Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms & Kiwi House: Day tour

Glide through glowworm-lit caves, then walk among New Zealand's rarest birds

A full-day guided tour from Auckland to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Otorohanga Kiwi House and Blue Springs, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. You descend into the caves and boat through the underground Glowworm Grotto where thousands of tiny glowworms light the cavern ceiling; visit the Kiwi House to encounter the country's iconic kiwi bird and explore the largest free-flight dome aviary; and walk the Blue Springs pathways alongside crystal-clear water. The tour runs 11 to 12 hours with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and all entry fees covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Auckland to Waitomo and Blue Springs

• Depart Auckland for Waitomo Caves
• Drive through scenic countryside
• Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves by boat
• Visit Otorohanga Kiwi House
• Lunch at local eatery in Otorohanga
• Drive to Blue Springs in Putāruru
• Walk along Blue Spring pathways
• Return drive to Auckland with hotel drop-off

The experience

Can you see the glowworms without a guide, or do you need one? You need the guide. The caves are navigated by boat along an underground river, and the glowworms' behavior and the geological story behind them are part of what makes the 45-minute cave experience work. The drive from Auckland takes about three hours each way, so the day is long, but the route itself winds through the scenic New Zealand countryside and gives you time to settle into the rhythm of it.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are the centerpiece: you descend into the Cathedral Chamber, known for its natural acoustics, and then glide silently by boat through the Glowworm Grotto where thousands of Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms illuminate the cavern ceiling like a starry night sky. After the caves, you stop for lunch at a local eatery in Otorohanga (at your own expense), then move on to the Kiwi House, where you encounter the iconic kiwi bird up close and explore the country's largest free-flight dome aviary. The final stop is the Blue Springs, where you walk the Te Waihou Walkway: a short, tranquil stroll alongside some of the clearest water in New Zealand, flowing through native bush.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland CBD are included, as is the air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, bottled water and snacks throughout the day. The return drive takes about 3.5 hours, giving you time to reflect on the day before you're dropped at your accommodation.

What’s included

• An English-speaking guide leads the full day.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland CBD are included.
• bottled water and snacks are provided throughout.
• admission to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with the 45-minute guided boat experience is covered.
• entry to the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Bird Park is included.
• the visit to Blue Springs and the Te Waihou Walkway are part of the itinerary.
• all fees and taxes are built into the price.
• you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:45, 06:30 and 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Expedigo Tours and Travels Auckland

Is this one for you?This full-day tour combines three major sites with substantial time at each (45 minutes in the caves, leisurely exploration of the Kiwi House, and a proper walk at Blue Springs), so you won't skip any of them to fit everything in.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

How long does the boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto actually take?

The guided experience inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including the boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, runs around 45 minutes. You glide silently along the underground river while your guide explains the glowworms' life cycle and the cave's geological history.

What exactly is the Kiwi House and what will I see there?

The Otorohanga Kiwi House is a wildlife park where you encounter New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird up close and explore the country's largest free-flight dome aviary, encountering diverse native birds in a single setting.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. You stop at a local eatery in Otorohanga at your own expense. Your guide will suggest options and give you time to eat before the afternoon continues to Blue Springs.

What is the Blue Springs and how much time do you spend there?

Blue Springs is a natural landscape in Putāruru renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise water flowing through native bush. You walk the Te Waihou Walkway, a short, peaceful stroll along the pathways where you can take photos and soak in the atmosphere before heading back to Auckland.