
Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 41 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 $201 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (41)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $201 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,
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 41 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
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
41 verified traveler reviews for Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It will be a full day....
It will be a full day. Dress accordingly. You will also be doing a good amount of walking. So choice of footwear is important.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for the lovely review! We’re really glad you had such a fun day with Jamie. Cathedral Cove is such a beautiful part of the Coromandel, and Hot Water Beach is always a highlight — especially when you get to grab a spade, dig your own pool and find that perfect spot where the hot water comes through the sand! We’ll definitely pass your kind words on to Jamie. As a family-run business, it means a lot to know our guests had a genuinely enjoyable day with us. Thanks again for choosing Expedigo.
via Viator
Deane is a great tour guide! 10/10 would reccomend
This tour is well worth it!! Deane was an amazing guide, he was friendly from start to finish, he had water for us, umbrellas for the rain. And was an absolute legends to chat to, so friendly, up for a chat about anything and everything and seemed genuinely interested in the group he had. Travelling solo sometimes tours are a bit dull, but I had a great time and felt safe that I would not be left behind at any point. Deane was diligent that all members of our tour were accounted for!! thanks Deane! The country side is beautiful, the glow worm caves were awesome, lunch at the Fat Kiwi was leasurely and not rushed (plenty of gluten free options at this cafe). Followed by a quick visit to kiwi house which was nice (even though it was raining), and then onto the GORGEOUS Blue springs which were as stunning as I had hoped. The tour was fantastic 10/10
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this fantastic review! We’re really glad you had such a great day, especially travelling solo. We know joining a group tour on your own can sometimes feel a little daunting, so it’s wonderful to hear that you felt comfortable, included and well looked after from start to finish. And we have to agree — Deane is a legend! The umbrellas, water, keeping everyone accounted for and making time for a good chat sounds very much like him. We’ll definitely pass this on to him; he’ll love reading it. We’re also glad you enjoyed the whole mix of the day, from the glowworms and relaxed lunch at Fat Kiwi to Kiwi House and, of course, Blue Springs. Even the rain couldn’t take away from the experience! Thank you again for choosing our small family business. We really appreciate you trusting us with your day and sharing such detailed feedback. It means a lot to the whole team, and we hope you take home some great memories of New Zealand.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Wonderful tour and highly recommended! Jaime was our guide and he shared lost of insightful information and fun facts. It was a great experience and an ideal way to see the Kiwis, the Waitomo Caves and the amazing Blue Springs in one day!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share this! We’re really glad you enjoyed the day with Jaime. He’ll be so happy to hear that you enjoyed all the stories and fun facts along the way. Waitomo, Blue Springs and meeting the kiwis really do make for such a special day, and we’re so pleased you got to experience it all with us. Thanks again for recommending Expedigo.
via Tripadvisor
Waitomo, avery, and blue springs trip
The trip was amazing, we thought it was the perfect day and would definitely recommend visiting each place. Our guide David was lovely and so informative about each stop but also taught us all so much about the surrounding country and regions we passed through!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're so glad you had such a great day and enjoyed all of the stops along the way. It's wonderful to hear that David helped make the experience so memorable. He loves sharing not just the highlights of each destination, but also the stories and history of the regions you travel through. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to him. Thanks again for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Caves, Kiwi and Blue Springs are a Spiritual Experience
The Glowworms Cave experience is one of beauty and reverence. Our guide was informative, respectful and spiritual. This is an experience not to be missed. The Kiwi Hose was quant, and enjoyable. Our Driver came along with us and gave some interesting facts bout the birds we saw. Finally the Blue Springs was a lovely experience of pure nature which capped the day nicely. Now, a word of caution - be sure to check with your tour company about pick up times. Know that you will have only 20 minutes for a breakfast take away after 2 hours of driving. The same can be said for the Lunch time - which came at 3:30pm on our excursion. The entire day was 11+ hours as advertised.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review with us. We’re so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the different experiences throughout the day. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves truly are a special place, and we love that you appreciated the peaceful and respectful way the experience was shared. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to your guide. It’s also wonderful to hear you enjoyed the Kiwi House and Blue Springs. The Blue Springs is such a beautiful example of New Zealand’s untouched natural landscapes, and we’re glad it was a memorable part of your journey. We’ll also pass on your comments about the bird facts and commentary from your driver. Thank you as well for your helpful feedback regarding the timing of the day. As this is a full-day tour covering a lot of distance, the schedule can be quite structured to ensure guests have enough time at each location. We appreciate your note about breakfast and lunch timing, and we’ll continue to make sure guests have clear information beforehand so they can plan accordingly. We’re grateful you joined us for this adventure and hope you take home many wonderful memories of your time exploring New Zealand.
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
- $201 to $350
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
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?
+
Prices start at $201 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?
+
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?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 41 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
Around 14 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour.
Pick your date




