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
641 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good experience
R4591CAjenniferc,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had booked with Cheeky Kiwi through Viator. Set up a pickup location, was picked up in a timely manner. Got John as a tour guide. He kept engagement going with all passengers, which I'm sure we all very much appreciated. Overall, he's a lovely to have as a guide. 10/10 would recommend. I wouldn't mind booking another tour through the company if I ever come back to NZ.
Awesome day with Cheeky Matt!!!
212chelseac,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I just wanted to write and say how great Matt was today! It was a long trip and he was endlessly kind, thoughtful and good spirited throughout the day. He brought great NZ history and local insights to us all. Answering all our questions as well…Especially me who just arrived solo! Really appreciated the care he took to all the logistics he took to the day with 15 people and various stops. This is no easy job, our group was young and old, singles and couples and he gave us all a great day — Matt’s a pro!
Enjoyable day trip
Louise S,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Great to be in small group, added to the fun of the day getting to know a bit about the others. Terrific sites we visited highly recommend them. Timing was great, enough time for lunch and shopping. Simon our guide was very helpful and gave us lots of info about the sites and New Zealand.
Must-See Sites with Friendly, Knowledgable Guides
kathrynmV5152MB,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip to Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia was fantastic! Both sites were interesting and unique to New Zealand. Our guides (Ben and Vicky) were knowledgable and answered all of our questions. They created a warm, inclusive environment for all of the participants.
A great way to discover New Zealand’ gems!
Annie P,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is a must for anyone travelling around Auckland and with little time to really appreciate the natural beauties of the country. The visit is the cave and of the geysers were awesome and the guide, Ben, was very knowledgeable, kind and a tuned to the needs of our group. Cheeky Kiwi is a great tour operator!! Thank you so much for this great trip !
A fun and adventure filled day
osiris412,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Had a great time. Quite a trek with a lot of time spent in the car but our guide was very friendly and informative. Highly recommend if you like learning about Māori culture and want to see some natural wonders
Two beautiful sites and great food
Tarryn E,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great way to see two of the main attractions from Auckland. Even though it is a long day, our guide Ben was fantastic and made it fun the whole way. He knew a lot about NZ and I enjoyed hearing some of the stories behind the nature. The Waitomo Caves were amazing and Te Puia was great to learn about the Māori and even see a kiwi chick!! The lunch shop was also nice and had delicious sandwiches.
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.
From NZ$419.00
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel