Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 56 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour worth booking?
Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour is a 11-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $170 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 56 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (56)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $170 per person
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Otorohanga Kiwi House and Blue Springs Tour. Step into the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and marvel at intricate limestone formations, grand caverns, and the stunning Cathedral Chamber, known for its natural acoustics. Then glide by boat through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the darkness like a star-filled night sky. Continue your journey at the Otorohanga Kiwi House, encountering New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird up close and exploring the country’s largest free-flight dome aviary, before visiting the Blue Springs, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. With premium transport, expert guidance, and hotel pick-up and drop-off, this small-group, fully guided tour blends natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and cultural connection into one seamless day. Book now to experience a journey that is as magical as it is memorable.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Otorohanga Kiwi House and Blue Springs Tour. Step into the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and marvel at intricate limestone formations, grand caverns, and the stunning Cathedral Chamber, known for its natural acoustics. Then glide by boat through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the darkness like a star-filled night sky. Continue your journey at the Otorohanga Kiwi House, encountering New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird up close and exploring the country’s largest free-flight dome aviary, before visiting the Blue Springs, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. With premium transport, expert guidance, and hotel pick-up and drop-off, this small-group, fully guided tour blends natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and cultural connection into one seamless day. Book now to experience a journey that is as magical as it is memorable.
What's included
Included
- An english speaking tour guide
- Bottled water
- Admission to a fully guided 45 minutes experience of the Waitomo Glow worm Cave
- Snacks
- Fully Guided Small Group Tour
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Admission to the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Bird Park
- Visit to Blue springs
Not included
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
Embark on your expedition from the largest city in New Zealand. As we set out, your guide will kick off the day's adventures, laying the groundwork for an enthralling exploration. Travel journey time from Auckland to Waitomo Caves approximately- 3 hours
180 minutes here
Waitomo District
Proceed with a picturesque drive to the Waitomo region, winding through the scenic New Zealand countryside on the way to the Waitomo Caves.
Pass by without stopping
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Descend into the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms illuminate the cavern ceiling like a starry night sky. Glide silently by boat along the underground river, gazing in awe at this natural wonder while your expert guide shares fascinating insights into the glowworms’ life cycle and the cave’s geological history. Allow around 45 minutes for this guided experience, blending nature, science, and quiet wonder in one unforgettable setting. Afterwards, stop for lunch (at your expense) at a local eatery, savoring regional flavors before continuing your journey.
45 minutes here
Otorohanga Kiwi House
Discover the diverse exhibits at the Kiwi House, where encounters with native birds, including the iconic kiwi, offer a unique connection to the country's rich biodiversity.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Otorohanga
Recharge with a delectable lunch at a local eatery in Otorohanga (suggestions will be provided by your guide), savoring regional flavors and preparing for the afternoon's encounters. (Lunch is not included in the tour price)
45 minutes here
Blue Spring
Enjoy a scenic drive to Putāruru, your next stop at the breathtaking Blue Springs, where crystal-clear waters flow through one of New Zealand’s most serene and picturesque natural landscapes.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Te Waihou Walkway
Enjoy a short, refreshing stroll along the tranquil pathways of the Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway), where some of the clearest water in New Zealand flows gently through lush native surroundings. Take your time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, capture stunning photos of the vivid turquoise waters, and appreciate this pristine natural wonder before continuing your journey.
30 minutes here
Auckland
Reflect on the day’s adventures during a leisurely drive back to Auckland, taking in the memories of the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the unique wildlife experience at the Kiwi House, and the natural beauty of the Blue Springs. The return journey is approximately 3.5 hours, offering time to relax and enjoy the scenic New Zealand countryside. Hotel Drop-off: Conclude your day with a convenient drop-off at your Auckland hotel or accommodation.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Expedigo Tours and Travels Auckland
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 56 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
56 verified traveler reviews for Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Informative & Entertaining Tour with Dean
Hands down, the best part of this tour was our fabulous guide Dean. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable about each area he took us, he was also incredibly friendly. He truly made this tour even better. The Waitomo Caves were interesting - there was the on foot cave portion, and then the boat ride through the caves. The glow worms looked like we were seeing a night sky filled with constellations. The Blue Springs were stunning, and fascinating. The setting was so peaceful, and serene. Highly recommend any tour Dean heads up. Bonus - we saw a beautiful rainbow while on the road!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a lovely review! Deane will be really happy to read this. He genuinely enjoys sharing what he knows about New Zealand and making sure everyone has a great day, so it’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed having him as your guide. The glowworms at Waitomo and the crystal-clear water at Blue Springs are two very different experiences, but both are pretty special in their own way. I love your description of the glowworms looking like a sky full of constellations — it really is magical seeing them in person. And a rainbow along the way is such a lovely bonus! Thanks again for recommending Deane and spending the day with us. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
I had a fantastic time on this tour! Our tour guide, Steve, was absolutely wonderful and so kind. He made sure we were well taken care of throughout the day, providing us with water and snacks along the way. He also shared interesting background information about the scenery and places we visited, while giving us plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. There were also enough breaks to use the restroom, have lunch, or grab a snack, which was really nice. All the locations we visited were absolutely worth it, and I’m so happy I decided to do this tour! I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting New Zealand. 😊
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review! We’re really happy to hear you had such a fantastic day with Steve. He’s one of those guides who genuinely enjoys looking after his guests, so I’m not surprised he had you sorted with water, snacks and plenty of little stops along the way. It’s also great to hear you enjoyed the stories and background he shared. We think a big part of a good day tour is having enough time to actually enjoy the places you’ve travelled to, rather than feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one stop to the next. We’re so glad the pace worked well for you and that you felt comfortable throughout the day. Most importantly, we’re thrilled you felt all the stops were worth the trip and that you were happy you chose to join us. We’ll definitely share your kind words with Steve — I’m sure they’ll make his day. Thanks again for recommending Expedigo, and we hope you have many more great New Zealand adventures ahead.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing!
Amazing experience! I recommend a 100% as an international student!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the lovely review! We’re really happy to hear you had such an amazing experience. It’s especially nice to hear this from an international student — we know there’s so much to see and experience while you’re in New Zealand, and we’re glad you chose to spend a day exploring with us. Thanks for the 100% recommendation and for joining Expedigo! We really appreciate it and hope you get to explore plenty more of New Zealand while you’re here.
via Tripadvisor
Great Day trip
We booked this day trip as we had limited time on north island and this offered a unique experience. Dave our driver, fountain of knowledge was fantastic, keeping the group informed and explaining many things to us all… early pickup and quick stop for pie and coffee before the glow worm caves .., what an experience, next it was kiwi bird sanctuary which was great to see … afterwards it was lunch then blue springs which was magnificent the whole day was great and if ur lucky Dave might be ur driver and guide … you wont be disappointed
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a detailed review! We’re really glad you chose to spend your limited time on the North Island with us and that the day lived up to expectations. It sounds like you made the most of it — glow worms, kiwi birds and Blue Springs is a pretty special combination! And thank you for the lovely words about Dave. He really is a wealth of knowledge and loves sharing the stories and little details along the way. We’ll definitely pass this on to him. We’re also glad the pie and coffee stop helped ease you into the early start! Thanks again for joining us and for the wonderful recommendation. It was a pleasure having you along.
via Tripadvisor
Glo worms and blue water springs.
Dean was an amazing driver and tour guide. We hit all the spots on the tour plus some extras. The lunch place he took us to had fabulous food. The Glo worms and caves although interesting and cool were a bit underwhelming. A 1 time thing!
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share such an honest review. We’re really pleased to hear Dean looked after you so well and that he was able to fit in all the stops, plus a few extras along the way. That’s exactly the kind of day we want our guides to create — not just following the itinerary, but making the most of the day for each group. And we’re glad the lunch stop was a winner! We’re always happy when our local recommendations come through with good food. We also really appreciate your thoughts on the glow worms and caves. They can be quite a different experience depending on what you’re expecting, so we completely understand that it may not have been the highlight of the day for you. Thank you again for joining us, and we’re especially happy that Dean helped make the overall experience a memorable one. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to him.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $170 to $350
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Expedigo Tours and Travels Auckland, who run 39 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.9.
See everything Expedigo Tours and Travels Auckland runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $170 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 56 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour?
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Around 20 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour?
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Included: An english speaking tour guide; Bottled water; Admission to a fully guided 45 minutes experience of the Waitomo Glow worm Cave; Snacks; and Fully Guided Small Group Tour. Not included: Lunch; Breakfast; and Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 21 listed pickup locations in and around Auckland. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Auckland. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour?
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Across 56 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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