Auckland Central Tours
Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland
5

Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

By Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Visit two of New Zealand's highlights—the Waitomo Caves and the city of Rotorua—on an easy day trip from Auckland. Don't worry about self-driving or navigating buses, as you are transferred from a central meeting point in Auckland. Learn all about Maori culture in Rotorua, experience the otherworldly geothermal geysers and explore deep underground at the Waitomo Caves.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 13h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • An easy way to see a lot in a single day trip
  • Visit the Pohutu Geyser, Te Puia Maori Village, Kiwi Bird House, and more
  • A boat ride on underground rivers is included at Waitomo Caves
  • Receive refreshments and snacks while driving

  • Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
  • Entry Tickets - Waitomo and Te Puia
  • Water available & snacks provided
  • Entry/Admission - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Entry/Admission - Te Puia
What's not included
  • Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • - Pick-ups are available only from the hotels listed. If your location isn’t listed, please select the nearest option. - Pick-ups start up to 20 minutes before the tour time. Be ready and waiting outside by this time to avoid missing your pick-up. -Not all locations are serviced daily—pick-up points are pre-determined for each tour. If your pick-up location changes, please notify us in advance. - Guides may arrive up to 10 minutes late due to multiple stops but cannot wait for late passengers. We recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early. PICKUP TIMES: Park Hyatt 5:40 AM Swiss Belsuites Victoria Park 5:40 AM Sofitel Viaduct Harbour 5:40 AM Hilton Hotel 5:45 AM M Social 5:45 AM Movenpick Hotel 5: 45 AM Adina Apartment Hotel 5:45 AM Copthorne Auckland City 5:45 AM Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments 5:45 AM Pullman Auckland 5:45 AM SO/Auckland05:45 AM JW Marriott Auckland City 5:50 AM Heritage Auckland 5:50 AM Ibis Budget Auckland Central 5:50 AM Rydges Hotel 5:50 AM Crowne Plaza 5:55 AM The Grand By SkyCity 5:55 AM SkyCity Hotel 5:55 AM Four Points by Sheraton 5:55 AM Grand Millennium Auckland 6:00 AM Kiwi International Hotel 6:00 AM Mercure Queen St 6:00 AM VR Auckland City, 188 Hobson Street 6:00 AM Cordis Auckland 6:05 AM Sebel Manukau 6:15 AM
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Wheelchair accessible
        • Pushchair accessible
        • Near public transportation
        • Infant seats available
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 56760P5

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
        • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
        • 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.
        • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
        • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 56760P5

        From
        $399.00
        per adult
        Select date and travellers

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        • 3
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        • 4
        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Cheeky Kiwi Travel
          2,579
          New Zealand
          Joined in August 2017
        • GrandTour28426961237
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great tour guide
          Dane is a great tour guide. Well organized and details in explaining each trip. We arrived on time and happy with the trip.
          Written 7 February 2025
        • Sandie B
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A great re-visit
          Hobbiton is a great Movie set which I first visited several years ago with grandsons. This time it was wonderful to visit the red and green house with so much authentic furnishings. This is an awesome fantasy set even if you have never seen the Tolkien inspired movies or read the books. We had the very knowledgeable driver, Matt whose NZ history was especially helpful along with the equally knowledgeable Dom at Hobbiton. A wonderful day!
          Written 7 February 2025
        • c a
          0 contributions
          4.0 of 5 bubbles
          Ok way to get from Auckland to Rotorua
          A decent way to get from Auckland to Rotorua but I wish the van had been a bit more comfortable given it’s a pretty long ride. Also - and perhaps I missed it in the description - but would’ve liked to have known that we’d make stops - approximately when and what was available at the stops.
          Written 7 February 2025
        • Jet26158829029
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great Day
          Terrific day with Cheeky Kiwi. Matt was informative and helpful. The Van was new and comfortable. Definitely will book another tour with them.
          Written 6 February 2025
        • MargiPargy
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Top Notch Tour
          Excellent trip, good communication prior to the trip, clear instructions on where to meet and what to bring by KiwiCheekyTravels. We had a great driver Dean, who provided just the right amount of interesting facts/figures throughout the tour, with a charming Kiwi wit too. The 2 separate tours were excellent, each tour had great guides and were well organised by the separate providers. Recommend this tour 👌
          Written 6 February 2025
        • leonyg2025
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Happy day
          Was an amazing experience! New Zealand is a gift ❤️ I recommend sunscreen, hat, comfortable clothes for walking and a big smile 😊
          Written 6 February 2025
        • Janice F
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Hobbiton and Wai-O- Tapu with Cheeky Kiwi tour
          Grant was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable about the areas we drove through. Took good care of us on a long day for the experience. Would definitely recommend this tour operator Cheeky Kiwi
          Written 6 February 2025
        • jagrutis2025
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          great experience - friendly driver - comfortable vehicle
          the kind driver helped me a lot after I got hurt at Wai-o-tapu. he offered me the front seat with a driver whom I was so cozy with my place to seat
          Written 5 February 2025
        • jukik2019
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent trip
          Went with my teenage son and we both loved it. A very well organized tour with Cheeky kiwi. Grant the drive was great; he was very informative and made everyone feel comfortable. Hobbiton and Wai-O-Tapu were both amazing. The guide at Hobbiton was very entertaining and the ginger beer at the Green Dragon was gorgeous. Thank you so much for a wonderful day!!!
          Written 5 February 2025
        • r0wsa
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Hobbiton Adventure and Wai-O-Tapu Wonders: A Journey Through Culture and Nature.
          Our transport guide Grant was a fantastic, charismatic, and knowledgeable gentleman. He shared fascinating stories about history, culture, and local life during our journey to Hobbiton and Wai-O-Tapu. I highly recommend this enjoyable tour!
          Written 5 February 2025
        • preachers
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A wonderful day out.
          Our guide, David was professional, friendly and knowledgeable throughout the day. Transport was very comfortable and safe and the sites we visited were great. The water supplied was welcome along with safety tips and advice. We had a wonderful day. Thanks.
          Written 5 February 2025
        • bernadetterK2137UQ
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Hobbiton.
          Had a fantastic time. Our driver Jeff did a great job. Very knowledgeable and friendly. The Shire was AMAZING. I would highly recommend this tour.
          Written 4 February 2025
        • E4250JJsofias
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A Must-Have Tour Guide
          I was completely impressed with their professionalism and customer service. Thanks to Brandon, for being the best guide and storyteller rolled into one, also foodiesphedia :)
          Written 4 February 2025
        • N3827FJmaureenh
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A++ MUST DO!
          This was by far my best tour. (It was my third in 3 days). Our driver/tour guide Jeff was friendly professional and knowledgeable. The bus was clean and comfortable. It was clearly a very top notch operation. The Hobbiton Tour itself is an absolute must do. Did not read the books or watch the movies but definitely will now. A++ Thank you!
          Written 4 February 2025
        • D4379JDrogerh
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Awesome experience!
          Grant was a great driver. He taught us a lot about Auckland. I would definitely do this tour again and would like for Grant to be there again.
          Written 3 February 2025
        See all 2,579 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles287 reviews
        Excellent
        243
        Very good
        29
        Average
        8
        Poor
        2
        Terrible
        5

        These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
        This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

        Haley M
        Columbus, OH23 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        This was an awesome tour. Great that they picked us up/dropped us off at the hotel as we did not rent a car during our visit and there is no easy public transit to these attractions. Grant, our guide, was kind and informative. He kept it interesting with commentary and answered our questions.
        The Waitomo caves are a must-see. The geysers at Te Puia are cool to see. You also learn a lot about Māori culture. We saw kiwis at their little sanctuary, which was a highlight for me.
        We did not go to the petting zoo, and some people in the group had booked the cultural dance, as others did not. Keep in mind lunch is at your own expense, but water and snacks are provided and you can bring whatever else you may need for the day.
        Overall, I highly recommend this tour so you can see two of the must-see attractions outside of Auckland!
        Written 7 February 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Arun Nandi
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2023 • Couples
        This is a long but very comprehensive tour of the glow worm caves, surrounding countryside, thermal springs, Kiwi sanctuary, and the final stop where you get to enjoy wonderful company, and display of both Maori traditions and various traditional workshops.
        Nice emphasis on the culture and traditions of the Maori people with weaving, woodwork, and jade and carving workshops.
        Very comfortable ride in a 12 seater Mercedes van with stadium seating, with good views of the countryside. Excellent tour guide Michael who was very informative. Enough pitstops on the way for coffee and bathroom breaks as well as lunch. Well planned itinerary with relevant and varied experiences.
        This is a great value for money, and I would highly recommend this tour and the Cheeky Kiwi tour company.
        Written 30 January 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Arthur G
        United States10 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2024 • Friends
        Well worth the long day. The van picked us up at the hotel at 6:00 AM and returned us after 6:00 PM. Our tour guide Hanoz was friendly and very engaging. He was explaining much of what we saw along the way. When we arrived at Waitomo Caves we were handed off to another tour guide that took us through the caves. It was spectacular. Inside the caves, no photos are allowed to protect the glow worms. Then we are off to Te Puia to see the geysers and hot springs. I am glad we went.
        Written 19 January 2025
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Kia ora! Thank you for sharing your adventure on our Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Tour! We're delighted to hear that you found it well worth the long day and that Hanoz made your experience enjoyable with his friendly and engaging approach. We're glad you appreciated the spectacular sights at Waitomo Caves, even if photos weren't allowed to protect those amazing glowworms. Te Puia is truly a highlight, and it's fantastic to know you enjoyed seeing the geysers and hot springs. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
        Written 29 January 2025
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Min P
        10 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jun 2024 • Family
        John is a great guide. We had a wonderful trip to the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua (including Te Puia). The glowworm caves were amazing that like the many blue stars in the sky. I didn't expect to see so many glowworms! We also saw two ostriches. John took us to a restaurant with a free hot spring foot bath, of course you have to buy something to eat. It was so relaxing to soak your feet while eating! Te Puia was also great and I was happy to see kiwis for the first time. The Rotorua Government Building is under repair and will open in 2027. It was an unforgettable trip!
        Written 20 June 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Erin G
        5 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2024 • Couples
        We went on this tour as part of a belated honeymoon and we had a wonderful experience. Malcolm was a knowledgeable, attentive and kind guide with a great sense of humour. He managed to keep us on time while not making us feel rushed at any point. The caves are spectacular - a must see in my opinion and the addition of a Maori song in the cathedral was poignantly emotional. Te Puia was beautiful and our guide there kept us well-entertained with his storytelling ability - managing to keep our attention despite some sweltering weather! I'll never forget this tour, thank you for everything.
        Written 8 February 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Tour54085861995
        1 contribution
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2023 • Couples
        Two venues were great, drive long and overall felt expensive without the Moari experience. Local guide at the Caves was outstanding wonderful storyteller. Felt like floating under the stars. 10/10. Rotorua was cool good guide. Meal good and cultural college interesting, but lacking with no performance.

        Trip out and back were a grind. Driver Jon/Ron? took backroads out and talked about himself alot. He was nice enough, but had a difficult time driving, headset talking and maintaining consistent speed. At first rest stop he made a point to tell people that it wasn't his fault we were late. He said first pickup was late however we received pickup times of 6:15 and 6:30. We were in lobby at 6:16 then had to wait for several other groups at other hotels. His statement was untrue and disrespectful. He shared he had 2 speeding tickets so driving routes and speed varied to avoid another. He also asked people to give him a good review as he gets a lot of undeserved complaints. Time in Rotorua spend on hotel drops.
        Written 4 April 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Sandy L.
        Colorado Springs, CO13 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Our entire tour was fantastic, due in large part to our Cheeky Kiwi driver/guide Don. From picking us up in the early morning, until delivering us safely back to our hotel in early evening, Don did everything possible to make our trip enjoyable.
        Clearly the visits to Waitoma Caves and Te Puia were interesting and educational as expected, but the many hours on the road with Don became the highlight. He provided appropriate information about various sites along the way, giving us plenty of historical and cultural insights. He made a point of interacting with each individual in the group, and even serenaded us with appropriate songs at particular times.
        We feel blessed to have had Don lead our trip.
        Written 23 January 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Deborah Z
        21 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        The caves are amazing and very worth the experience and our Big T Guide even sang us a Maori song inside the caves!. Grant was always a very friendly Guide who explained details of the places we were going. In Rotorua we felt that the tour lacks cultural experience, we were very excited to see a Maori dance and were told that it was not season which discouraged us a lot, the Guide was in a hurry and we did not get to see the Geyser more q from afar, what was very father was to see a kiwi and typical art there.
        Automatically translated
        Written 13 September 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Kia ora – thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed the stunning Waitomo Caves and that the Waitomo guide (Big T) made the experience even more memorable with his Māori song inside the caves! It’s wonderful that Grant’s guidance added to your journey as well. We’re sorry to hear that you didn't get a close-up view of the geyser. We appreciate your feedback and will take it into consideration to improve our tours. Thank you again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi, and we hope to see you on another adventure with us! Nga mih
        Written 16 September 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Kate W
        London27 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2023
        The tour was great, and Simon was really knowledgeable. Be warned, you can't take photos in the Waitomo Caves (except for a small bit at the very end), but it's pretty challenging to take photos of glow worms anyway, so suck it up. Te Puia was really interesting, but make sure to get the buffet add-on -- it was only marginally more than I paid for a frozen danish in the cafe, where options are very limited. Overall, the experience was brilliant and highly recommended.
        Written 17 April 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        RS25
        8 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2023
        Completed this tour on 31 March 2023
        We were 6 people (3 couples) in our group and had 15 people in the whole group.
        The driver/guide Mr Grant from Cheeky Kiwi Travel picked us up near Holiday Inn Express, Auckland CBD. He was prompt and courteous. The van was comfortable.
        Mr Grant was very informative and gave us a great narration of New Zealand's history, culture and present facts.
        The visit to the Waitomo Glowworm caves was amazing and a wonderful experience.
        The drive to Rotorua was nice and the Lunch at Te Puia was very good. The tour around the Geothermal geysers was awesome and the visit to the Arts & crafts center was a great experience and visibility into the skill of the Maori people and culture.
        Only disappointment was the Maori cultural show was cancelled, this would have made it a complete experience.
        Overall a worthwhile trip.
        Written 3 April 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Showing results 1-10 of 277
        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland provided by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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