Tours and Tickets
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)
4.5

Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)

By Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Recommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
About
from
$185.18
per adult

Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 16 per group
Duration: 13h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English


  • Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
  • Entry ticket and fully guided tour - Waitomo Caves
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Entry/Admission - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
What's not included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking


Departure details
  • Traveler pickup is offered.
  • Hotel pick-ups are from the below hotels only. If you do not see your pickup location please select the closest one to you to be picked up from. Pick ups start up to 20 mins before your tour time. Please see below what group your hotel is in and what your pick-up time is. Please be waiting outside your accommodation's lobby no later than this time to avoid missing your pick up. Guides have multiple pick-ups so can on occasion run up to 10 minutes late. Guides cannot wait for late passengers as it will mean the entire group is at risk of missing out, so please be waiting and ready (5-10 minutes before your listed time is highly recommended). Group 1: 20 minutes before tour start time. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Group 2: 15 minutes before tour start time. Adina Apartments, Copthorne Hotel Auckland, Grand Mercure Hotel, Hilton Hotel Auckland, M Social, Nesuto Stadium Apartments, Pullman Hotel, Queen Street Backpackers, SO/Auckland Group 3: 10 minutes before tour start time. AVANI Metropolis, Barclay Suites, CityLife Hotel Auckland, Heritage Hotel Auckland (Hobson Street), ibis Budget Auckland, Rydges Hotel Auckland, JW Marriott Auckland. Group 4: 5 minutes before tour start time. Crowne Plaza Auckland, Four Points by Sheraton, Airedale Boutique Suites Auckland, SkyCity Hotel, SkyCity Grand Hotel Group 5: At tour start time or up to 10 minutes after. Cordis Hotel Auckland, Grand Millennium Hotel, Haka Lodge Auckland City, Kiwi International Hotel, VR Auckland City (Hobson Street), Tetra Serviced Apartments by Nesuto Passengers that miss their pick up will be required to meet the tour at the tour's first stop at their own expense to continue on the tour. No refunds will be given to late or no show passengers. Auckland Airport (Butterfly Creek) pick up must be requested and approved by our team in writing to receive your pick up time. Pick up time will normally be 20 - 30 minutes after the tour start time.
  • Ports:
  • Auckland Airport (pick up from Butterfly Creek main entrance)
  • Ports of Auckland (pick up from M Social Hotel)
  • Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller 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: 56760P15

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Children below 7 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours notice).
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled 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 16 travelers

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

What you can expect during your visit
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

Which attractions will I visit with Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)?
How much is Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)?
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way) price starts from $188.62. Discover and book Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way) on Tripadvisor
What is the Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way) cancellation policy?
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way) cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way) on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)?
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way) is hosted by Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Cheeky Kiwi Travel on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way) on Tripadvisor

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: 56760P15

Reserve your spot

Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • You'll get picked up
    See departure details
  • Pass by
    Auckland Central
    Waikato Region
  • 1
    Pirongia
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
    Pass by
    Otorohanga
  • 2
    Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    Stop: 2 hours - Admission included
    See details
  • 3
    Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm
    Stop: 10 minutes
    See details
  • 4
    Lake Rotorua
    Stop: 5 minutes
    See details
  • You'll return to the starting point
+
About the operator
Cheeky Kiwi Travel
1,379
New Zealand
Joined in August 2017

#27 of 194 Tours & Activities in Auckland Central
  • Aeacho13
    Aeacho13
    0
    0
    Great Tour (from a non-LOTR fan)
    I joined my LOTR movie buff bestie for this tour, and though I hadn't seen the movies in 20 years, I still had a great time! Cheeky Kiwi was excellent getting us to and from Hobbiton. Our guide, Cam, is a natural guide with a passion for NZ tourism. We loved learning the NZ and LOTR tidbits he sprinkled throughout the ride down. The day at Hobbiton started with about an hour to browse the cafe/giftshop. Pepper steak meat pie was delicious. The tour of the farm was beautiful. The set has been well preserved. The walking portion was relaxed and well paced. Our on set guide Matteo was happy to take photos throughout the experience for us. There is a new part of the experience currently under construction until December, which I'm sure will only add to the excitement for LOTR fans. The ride home was easy enough. Cam stopped at the best ice cream spot in NZ which was a thoughtful touch. Overall, great day.
  • Cedric97122
    Cedric97122
    0
    0
    Great experience with an amazing guide
    It was a really great tour, everything was wonderful and the guide was amazing( He takes amazing pictures btw ;) ) !! I would 100% recommend !
  • W2740VFjamesb
    W2740VFjamesb
    0
    0
    Great trip to Hobbiton
    Hastle free way to get out to Hobbiton if you don’t want to hire a car. Great soaking in the surrounding landscape on the way, and driver Cam had a deep knowledge and passion about the area. Everyone had such a great time.
  • MrWorldWide808
    MrWorldWide808
    0
    0
    The memorable NZ experience
    Our guide Grant was excellent in providing information about Rotorua, Hibbitin, and New Zealand culture, history, and wildlife. We had a breakfast bar and veggie chips which were good. The pick up and drop off were on time as he promised us throughout the journey. The hobbiton tour at matamata was great and beautiful with green hills and sheep. Te Puia Hoy geyser was spewing water profusely showing mother nature's power. What a sight! The food was delicious there and the mud pools and NZ arts and crafts school was excellent. Highly recomment for your holiday/vacation. Cheers! Lovely!
  • FarAway17222104550
    FarAway17222104550
    0
    0
    Great Tour to Book
    Cam was a lovely guide. The trip from Auckland was convenient - the small bus picked us up from a hotel across from our Airbnb. If you’re visiting Auckland, don’t want to rent a car but want to see Hobbiton, and just have an easy and fun day, this is a great option. I’d definitely recommend it.
  • rachelbP1486LI
    rachelbP1486LI
    0
    0
    We went on an adventure!
    Michael was absolutely brilliant and so knowledgeable. He was helpful and he really made it a day to remember.
  • Escape29525628746
    Escape29525628746
    0
    0
    Need more time in the day!
    Hobbiton and Te Puia were amazing! I wish we were able to have more time at Te Puia, but the tour was definitely long enough. Next time we will go on two different days. The worst part of the tour was the driver, one of the first thing he said in the morning was that no politics were to be discussed, but I guess that only went for other people not himself. The whole way back from Te Puia, him and two other boomer guests went on and on about local politics. It was a relief when he finally dropped them off.
  • docchavez
    docchavez
    0
    0
    Best guide!
    John was an amazing guide; friendly and easygoing. Very knowledgeable with the tour and relevant highlights. Sharing many cultural aspects that made every moment interesting. Te Puia was incredible, both natural wonders and to experience some of the Māori culture. Definitely recommend this one.
  • CydnHank
    CydnHank
    0
    0
    A long, but enjoyable day
    Great way to combine two sites that are a bit of a distance from Auckland. As a long time fan of the Lord of the Rings, I loved Hobbiton. Attention to detail was amazing. Te Puia was so educational and I am not sure which we loved more, the kiwi exhibit or the geothermal activity.
  • Getaway56820959750
    Getaway56820959750
    0
    0
    A fantabulosa day. Not a made up word; it’s from Round the Horne! But you have to be old enough to know that.
    Had a great fun trip to Hobbiton 01/08/23 with John who was a fund of info and made the trip a pleasure. Once at Hobbiton our tour guide was very good and our group followed like little lambs, or should I say baby Hobbits! It was a very interesting tour, especially as I have been a fan since my student days of the books and more recently the films. Well worth a visit and with cheeky kiwi travel . Great day.
  • twinmom8
    twinmom8
    0
    0
    Great tour to Waitomo, Rotorua and Te Puia
    Really enjoyed this tour with Simon, our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about the area and history. Waitomo was pretty cool in the caves, and Rotorua/Te Puia had a lot of history going on. Enjoyed viewing the geysers up close and learning about the Maori people. Would definitely recommend it for first-timers to New Zealand.
  • Sixelalovi02
    Sixelalovi02
    0
    0
    Find another tour company, they are not worth it.
    DON’T BOOK HERE!!!! they don’t care at all and cancel 30 minutes before the tour. Don’t waist your $
  • Sean H
    Sean H
    0
    0
    Best day ever!
    Our tour guide Cameron was excellent! The tours themselves were absolutely breathtaking! Would recommend to anyone visiting Auckland.
  • Bruce S
    Bruce S
    0
    0
    Great Tour
    The glow worm cave is so cool. And the geothermal park at Rotorua is just as good, including the Māori history part. Also, the park has kiwis and I had not seen any my first two weeks here. It’s an early morning, but I slept five hours round trip on the bus as there is not a lot to see between Auckland and Rotorua. I would not suggest paying up for the special lunch because the show times apparently don’t coincide with our tour.
  • 483merrill
    483merrill
    0
    0
    Loved it!
    A great day with a great guide! Totally recommend!! It was so nice not to think about logistics or driving or anything!
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
16 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Ruben
Den Bosch, The Netherlands1 contribution
Nice trip to travel from Auckland to Rotorua, while visiting the glowworm caves. Very nice and knowledgeable host. The travel was a bit shorter than expected and the description on trip advisor it seemed unclear if the geyser in Rotorua was also included or not. Nonetheless, enjoyed the travel!
Written October 16, 2022
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.
CheekyKiwiTravel
Thank you for the feedback! We will be sure to update the listing so that the product is clearly communicated. We hope to see you again in the future!
Written October 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chris B
Frederick, MD9 contributions
Feb 2023
Pick up was prompt. Tour guide friendly. Tour was great. Loved the Waitomo caves and the Māori Cultural Center. Only criticism I would give is I would have skipped the 15-minute tour if Rotorua. I highly recommend purchasing the buffet add-on. Food was delicious. Tour was long but highly recommended
Written February 23, 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.

Voyager23866952001
1 contribution
May 2023 • Solo
Enjoyed both Waitomo Caves (We) and Te Puia (Paul) and these guides in both very good, Our Bus Driver Simon was also excellent, very helpful, lovely sense of humour. He also advised that I should have been informed and given a part refund due to the cancellation of the cultural performance - this has not occurred.
Written May 20, 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.

Lilly jones
7 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
John was the best tour guide ever, totally recommend this tour it was very very good and he was very helpful to us as new backpackers :))
Written January 16, 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.

Patricia C
Palmer, AK7 contributions
Nov 2019
Our tour from Auckland was great, despite the intermittent rain. Our driver, Martin, was courteous and knowledgeable. His colleague, Andre, helped us understand the thermal park and gave a glimpse into Maori culture and traditional crafts. All in all, a worthy tour. Bravo!
Written November 18, 2019
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.

Laura A
8 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
Very nice. The guide Michael was very kind, attentive and knew and explained a lot through the journey. The company seems to be quite serious and professional
I do not suggest booking the Maori show at TePuia since it seemed too unnatural. The buffet is expensive but if you are hungry and have a big stomach is a perfect lunch with a variety of foods, very tasty.
Written October 24, 2019
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.

Canadabiker
Calgary, Canada10 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We booked the Waitomo Cave / Rotorua tour and found out two days before that they were cancelling due to low number of customers. Fortunately we were able to accommodate their next tour. The attractions were very good but we were disappointed in the transportation. The driver / guides said very little during the 6 hours or more we were on the road. The biggest turnoff though was the "refreshments" provided. As we loaded our bags in the back of the van, he pulled a used plastic bag off the floor and then put it back on the floor in the passenger area. It contained a couple of bottles of water and opened bags of chips and a couple of random granola bars from a previously opened box. They were all obviously left over from the last trip or could have been weeks before but could have been stored and presented much better. Because this was the first thing on the trip, it really tainted the rest for me.
We were considering using this company again for our Milford Sound tour but rather went with a **** ******** Coach and had a much improved experience (at a lower cost).
Written December 31, 2018
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.

rodneyh405
Honolulu, HI19 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Our Maouri guide was excellent in explaining the local customs and culture. However, the 3.5 hour drive one way to the Waitomo Caves was too long......even by car. Because there were only two of us, we were able to see sites that larger groups could not visit. While in the caves, the guide turned off the lights while we were walking. My wife slipped on the uneven edge and sprained her ankle and bloodied her knees. The guide did not offer any assistance during or after the tour. They could have offered to "ice" the ankle or offer her some medical assistance. However, the guide was just interested in a few "young" women and forgot about his responsibility---taking care of the entire group.
Written November 6, 2018
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.
Inappropriate review after customer declined a refund, please read response in full. We will start with the small stuff. The drive to Waitomo is a maximum of 2.5 hours and the full length of the tour is described in tour descriptions. This incidence has been investigated thoroughly and incidence reports filed as safety is our number 1 priority. Your accident happened while in the care of the Waitomo guide not ours and the guide you are describing is the Waitomo guide not your Cheeky Kiwi tour guide for the day. The lights are turned out in the cave for you to experience it fully and there is plenty of warning this is going to happen. All health and safety measures are taken by Waitomo. The Cheeky Kiwi tour guide noticed you had fallen over as soon as you came out of the caves and asked you to check in the bathroom if you were ok. Both yourself and your husband ensured your guide you were ok and wanted to continue. Even though reassuring the guide you were ok the guide had you in the back of the bus with pillows (his driving pillow) under your leg. The guide was then checking on you for the rest of the day asking if you needed anything but was assured you were fine. Once arriving at the hotel your husband was going to collect ice as you got sorer toward the end of the ride home and the guide was assured he was not needed. After our guide doing all he could for you and you assuring him you were ok you contacted Viator and asked for a refund but were declined as you received your full tour, Cheeky Kiwi or Waitomo were not at fault for you falling over and all stages of the trip were saying you were ok. If you even need anything on our tours please let us know and our guides will go out of there way to do what they can. Our guide was devastated to see your comments and wished he had known you needed more at the time.
Written November 7, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ken W
10 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Small group size made it fun and friendly. Simon knew his stuff and encouraged us to learn about this interesting region.
Written December 9, 2022
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.

Sara_Sydney_2011
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Loved the glow worm caves and thermal springs. Cheeky Kiwi guide .ike was really friendly and knowledgeable. Small groups made it nicer
Written December 2, 2022
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 15

Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way) provided by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Product Overview: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)

Prices From

$186

Number of Reviews

16

Number of Photos

7

Duration

780 minutes