Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird
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
5.0/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird worth booking?
Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird is a 10-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $50 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (21)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $50 per person
We have combined 3 of New Zealand's unique experiences in this tour around the Waikato: Zealong Tea Estate, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Otorohanga Kiwi Sanctuary. The tour starts by picking you up from your centrally loc
What you get
About this experience
We have combined 3 of New Zealand's unique experiences in this tour around the Waikato: Zealong Tea Estate, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Otorohanga Kiwi Sanctuary. The tour starts by picking you up from your centrally located Auckland hotel. The first stop is the Zealong Estate, where you will have the opportunity to explore New Zealand's only commercial tea estate selling organic tea. Learn all about the history and making of the tea and, of course, try it! You will also walk along the trail and see unique sculptures and scenery. The next stop is Waitomo Caves, where your guide will take you on a one-hour group tour teaching you about these creatures and enjoy a magical boat ride through the caves. Followed by a lunch at the iconic open-air restaurant Finally, the last stop is at New Zealand's largest free-flight dome aviary. Here you can get up close to New Zealand Native birds and reptiles at Otorohanga Kiwi House before driving back to Auckland for drop-off.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from any hotel, airport, or cruise port in Auckland.
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Driver/Guide
- Tea and coffee
- High Tea Lunch
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Auckland
Pick up & drop off can be arranged anywhere in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua or Tauranga
Pass by without stopping
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Enter a magical cave surrounded by thousands of tiny glowing worms, sit back on your guided boat tour through the caves and gaze at what looks like a starry night sky. Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history. Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Otorohanga Kiwi House
Get up close to the iconic kiwi bird, tuatara and various other unique native wildlife at the Otorohanga Kiw House. This organisation has been a sanctuary for New Zealand native birds and reptiles since 1971. The family-friendly Park offers close up viewing of NZ's national bird, the Kiwi. There are also ponds, wetland areas and walk-through aviaries including a giant dome aviary. The not-for-profit wildlife and conservation centre displays Kiwi birds all day in specialised moonlit nocturnal houses complete with burrow cameras. And it breeds rare native New Zealand wildlife for release to the wild.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Experience New Zealand's only commercial tea estate, producing 100% organic world class tea at the Zealong Tea Estate. Zealong is the only commercial tea estate in NZ producing 100% organic award winning tea. Embark on a tea-infused culinary journey or explore the fascinating world of tea with our Discover Zealong Tea Experience. Relax over a high tea at the Zealong Tea House, sample our tea or take something home with you from our retail boutique.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Auckland & Beyond Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Infant seats must be requested at least 24 hours in advance (extra charges apply).
- A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to operate.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 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
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience with John
John was a great guide /driver. Great info and conversation. Kept us on schedule. Wonderful experience. He ensured each of our multiple Experiences for the day went smoothly.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Private Tour – A Day to Remember!
We recently enjoyed a private tour from Auckland that included the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a Kiwi Bird encounter, and high tea at the Zealong Tea Estate. Each destination was captivating, but it was our guide, Warren, who truly made the day exceptional. Warren's blend of humor, knowledge, and warmth transformed our journey into an unforgettable experience. His insightful commentary and engaging stories enriched our understanding and kept us entertained throughout. The itinerary was perfectly paced: starting with the mesmerizing glowworms, followed by an intimate encounter with New Zealand's iconic kiwi birds, and culminating in a serene high tea amidst the lush surroundings of Zealong. Warren's dedication and passion didn't go unnoticed. He consistently went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. It's rare to encounter someone who so clearly loves what they do, and it made all the difference. If there's any justice, Warren deserves a raise for his outstanding service! Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience the best of New Zealand with a top-notch guide
Response from the operator: We're absolutely delighted to hear that your private tour to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Kiwi Bird encounter, and Zealong Tea Estate was such a memorable experience. It's especially heartwarming to know that Warren helped make the day truly unforgettable with his humor, insight, and dedication. He’s an incredible member of our Auckland & Beyond Tours whānau, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words—he’ll be thrilled! Creating meaningful, well-paced experiences that capture the beauty and uniqueness of Aotearoa New Zealand is exactly what we aim for, and we're so happy this tour ticked all the boxes for you. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Day Trip – Highly Recommend!
We had an amazing private tour from Auckland that included the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Kiwi Bird experience, and high tea at Zealong Tea Estate — and every part of it was incredible! Our driver and guide, Warren, truly made the day extra special. He was wonderful — funny, engaging, and full of knowledge about the areas we visited. His commentary added so much to the journey, and we really appreciated his great sense of humor and insight. He definitely deserves a raise! The itinerary was perfectly planned: we visited the Glowworm Caves first, which were absolutely magical. Next was the Kiwi Bird experience — a rare chance to see these iconic creatures up close. We ended the day with a relaxing high tea at Zealong Tea Estate, which was not only delicious but also set in such a beautiful location. This tour was seamless, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Highly recommended — and if you can, ask for Warren!
via Viator
Waitomo Cave tour
Smooth tour to Waitomo Cave from Auckland. Friendly driver guide with clear commentaries. Just a small feedback on the on board wifi which was not working.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the tour to the Waitomo Caves. We apologize for the issue with the WiFi; we’re working to improve our services for a seamless experience. We hope to welcome you again soon for another memorable adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Great Day
Had a great time with our driver, Angelo. This is a small family owned local business and they were great in helping to plan the day. Stayed flexible so we can add a spot to stop as needed. We also opted to see The Spellbound Gloworm Caves Private Tour. Way better option than the standard gloworm experience. Photos and an imin depth experience. Got lucky to see a Kiwi up close and active at the Kiwi House. Stopped st Alex Sands new Greenstone and Local Art Gallery in Hamilton. Great birds and scenery all day. Luxury vehicle. Nice stop at a bakehouse for lunch made for a great day. Highly recommend the company. Customer service was 5 star all the way.
Response from the operator: Kia ora and thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that you had an unforgettable private tour to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea Estate, and Kiwi Bird experience with Auckland & Beyond Tours. It’s great to know that Angelo provided top-notch service, ensuring a flexible and personalized journey. Choosing the Spellbound Glowworm Caves Private Tour was an excellent call—this immersive experience truly showcases the magic of New Zealand’s glowworms like no other! Seeing a Kiwi up close at the Kiwi House is always a rare and special moment, and we’re glad you had that opportunity. The stop at Alex Sands' Greenstone & Local Art Gallery in Hamilton added a unique cultural touch, while the luxury vehicle and delicious bakehouse lunch rounded out a perfect day. We truly appreciate your kind words about our family-owned local business and our commitment to 5-star customer service. We’d love to welcome you back for another customized New Zealand adventure soon! Ngā mihi nui!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $999
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird cost?
+
Prices start at $50 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 Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird take?
+
Plan for about 10 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 Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird?
+
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 Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird?
+
Around 7 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird 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 Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird.
Pick your date
