Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour worth booking?
Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour is a 11.5-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $80 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 11.5 hours
- From
- $80 per person
Discover the best of New Zealand's North Island in a single day! Our tour takes you to the famous Waitomo Caves and the geothermal wonders of Te Puia in Rotorua. Experience the magic of glowworm-lit caves and the awe-ins
What you get
About this experience
Discover the best of New Zealand's North Island in a single day! Our tour takes you to the famous Waitomo Caves and the geothermal wonders of Te Puia in Rotorua. Experience the magic of glowworm-lit caves and the awe-inspiring power of nature's geothermal activity, all in one unforgettable adventure. ＊If you are a customer arriving by cruise ship, please note that this tour is quite long, and you may not be able to participate. ＊The start time may vary depending on the booking time of Waitomo caves and Tepuia on that day. Please make sure to check message from us about Pick up time and reply.
What's included
Included
- Pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD.
- Admission fee of Te puia Te ra guided tour
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland.
- English, Japanese Speaking Guide
- Visit the world-famous iconic spotlights of New Zealand.
- Admission fee of Waitomo glow worm caves
Not included
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
On this tour, you will have the chance to explore the enchanting Waitomo Caves. As you step into the depths of the caves, a dedicated guide will provide in-depth explanations about the fascinating life cycle of glowworms and the rich history of Waitomo. Inside the cave, you'll be surrounded by the magical glow of the glowworms, creating a starry, galaxy-like ambiance. Additionally, the tour includes a serene boat ride through the caves, allowing you to gaze up at the sparkling glowworm-lit ceiling as you float along. This tranquil journey offers an almost otherworldly experience, as you enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of a natural starry sky. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the wonder and mystery of the Waitomo Caves firsthand.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Te Puia
This tour offers a unique experience in Rotorua's iconic geothermal area. You’ll witness natural wonders up close, including the Southern Hemisphere's largest geyser, Pōhutu Geyser, and the explosive mud pools scattered throughout the valley. You can also observe New Zealand's native bird, the kiwi, at our new Kiwi Conservation Centre. At Te Puia, you’ll admire beautifully crafted Māori artwork and sculptures. The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute showcases skilled carvers and weavers in action, while guides share stories passed down through generations. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Māori culture, with works from internationally recognized artists. Enjoy the best of Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Māori heritage.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Meeting point
Auckland
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Meeting point
Auckland
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Meeting point
Auckland
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Meeting point
Auckland
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Ends at
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Ends at
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Ends at
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Ends at
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance of each hotel.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- NAVI Tours New Zealand
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total duration includes the travel time.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unmissable
Excellent guide, must-see places, a surprising cultural immersion. Caves are a unique sight
Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por su comentario tan positivo. Nos alegra saber que disfrutó de la guía, los lugares visitados y la inmersión cultural. Las cuevas realmente son un espectáculo único, y nos encanta que haya podido apreciarlo. Esperamos poder acompañarle nuevamente en otra aventura en Nueva Zelanda. ¡Gracias por elegirnos!
via Viator (translated)
It was a very good tour.
I really wanted to go to Rotorua, so I signed up for this tour. The clay fireflies at Waitomo Cave were very beautiful. I'd seen earth fireflies in Australia before, I was wondering if it felt the same. The clay fireflies in New Zealand were much more beautiful. This cave must be a Japanese guide, I probably didn't understand anything. The guide also explained in great detail. Even in March it is an early morning tour, so it is as cold as a winter morning in Japan. If you're on the tour, you might want to be careful what you wear in the morning. Rotorua was also pleased to see so many geysers. I dare say it takes three hours each way. I thought Rotorua would be better off staying if I had time and could. It's such a waste to go on a day trip. There's so much more to see. I think I did, so the next time I go, I want to stay a few nights. I enjoyed talking with the guide along the way, and asked him to join me on this tour I think it was really good. The person in charge who dealt with it before booking He was very kind. If I ever get another chance to go to New Zealand, I'd love to ask.
Response from the operator: この度は弊社のツアーにご参加いただき、また素敵なご感想をお寄せいただき、誠にありがとうございます。 ロトルアへの強いご希望をきっかけに、弊社のツアーをお選びいただけたこと、大変光栄に思っております。 各所での日本語ガイドの説明が、ツアー体験をより深めるお役に立てたようで何よりです。自然現象や文化的な背景を正確に、かつ楽しくお伝えできることは、私たちが大切にしている部分ですので、その点を評価していただけたことに大変うれしく思います。 スタッフの対応についても温かいお言葉をいただき、心より感謝申し上げます。 ロトルアに関しては、「次回は宿泊で」というお言葉にありますように、本当に一日では回り切れない魅力的なスポットがたくさんですので、ぜひまたお越しくださいませ！ チームナビ一同
via Tripadvisor (translated)
It’s been an amazing 12 hour tour that we’ll always remember!
It was a solo trip without transportation. Other tour companies offer a guaranteed tour if you pay for two people (if there are other participants, one person will be refunded at a later date). However, Navitours said, "We have other applicants, so we decided to carry out the tour. I'm glad that it's helpful to be able to search for "tours that you can join at a single price." It was also reassuring to be a Japanese guide. The actual tour took almost 12 hours from morning to evening, which was more than a round trip to Nagoya. It was a small tour, so it felt very at home, and I was able to move around comfortably. Of course, we were able to enjoy the sightseeing tour smoothly with the guide explaining the tour well at each tourist destination, and it was a very satisfying day. In fact, there was nothing there, but it was a relief to know that even if you wanted to take a bathroom break along the way, they would be very attentive. I think it was a very good tour because I was able to enjoy the charm of the North Island of New Zealand which I didn't know only by staying in Auckland. This distance and time constraints, smooth guidance, advance booking of each facility, scheduling, and other things that I could not do on my own, were all done for me by the experienced Navitours, who made it safe, secure, and comfortable. ”I had a lot of fun and thought it was the right thing to do. Besides the tour fee, the only cost is lunch at the cafe, so I think it is a very reasonable tour. Finally, there are several facilities where photography is not allowed, and I was relieved that Navitours' office gave me an immediate answer to my question beforehand. The next time I revisit New Zealand, I would like to take part in the “Mystery of Kauri Forest Park” tour recommended by my guide. Thank you very much.
Response from the operator: 910 manamia様 この度は弊社のツアーにご参加いただき、さらに温かいレビューをお寄せいただき誠にありがとうございます。 弊社では、ウェブから直接お申し込みいただいた方には、催行が決定している場合に限り、1名様でもお申込みいただけるシステムを導入しております。その点についてもおすすめいただき、大変嬉しく思います。 ご参加いただいたツアーでは、日本語での案内があったため、各所の見どころをたっぷりと味わい、安心して旅を楽しんでいただけたようで何よりです。旅先では不安や心配があると十分に楽しめないこともありますが、北島の魅力を存分に満喫していただけたようで安心しました。 またニュージーランドへお越しの際は、ぜひお声がけください。この度は本当にありがとうございました。次回のご利用を心よりお待ちしております。 ナビツアーズニュージーランド
via Tripadvisor (translated)
If you're in doubt, I'd encourage you to join
The clay fireflies in Waitomo were more beautiful than I had expected and I was able to get up close and personal again. It was a much more satisfying tour than I had imagined, with the caves also offering a chance to learn about the making and the back story. Tepuia gives you access to Maui culture, but without a guide you would have no idea what you were talking about. You could see the kiwis and they were so cute running around. I felt that predictions based on your experience were very valuable because you never know when you will spit it out in a geyser. Thank you for sticking with me until I burst out. It was also very helpful for us to hear about New Zealand from our guides on the road. I had signed up for a guided tour here at the beginning of this trip, so I was talking to my partner about the story I had learned many times in the South Island, where I moved after that. I was able to enjoy the journey afterwards, remembering things like "That's what I said" and "That's what I heard". From the time we applied to Navitours, the staff members responded to our request by email and made adjustments. I am very grateful to Take-san, who was in charge of the guide, and Hosoda-san, who was so flexible and thoughtful in organizing this tour. I couldn't book only Hobbit Village, which I wanted to go around on the Japanese tour, so I'd love to come back here with Navitours when I have the next opportunity. Thank you very much.
Response from the operator: 素晴らしいレビューをいただき、誠にありがとうございます！読みながら、お客様の旅の一場面が心に浮かぶような感動をいただきました。ワイトモの土ボタルや鍾乳洞、テプイアでの文化体験を楽しんでいただけたこと、また移動中のガイドのお話が南島での旅行中にも役立ったとお聞きでき、とても嬉しく思います。お客様にとって心に残る、一生の思い出作りに少しでも私たちがお役に立てたのであれば、これ以上の喜びはありません。 また、スタッフへの温かいお言葉も本当にありがとうございます。ホビット村については、次回ニュージーランドにお越しの際にぜひご一緒できることを楽しみにしています。この度は弊社をご利用いただき、本当にありがとうございました。またお会いできる日を心待ちにしております ナビツアーズ 一同
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 11.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $80 to $525
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour cost?
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Prices start at $80 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 Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour take?
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Plan for about 11.5 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 Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 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 Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia 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 Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia Tour?
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Around 1 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 11.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small Group Waitomo and Rotorua including Te Puia 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 & 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?
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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.
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