Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)
Overview
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One way tour from Auckland to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, via the beautiful Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Description
Auckland- Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up from central Auckland in our comfortable minibus. Sit back and enjoy a fully guided drive through the breathtaking Waikato region, home to New Zealand’s longest river, rolling green hills, and diverse farm animals.
Waitomo Caves- Once in Waitomo you will explore the ancient and amazing caves, with it's many different cave formations including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your glowworm experience. Board your glowworm boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of glowworms - which are unique to New Zealand - glittering above your head. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.
Scenic drive- We will continue our adventure with another fully guided journey south to Rotorua, with many more attractions to see along the way, including hydro dams, rivers and lots more animals.
Rotorua- Upon reaching Rotorua, if you have not booked an optional guided tour of Te Puia, your guide will drop you off at your chosen accommodation, where your Rotorua adventure begins!
Please be aware that while lunch is not provided on this tour, there will be several opportunities for you to purchase food along the way.
What‘s Included
Fully guided journey through the picturesque Waikato farming region
Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including a boat ride under thousands of twinkling glowworms
Food and drinks
Meeting points
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Four Points By Sheraton Auckland
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland
ibis Budget Auckland Central
Mercure Auckland Queen Street
Cancellation Policy
Terms: Tours will only run if at least 5 people have booked on the tour, we reserves the right to alter the tour due to weather or operational needs.
A full refund will be issued for cancellations made a minimum of 10 days prior to the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
84 reviews
Relax with Cheeky Kiwi!
D8421BOtammyl,2026年6月13日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a lovely time touring with Vicky from Auckland to Rotorua via the Waitomo Caves! She was very knowledgeable about the region with plenty of history and fun facts. The luxury van was very comfortable with WIFI on board (keeps teens happy)! The caves are definitely worth experiencing. The cave formations are mind boggling and the glow worms are fascinating to learn about and see. Look no further to book this portion of your trip!
Excellent experience at Waimoto and Rotokua
louistee,2026年6月11日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience seeing the stunning constellation of glowworms at Waimoto, learning about Māori culture, and getting close to multiple geysers. Alessandro was knowledgeable and helpful, giving great recommendations and dropping be off at my accommodation at Rotokua.
Great Guide, Good Vibes, Beautiful Scenery, Informative Experiences
carolinemZ8645VO,2026年6月11日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessandro was genuinely an amazing guide who was very kind to me and the other solo traveler on our trip, incredibly knowledgeable and informative about the region and New Zealand in general, and overall helped make this a great day! The fee was a bit high but a good deal for both Waitomo and Te Puia, particularly when you account for the additional transit and accommodation costs non-drivers would have to pay in time and money otherwise. The glowworm caves were stunning, the countryside scenery beautiful, and te puia interesting with a good amount of time for both attractions.
Beautiful Rotrua from the eyes of Knowledgeable Guide
jasmitsingh1974,2026年6月8日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Places become extra special when you have knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. This was very true for Mr Ale from Cheekykiwi. We had a wonderful time exploring beautiful places of Waitomo Caves and Te Puia with our travel partner Mr Ale. My son enjoyed a lot talking to him and getting to understand more about New Zealand and Māori culture. Thank you Cheekykiwi team.
Great trip to Waitomo Cave and Rotorua
NayrShey,2026年5月23日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great trip to Waitomo Glow worm cave and Rotorua. Our tour guide, Trent, was a gracious host. Even with a very small group, he still drove us to the sites with great enthusiasm. One of our tour mates slipped on the curb side of Waitomo cave entrance and had to cancel the rest of her trip. Trent made sure that she was taken cared of and brought back to the city before we head out to our next destination. It was a great experience. One of the highlights of our trip.
Lovely service
katarzynazT5765XB,2026年5月16日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A big thank-you to our driver Simon! Lots of interesting facts and stories during the trip. He was absolutely lovely towards everyone, myself included 😊
GREAT TOUR WITH TRENT !
marceloraimona,2026年5月16日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the most unique experiences I have ever had! The places are amazing and the tour was GREAT! Specially because of our guide, Mr. Trent! Friendly, educated, clever and gentle! Always giving informations about everything on the way and also giving full attention to the group. He knows a lot about Maori culture and history. He drove us carefully and was always with us helping as much as possible. Smileful and really enjoying staying with us and taking care of the group. He even mede quick stops at a few other places on the way that were not included on the tour to show us some nice spots and give us more information. All the activities happened in a perfect way because of him. I highly recommend this tour with Cheeky Kiwi and specially with Mr. Trent as a guide! He loves what he does and he does it very well!!! Cheers
Thank you Trent !!!
marceloraimona,2026年5月16日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the most unique experiences I've ever lived. Sensational. Mr. Trent, our guide, made all the difference. Punctual, sociable, intelligent, polite, kind and has an excellent knowledge of Maori culture. Careful in the direction and perfect in dealing with us. All along he provided information about the climate, vegetation, geography, culture, customs and various curiosities. He did everything he could even to help a member of the group who had a small accident with a fall. He was equipped with first aid and provided all necessary assistance possible. The places were amazing, the cost was appropriate and the time helped but I repeat, the guide (Trent) made all the difference. I already know more than 70 countries and have made many tours around the world, this was undoubtedly one of the best! Super recommend the tour with Cheeky Kiwi and especially with Mr. Trent!
Great way to transit from Auckland to Rotorua
Vacation32839802682,2026年4月20日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Jeff as our guide and driver from Auckland to Rotorua. He provided a wealth of information on New Zealand and the region we’re traveling through. We also enjoyed our visit to the glowworm caves and the Māori Cultural Center. Jeff also had a number of suggestions for other things we may be of interest to us during our stay in Rotorua. I would definitely recommend this trip as an option to travel from Auckland to Rotorua versus flying if not driving g oneself.
Memorable day at Waitomo.
437alisoni,2026年4月16日
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a very good experience with Cheeky Kiwi on 22nd March 2026 with our guide and driver, Hanoz. Pick up in Auckland was on time. Safe driver. Clean comfortable mini-coach (only about 10 of us). Really good communication from Hanoz (coach quiz!, got us all chatting, witty humour). The caves are magical- everyone strangely silent in the dark of the boat. Recommended.
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