Waitomo Cave Tours
Discover the magic of underground rivers,
glowworm-lit ceilings and ancient limestone formations
Experience the magic of Waitomo Caves – where glowworms light the way through ancient caves, creating an otherworldly glow that you have to see to believe.
Our Waitomo day tours from Auckland make the journey as memorable as the destination – fully-guided, immersive and thoughtfully paced. Choose from our curated day trips that combine Waitomo with Hobbiton™, Te Puia or the Otorohanga Kiwi House, or opt for a 2-day escape that also includes Rotorua, Taupō and the award-winning Hamilton Gardens.
Why Book Waitomo Caves Tours With Us
Curated for quality
We only feature Waitomo Caves Tours with consistently excellent reviews
Trusted Local Operators
We partner exclusively with established and reputable tour providers
Guided Small Group Tours
Travel in comfort with experienced guides who share local insights and hidden gems
Year-Round Tours
Our top-rated Waitomo Caves Tours run in every season, rain or shine
Best Price Guarantee
Book with confidence knowing you’re getting the best rate available
Getting There
Waitomo Cave tours include pick-up options from Auckland, making it easy to explore this natural wonder on a day trip. The journey from Auckland to Waitomo spans approximately 190 kilometres (118 miles) and takes around 2.5 hours by van. Along the way, you’ll travel through the heart of the Waikato region, known for its lush farmland, limestone hills and peaceful rural scenery. Charming towns like Otorohanga offer great stopovers, and the rolling countryside provides a relaxing lead-in to the mystical underground world of Waitomo. The journey is a scenic experience in itself.
Best Waitomo Cave Tours
From Auckland
Expertly curated Waitomo Caves Day Tours departing from Auckland

Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Including Te Puia Small Group Tour From Auckland
Journey into two of Aotearoa’s most surreal landscapes. Begin with a guided tour through the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves - where thousands of tiny lights illuminate ancient limestone formations. Then head to Te Puia in Rotorua for a 90-minute guided cultural and geothermal experience, featuring erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and the world-famous Pōhutu Geyser. With expert local guides, small group comfort and premium transport, this tour blends natural spectacle with deep cultural connection.
- To: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua
- From: Auckland (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 13 hours
- Price: From $399 NZD per adult

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland
Experience two of the North Island’s most iconic attractions on a fully-guided small group day trip from Auckland. Led by expert local guides - renowned for their deep knowledge and engaging storytelling, you’ll enjoy an immersive journey in the comfort of a modern Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van.
- To: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves
- From: Auckland (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 12 hours
- Price: From $399 NZD per adult

Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo & Hamilton Gardens 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland
Explore the best of New Zealand’s North Island on this small group, fully-guided tour that combines the region’s most iconic attractions into a relaxed, thoughtfully-paced itinerary. Enjoy plenty of time to explore each destination, with optional activities available to tailor your experience. Led by passionate guides known for their captivating stories and deep local knowledge, you’ll travel in modern, comfortable minibuses equipped for your comfort and safety. This tour offers the perfect blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture and unforgettable adventures.
- To: Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Taupo & Hamilton Gardens
- From: Auckland (return trip)
- Duration: 2 days (including 1 night accomodation)
- Price: From $849 NZD per adult
Latest Waitomo Caves Updates 2025:
- Launching in November 2025, we are now taking bookings for a brand new 2-day small group tour from Auckland that weaves together Waitomo Caves with some of the North Island’s most iconic destinations, including Hobbiton™, Rotorua, Taupō and the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. Operated by New Zealand’s leading small group tour specialist and bookable via Retreats Abroad, the journey features knowledgable local guides, premium minibuses and thoughtful surprise stops along the journey.
In September 2024, world-famous YouTuber Mr Beast (Jimmy Donaldson) spent seven days exploring the Waitomo Caves region for his viral ‘7 Days Stranded in a Cave’ video. The video has clocked over 156+ million views which has driven global attention to both Waitomo and the wider Waikato region.
- Waitomo Caves is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s highest-traffic natural attractions with an estimated 450,000 to 500,000 visitors annually.
- Book early to secure your preferred tour date, especially during peak season (November to February).
Waitomo Caves Tours FAQ
We offer a curated selection of top-rated small group tours from Auckland, including full-day and multi-day experiences that combine Waitomo Caves with Hobbiton™, Rotorua, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens.
The drive from Auckland to Waitomo Caves takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way. Our small group tours include scenic stops and commentary for a more engaging experience.
Yes! At Retreats Abroad, we prioritise small group travel to ensure a more comfortable and engaging experience, with experienced local guides and personal touches that big bus tours can’t match.
All tours include:
- Fully-guided small group experience
- Entry tickets to Waitomo Caves
- Complimentary snacks and bottled water
- Modern minibus transport from Auckland
- Thoughtfully-planned itinerary with scenic stops along the way
Yes, all tours on Retreats Abroad that feature Waitomo Caves include admission and a guided cave tour operated by the official Waitomo Caves provider.
Absolutely! Most Waitomo Tours featured on Retreats Abroad combine Waitomo Caves with other highlights like Hobbiton™, Te Puia (Rotorua), the Otorohanga Kiwi House and more. Multi-day itineraries are also available.
Booking with Retreats Abroad is easy! Just select your desired Waitomo Caves Tour on our website and follow the easy booking steps.
Yes! All Waitomo Caves Tours featured on Retreats Abroad are family-friendly and inclusive for travellers of all ages.
Children under 7 must be in a child safety seat (this can be added during booking).
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, a warm layer and a rain jacket. The cave interior stays cool year-round.
While Retreats Abroad offers set tour packages, you can inquire about booking a private tour by contacting us directly: hello@retreatsabroad.com
Our trusted operators offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Please note that if you cancel within 24 hours of the tour or are late for your pickup, no refund will be provided. However, you may be able to claim through your travel insurance.
If your tour is cancelled due to reasons like weather conditions, you will be issued a full refund.
Our Waitomo Caves Tours from Auckland offer convenient pick-up from a range of central Auckland hotels. If your accommodation isn’t listed, you can simply select the closest option and meet us there.
If you haven’t confirmed your accommodation yet, we recommend choosing SkyCity Hotel as your temporary pick-up point – this can be updated later once your plans are final.
Please note: We do not offer pick-up from Auckland Airport. The closest available option is The Sebel Auckland Manukau.
Here’s the full list of our current pick-up locations:
- Adina Apartment Hotel
- Copthorne Hotel Auckland
- Cordis Hotel Auckland
- Crowne Plaza Auckland
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Karaka
- Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
- Grand Millennium Hotel
- Hilton Hotel Auckland
- Ibis Budget Auckland Central
- JW Marriott Auckland
- Kiwi International Hotel
- M Social Hotel
- Mercure Auckland Queen Street
- Movenpick Hotel Auckland
- Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments
- Park Hyatt Auckland
- Pullman Hotel Auckland
- Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland
- Rydges Hotel Auckland
- SkyCity Hotel
- SO/ Auckland
- Sofitel Hotel Auckland
- Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park
- The Grand by SkyCity
- The Sebel Auckland Manukau (closest to Auckland Airport)
- VR Auckland City
Still unsure? Get in touch at hello@retreatsabroad.com and we’ll help you find the most convenient option.
How We Select Our Tours
Why Retreats Abroad
Curated Experiences You Can Trust
We only feature top-rated experiences run by trusted hosts
Small Groups Led By Expert Guides
Explore deeper with local experts and like-minded travellers
Easy Booking & Best Prices
Secure your spot quickly and confidently
Restore While You Explore
Discover the perfect balance of wellness and adventure
Book now to secure your spot on our top-rated Waitomo Caves Tours