Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Te Puia Geothermal Valley

North Island

Auckland And Beyond Tours

from

NZ$459

per adult

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Experiences

Caving & Underground Adventures

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Auckland

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 12 hours

Details

Discover Glowworms and Geothermal Wonders in One Day

Start your day with a scenic drive through the lush Waikato region, arriving at the awe-inspiring Waitomo Glowworm Caves. With your local guide, stroll through ancient limestone formations illuminated by thousands of glowworms before drifting quietly beneath their shimmering lights on a grotto boat ride. It’s a magical experience that blends geology and natural wonder into one mesmerizing moment.

Next, head to Rotorua’s famous Te Puia Geothermal Valley—a place where cultural richness meets explosive natural beauty. Walk through steaming geyser fields, witness boiling mud pools, and stand in awe of Pohutu Geyser’s towering eruption. You'll also be immersed in Māori heritage, watching carving and weaving demonstrations, and meeting a friendly kiwi bird, all creating a vibrant cultural tapestry at the heart of the thermal wonderland.

Family exploring limestone stalactites and columns on a walkway inside Waitomo Caves

Group admiring limestone stalactites inside the illuminated chambers of Waitomo Caves

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

Walkway inside Waitomo Glowworm Caves lit by glowing blue light from thousands of glowworms

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

Close-up of glowworms on the cave ceiling with bioluminescent threads in Waitomo

Glowworms illuminating the ceiling above the Waitomo underground river

Close-up view of glowing worms illuminating the cave ceiling in Waitomo, New Zealand

Pōhutu Geyser erupting in Te Puia geothermal valley, Rotorua, New Zealand

Traditional meal prepared using geothermal steam during the Steambox experience at Te Puia, Rotorua

Tourists at Te Puia viewing platform overlooking Pōhutu Geyser in Rotorua

Māori carver working on traditional woodwork at the National Carving School in Te Puia, Rotorua

Kiwi bird in a darkened enclosure at Te Puia, Rotorua, for conservation and viewing in a natural setting

Māori performers in traditional attire presenting a haka at Te Puia in Rotorua, New Zealand

Māori performers at Te Puia in traditional dress presenting a haka during a cultural performance in Rotorua

A Day That Delivers the Best of Two Regions

After an immersive exploration of geothermal marvels and Māori traditions, wind down your adventure with a comfortable return trip to Auckland. This seamless full-day journey packs two of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes into one unforgettable experience, letting you explore the magic of caves and culture in just one outing.

From the bioluminescent beauty of Waitomo to the fiery geothermal spectacle of Rotorua, this tour promises rich variety, natural astonishment, and cultural insight. It's the perfect way to see the soul of New Zealand in a single, extraordinary day.

Pick up: 6am
Drop off: 6pm
Duration: 12 hours
Minimum: 2 adults

INCLUSIONS:

Auckland CBD pickup and drop-off
Guided tours of Waitomo Glowworm Caves (with boat ride) and Te Puia Geothermal Valley
Kiwi bird viewing, Pohutu Geyser, mud pools, and Māori village visit
Complimentary water, snacks, and professional guide

AGE INFORMATION:

Adult: 13 years and above
Children: 3-12 years
Infant: 0-2 years: free of charge if no seat required.

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS:

11 days or more prior to travel: Full refund**
7-10 days prior: 25% cancellation fee plus any booking fees and charges.
3-6 days prior: 50% cancellation fee plus any booking fees and charges.
Within 48 hours of travel: No refunds

Note: **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 CBD Pickup: Begin your day with a convenient pickup from Auckland’s central business district.
Scenic Drive to Waitomo: Travel through the picturesque Waikato region on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour
- Enjoy a snack or warm drink upon arrival.
- Embark on a guided tour through Waitomo Grotto, where you’ll walk among the glowworms.
- Take a boat ride along the Waitomo River to view the glowworms up close.
Drive to Rotorua: Relax during a two-hour drive to Rotorua’s geothermal region.
Te Puia Geothermal Valley
- Discover Māori culture and geothermal wonders.
- Witness Pohutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.
- View bubbling mud pools, native flora and fauna, and the Kiwi bird.
- Visit the National Carving and Weaving Institute and a traditional Māori village.
Return to Auckland: Conclude the tour with a comfortable drive back to Auckland CBD.