenery, got to try some delicious meat pies, saw some glow worms (definitely a must see). Went to the Te Puia Center that was filled with so much to see and learn about. The guide that took us in Te Puia was very knowledgable and truly made the whole experience. Hearing him speak in his native tongue teaching us of the land was very much informative. If you have the time you should definitely do this tour. Our driver Matt was a delight and was very knowledgeable about NZ as well as other things to do while here. Thanks for letting me be Co Captain for the day! It was truly a lovely experience, I cannot wait to come back to NZ. Oh and you get to see a baby kiwi :0 Lastly, bring a some snacks it is a long day!
Worth the long ride
Guide66704387093,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic day trip experience! Dean was a wonderful driver and guide—knowledgeable, friendly, and funny, which made the journey both comfortable and engaging. At the Waitomo Caves, Shyla was excellent and made the visit truly memorable, while Hweya at Te Puia was warm and informative, sharing fascinating insights about Māori culture. The whole tour was well-organized with smooth transitions and pre-booked slots, making it a stress-free and enjoyable day. The long drive was absolutely worth it—highly recommended!
From NZ$419.00
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