Tauranga Shore Excursion: Waitomo Caves and The Kiwi House

Highlights

Meet your guide and small group of no more than 15 people on arrival at the Port of Tauranga. Traveling aboard an air-conditioned minibus, set out on the journey to the west coast. Along the way, soak up the scenery as you wind through the Kaimai Ranges and the farmlands of the Waikato District, stopping to admire views over Karapiro Lake and the Hinuera Valley. Arrive at Waitomo Caves and head inside to explore the natural wonder on a guided walking tour. See the aptly nicknamed ‘Cathedral’ cave, known for its distinctive acoustics, and hear how the famous Vienna Boys' Choir once recorded in the cave. Then, hop aboard for a small boat cruise through the Glow Worm Cave, lit up by the light of thousands of glowworms. Next, pay a visit to the Otorohanga Kiwi House, where you have the chance to learn more about the native flightless birds and hear how the Kiwi became the national symbol of New Zealand. After stopping for lunch (own expense), return to Tauranga, where your tour ends with drop-off at the port.

Summary

Meet your guide and small group of no more than 15 people on arrival at the Port of Tauranga. Traveling aboard an air-conditioned minibus, set out on the journey to the west coast. Along the way, soak up the scenery as you wind through the Kaimai Ranges and the farmlands of the Waikato District, stopping to admire views over Karapiro Lake and the Hinuera Valley. Arrive at Waitomo Caves and head inside to explore the natural wonder on a guided walking tour. See the aptly nicknamed ‘Cathedral’ cave, known for its distinctive acoustics, and hear how the famous Vienna Boys' Choir once recorded in the cave. Then, hop aboard for a small boat cruise through the Glow Worm Cave, lit up by the light of thousands of glowworms. Next, pay a visit to the Otorohanga Kiwi House, where you have the chance to learn more about the native flightless birds and hear how the Kiwi became the national symbol of New Zealand. After stopping for lunch (own expense), return to Tauranga, where your tour ends with drop-off at the port.

Tour info

Duration

6 hours

Why take this tour?

A truly unique experience visiting the world-renowned Waitomo Caves. Experience a short boat trip to the Glow worm Grotto. Visit the Kiwi House in Otorohanga and try to spot the adorable flightless bird.

What’s included?

Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Port pickup and drop-off
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Entry to Waitomo Glow-worm caves
Entry to Otorohanga Kiwi House
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entry/Admission - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Entry/Admission - Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park
Food and drinks

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 6h
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Contact tracing of clients in practice for authorities, if needed

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Tauranga Tasting Tours

About operator:

We are a small transport company that specialises in food & wine venues. However, we can be chartered to go to venues that are not food/liquor related e.g. Shows, sports events etc. During the cruise-ship season, we travel to Rotorua's thermal delights & the Waitomo Caves. We are frequently chartered for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Hens’ Parties etc., so that people can fit the celebration to their venue type /budget, date & number constraints. Our tours are door-to-door from within the Tauranga/Mt Maunganui/early Papamoa area. We travel out of town to Sunday Lunches approximately once a month, and provide mid-week tours. We often visit gardens & garden festivals. Our Local Tasting Tour is our most popular tour. It visits Karangahake Winery (wine presentation & shared platters)The Wine Portfolio for a wine presentation & tasting (Leveret & Mills Reef wines). We then return to Tauranga's CBD for a cocktail & dessert at Takara Restaurant.