WAITOMO - Twin Caves Discovery - Private Day Tour from Auckland

5.0 (3 reviews) 10 hours Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Waitomo Glowworm Caves — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Waitomo Ruakuri Caves — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The Waitomo Twin Caves Discovery combines two iconic caves: the Glowworm Cave and Ruakuri Cave.

Glowworm Cave: Famous for its glowworms that light up the cave ceiling, this tour includes a guided walk through limestone formations and a silent boat ride under thousands of glowworms. Highlights include the Cathedral, known for its acoustics, and the mesmerizing glowworm grotto.

Ruakuri Cave: This cave offers a more adventurous experience, featuring intricate limestone formations, underground rivers, and close-up views of glowworms. Highlights include the spiral entrance, stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and glowworms visible from walkways.

Both tours provide an unforgettable experience—Glowworm Cave focuses on the magical glowworm display, while Ruakuri offers a deeper exploration of underground wonders.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: ENZOY TOURS

Ages: Adults (3–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Gifts & Souvenirs

Itinerary

Auckland

15 min

We offer pickups from any part of Auckland. Please mention your preferred pickup location and we will there to greet you 15 minutes before the time of departure.
Sylvia Park Shopping Centre

Passing by

While traveling towards the South of Auckland, you will be able to see the early morning buzzling traffic that flows towards north.

We will be passing by Greenlane, Mount Wellington, Tip Top Ice Cream, Manukau City, Rainbows end, and travel towards the South.

Uenuku sculpture - This impressive 8m steel sculpture is located in the Puhinui wetland beside the Auckland Botanic Gardens at Manurewa and is visible from the Southern Motorway.

We will discuss more on Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua sculpture represents the deity Uenuku, the god of rainbows, when we drive toward Waitomo Caves.
Bombay

Passing by

The Bombay Hills, well known for its agricultural produces, a small yet notable range of hills south of Auckland, New Zealand, mark the southern boundary of the Auckland region. They serve as a natural divide between Auckland and the Waikato region.

The settlement of Bombay, including the Bombay Hills, is named after the ship Bombay, which arrived in Auckland in 1863, bringing settlers to what was initially called Williamson's Clearing.
Taupiri

15 min

A brief refreshment pitstop at Taupiri. At your own expenses you can grab a coffee, muffin, quick breakfast at some of the outlets available there.

Mc Donalds, Wild bean cafe, Robert Harris, Subway, and Taco Bell are some of the outlets that might be open.

Toilets available in the gas station and restaurants.
Hangatiki

5 min

A brief stop to take photos with the Giant Moa statue - an extinct flightless birds formerly endemic to New Zealand.

Sam the Moa sits on the side of State Highway 37 in Hangatiki.

We will talk more about Moa on the way to Waitomo Caves.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

one hour Admission included

Discover the magic of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour, one of New Zealand's top natural attractions. Take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto and be amazed by thousands of glowing worms. Join in over 130 years of cultural and natural history.
Waitomo Caves

one hour

The Waitomo Homestead, located on State Highway 3 and just a 10-minute drive from Waitomo Village, offers everything you need for your Waitomo adventure.

Café, Restaurant & Gardens

Fuel up before your adventure or relax after a fun-filled day at our café and restaurant, surrounded by stunning rural scenery. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal on our spacious deck or in our cozy dining area. Treat yourself to our famous homemade pies, grab a drink at the bar, or take a leisurely stroll through our beautiful garden.
Ruakuri Cave

2 hours Admission included

Discover the magic of Ruakuri Cave and see glowworms up close in this enchanting setting. Begin your adventure by descending through the stunning spiral entrance, and marvel at the limestone formations and crystal tapestries in this uniquely sustainable, solar-powered cave.

Ruakuri Cave is a must-see experience, offering a mesmerizing blend of the most captivating subterranean sights, including glowworms. This journey will leave you awe-struck and humbled by nature's beauty. Start your tour by descending through the impressive man-made spiral entrance. Admire the delicate, shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries while listening to the distant thunder of underground waterfalls. For an intimate encounter with glowworms and to learn about their fascinating lives, this tour is perfect for you. Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave.
Mercer

15 min

A brief stop for photography and look at a stunning flowing river. The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand, running for 425 kilometres (264 mi) through the North Island.

The name Waikato comes from the Māori language and translates as flowing water.

We will discuss more about Waikato River on our way back to Auckland.
Auckland

one hour

After viewing Waikato River, we drive to our destination back to Auckland.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
M Social Hotel Auckland
The Chancellor on Hobson
SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Crowne Plaza Auckland By IHG
Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
Grand Millennium Auckland
Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
Auckland City Hotel - Hobson St
VR Queen Street
The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

and 43 more pickup points

Pickups can be arranged to any hotel address within Auckland CBD and Airport region. Kindly specify the correct address, contact details to liaise with for easy pickup.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The product's total duration already takes into account the time spent traveling to each location and the pickup.
''Travel time is included on the tour duration''
"Minimum of 10 people needs to meet in order for the tour to take place"
"To secure your tour confirmation and avoid queues, it is recommended to book at least one week prior to travel, as entrance fees for all attractions will be booked in advance."