Tauranga Shore Excursion: Waitomo Caves & The Kiwi House Exclusive Tour

Highlights

This approximately 6-hour tour leaves the Port of Tauranga or local accommodation (within the Tauranga, Mt Maunganui/early Papamoa area) at 8:30am (or at a time suitable to ship arrival/departure times, or as arranged with clients staying locally), then travels over the Kaimai Ranges through the verdant Waikato District (New Zealand's top dairy-farming area) and the historic rocks of the Hinuera Valley. A stop is made at the Karapiro Look-out, above Karapiro Lake, before travelling on to the Waitomo Caves, where expert guides will give interesting and informative facts on the historical and geographical aspects of the caves. You will view spectacular stalactites and stalagmites as you enter "The Cathedral" which has such excellent acoustics that the Vienna Boys' Choir have recorded there. This will be followed by a boat trip to the Glow Worm Grotto. On the return trip, you will enjoy a stop at the Kiwi House in Otorohanga. Travel back along the scenic route which will cross over the Arapuni Dam. You will be able to purchase lunch on the way if you want to.

Summary

This approximately 6-hour tour leaves the Port of Tauranga or local accommodation (within the Tauranga, Mt Maunganui/early Papamoa area) at 8:30am (or at a time suitable to ship arrival/departure times, or as arranged with clients staying locally), then travels over the Kaimai Ranges through the verdant Waikato District (New Zealand's top dairy-farming area) and the historic rocks of the Hinuera Valley. A stop is made at the Karapiro Look-out, above Karapiro Lake, before travelling on to the Waitomo Caves, where expert guides will give interesting and informative facts on the historical and geographical aspects of the caves. You will view spectacular stalactites and stalagmites as you enter "The Cathedral" which has such excellent acoustics that the Vienna Boys' Choir have recorded there. This will be followed by a boat trip to the Glow Worm Grotto. On the return trip, you will enjoy a stop at the Kiwi House in Otorohanga. Travel back along the scenic route which will cross over the Arapuni Dam. You will be able to purchase lunch on the way if you want to.

Tour info

Duration

6 hours - 7 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. Come by yourself or with your chosen participants.

What’s included?

Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Port pickup and drop-off
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
All Fees and Taxes
Food and drinks

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 6-7 hours
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.