WAITOMO CAVES & ROTORUA INCLUDING TE PUIA TOUR from Auckland

Te Puia Tour

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

Discover the Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Tour, a small-group, fully guided day excursion that expertly combines the rich Maori culture with New Zealand's stunning natural surroundings. This epic journey from Auckland combines the two best destinations on the North Island. Our enthusiastic tour guides lead the way and are renowned for their insightful storytelling and extensive expertise. Experience comfort and luxury while traveling in one of our sleek, contemporary minibuses, which are tastefully furnished with every amenity to make your trip as delightful as the destinations.
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Highlights

Itinerary:

1. Auckland – Start of your tour is at the biggest city in New Zealand. Your guide will introduce you to the main sights of the city as we head out of town and lay the groundwork for your trip.

2. Waikato – After departing from Auckland, we travel south through the beautiful Waikato countryside, which is well known for its vast agricultural region. Along the route, take in the breathtaking landscape, imposing rivers, great photo opportunities, striking mountains, and sights of farm animals.

3. Pirongia – We take a little break for coffee in a quaint village after exploring the area's history, which includes the New Zealand Land Wars, and driving through picturesque scenery.

4. Otorohanga – We travel on and arrive in Otorohanga, sometimes referred to as the "Kiwiana Capital of New Zealand." You will witness everything Kiwi, proudly showcasing the essence of New Zealand culture, as we go around this distinctive and quaint town.

5. Waitomo Caves – Welcome to our first major attraction! Prepare to be amazed as you explore the ancient and stunning caves, where you'll encounter a variety of fascinating formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and lime columns. As you venture deeper underground, you'll have the chance to experience the magical glow of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Board a boat for a serene cruise along the grotto river, where thousands of glowworms create a dazzling display above you.

6. Big Bird – We'll stop for a short while at Big Bird to see some of the amiable native wildlife before moving on to our next destination in Rotorua. We won't have enough time to visit the park, but these animals are accustomed to our guides and frequently approach the fences directly for pictures.

7. Te Puia Geothermal Park – When you reach Te Puia, our second major site, you will go on a fully guided tour to thoroughly explore the cultural and geothermal marvels of the area. Highlights include the unique geothermal craters and occurrences, the National Māori Arts School, traditional Māori architecture, and the magnificent Pōhutu Geyser. In the special Kiwi viewing house, you will also be able to get up close and personal with a Kiwi bird.

8. Rotorua City Highlights – To complete our Rotorua experience, we'll take a guided driving tour of the city's most iconic sites, including Lake Rotorua, the Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring), and the Blue Baths. If time allows, we might also stop by a souvenir shop for discounted shopping and a taste of Manuka Honey.

9. Auckland – Sadly, it's time to return north, although the journey is far from over. Savor an entirely guided journey back to Auckland, including unplanned stops en route.

Inclusions:

At Cab on Hire, we believe that while the destinations you’ll visit are undeniably breathtaking, it's the details that make our tours stand out. Our small groups, knowledgeable guides, and carefully curated journey set us apart. From secret stops and wildlife encounters to specially designed vehicles and complimentary refreshments, our tours are filled with delightful surprises that create an unforgettable experience.