Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves (One Way)

North Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

AU$280

per adult

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Visitors on a silent boat ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guide pointing to the glowing cave ceiling

Experiences

Transfers and Shuttles

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Auckland

Finish: Rotorua

Location: Auckland

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 9 hours

Details

Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves

Travelling from Auckland to Rotorua in a single day is a brilliant way to soak up some of the North Island’s most iconic sights. This route blends natural beauty, rural charm, and underground wonder into one unforgettable journey. It’s perfect for travellers keen to see more than just the destination.

As you leave Auckland behind, the scenery quickly shifts to the lush Waikato countryside. Think rolling green hills, wide open farmland, and the winding Waikato River flowing gently through it all. With every kilometre, you’ll get a deeper sense of what makes rural New Zealand so special.

Explore the Magical Waitomo Caves

One of the highlights of the journey is a stop at the famous Waitomo Caves. Beneath the surface lies an incredible world of limestone formations shaped over thousands of years. Guided tours take you through caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and towering rock columns. The real showstopper is the Glowworm Grotto – a peaceful boat ride under a canopy of glowing creatures that light up the cave ceiling like stars.

After your cave adventure, the road to Rotorua continues south through more postcard-worthy landscapes. Sparkling rivers, native bush, hydro dams, and ancient volcanic terrain line the route. As you approach Rotorua, steam vents begin to rise from the ground, hinting at the geothermal wonders ahead. The city welcomes you with bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and a rich Māori cultural presence—making it the ideal end to a truly scenic day out.

Colourful mural in Otorohanga featuring iconic Kiwiana items such as jandals, pavlova, a buzzy bee, and the Kiwi bird

Large painted kiwi bird sculpture near the welcome sign in Otorohanga, New Zealand

A small tour group in a boat gazing up at glowworms in the Waitomo Caves with a guide explaining the natural phenomenon

Waitomo Glowworms 1617 Cave 5 Enhanced SR

Family group admiring limestone formations inside Waitomo Caves during a guided walking tour

Waitomo guide explaining cave formations to a group of visitors wearing helmets inside an illuminated limestone cave

Visitors viewing stalagmites on a guided tour inside Aranui Cave, Waitomo.

Historic Rotorua Museum with Tudor-style architecture set in the Government Gardens under a blue sky

The journey continues to Rotorua, with stops at scenic rivers and landmarks like Lake Rotorua and Polynesian Spa. Cheeky Kiwi Travel adds personal touches with small group tours, secret stops, and complimentary refreshments.

Highlights

Auckland highlights
Waikato
Waitomo Caves
Scenic drive

Inclusions

Small Group Tour
Fully Guided
Entry Tickets
Bottled Water
Snacks
Lunch is not included

Age Information

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 4-14 years
Infants: Under 4 years

Cancellations & Refunds

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Auckland: Your tour begins with a convenient pick-up from your Auckland hotel in a comfortable minibus, ready to take you on a guided journey through the stunning Waikato countryside. Along the way, enjoy views of New Zealand’s longest river, picturesque mountains, and spot farm animals as you head towards Waitomo Caves.

Waitomo Caves: Upon arrival at Waitomo, explore the incredible ancient caves featuring stunning formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and lime columns. Your adventure continues with a magical glowworm boat ride through the grotto river, where thousands of New Zealand’s unique glowworms light up the cave ceiling—a must-see experience.

Scenic Drive to Rotorua: The tour continues south to Rotorua, passing scenic rivers, hydro dams, and more wildlife. Once in Rotorua**, your guide will show you its highlights like Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens, Blue Baths, and Polynesian Spa, before dropping you at your accommodation or a central location. We focus on small groups, exceptional guides, and thoughtful details like secret stops and complimentary refreshments, ensuring a memorable experience.

**Guests who did not book afternoon activities like Te Puia, will be dropped off in Rotorua before the highlights tour.