Waitomo Glowworm Express: Rotorua to Auckland

Please note: this tour is not currently operating.

Take a sightseeing day tour from Rotorua to Auckland, including a guided tour of the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Leaving the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua in the morning, we travel through lush farmland into the King Country region. Along the way, enjoy your driver guide’s commentary on the area’s history and highlights, and enjoy spectacular sights like Fitzgerald Glade, where the trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery.

After arriving in the small town of Waitomo, you’ll be taken on a 45-minute guided tour through the world famous Glowworm Caves, which were discovered in 1887 and are now one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. Wander through subterranean caverns and learn how the stalagmites, stalactites and other spectacular limestone rock formations were formed over millions of years. To end your tour, travel through the Glowworm Grotto on a magical boat ride, surrounded by the twinkling lights of thousands of glowworms.

After your Glowworm Caves tour you’ll have leisure time at the Waitomo visitor complex. Restaurant and cafe-style meals are available at your own expense, or alternatively you can pre-book a delicious picnic-style lunch. Enjoy the stunning views and learn more about the region in the discovery centre. We journey on through the beautiful Waikato region, the dairy farming capital of New Zealand, and northward to Auckland, where your tour concludes on arrival in the early afternoon.