Glowworm Caves & Hamilton Gardens Day Tour

Discover Waitomo’s glowworms, Hamilton Gardens, and Waikato River on a budget-friendly day tour from Auckland. Perfect for families, friends, and couples.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Auckland - We offer pickups from any part of Auckland. Please mention your preferred pickup location and we will there to greet you 15 minutes before the time of departure.
  • Sylvia Park Shopping Centre - While traveling towards the South of Auckland, you will be able to see the early morning buzzling traffic that flows towards north.

We will be passing by Greenlane, Mount Wellington, Tip Top Ice Cream, Manukau City, Rainbows end, and travel towards the South.

Uenuku sculpture - This impressive 8m steel sculpture is located in the Puhinui wetland beside the Auckland Botanic Gardens at Manurewa and is visible from the Southern Motorway.

We will discuss more on Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua sculpture represents the deity Uenuku, the god of rainbows, when we drive toward Waitomo Caves.

  • Bombay - The Bombay Hills, well known for its agricultural produces, a small yet notable range of hills south of Auckland, New Zealand, mark the southern boundary of the Auckland region. They serve as a natural divide between Auckland and the Waikato region.

The settlement of Bombay, including the Bombay Hills, is named after the ship Bombay, which arrived in Auckland in 1863, bringing settlers to what was initially called Williamson’s Clearing.

  • Taupiri - A brief refreshment pitstop at Taupiri. At your own expenses you can grab a coffee, muffin, quick breakfast at some of the outlets available there.

Mc Donalds, Wild bean cafe, Robert Harris, Subway, and Taco Bell are some of the outlets that might be open.

Toilets available in the gas station and restaurants.

  • Hangatiki - A brief stop to take photos with the Giant Moa - an extinct group of flightless birds formerly endemic to New Zealand.

Sam the Moa sits on the side of State Highway 37 in Hangatiki.

We will talk more about Moa on the way to Waitomo Caves.

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Discover the magic of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour, one of New Zealand’s top natural attractions. Take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto and be amazed by thousands of glowing worms. Join in over 130 years of cultural and natural history.
  • Waitomo Caves - The Waitomo Homestead, located on State Highway 3 and just a 10-minute drive from Waitomo Village, offers everything you need for your Waitomo adventure.

Café, Restaurant & Gardens
Fuel up before your adventure or relax after a fun-filled day at our café and restaurant, surrounded by stunning rural scenery. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal on our spacious deck or in our cozy dining area. Treat yourself to our famous homemade pies, grab a drink at the bar, or take a leisurely stroll through our beautiful garden.

  • Hamilton Gardens - Hamilton Gardens is a renowned botanical garden in New Zealand, featuring themed gardens that transport visitors through time and across cultures. Experience a day of unexpected delights at Hamilton Gardens, where 18 Enclosed Gardens transport you through diverse cultures and times. The gardens showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary garden design, including the Italian Renaissance Garden, Japanese Garden of Contemplation, and the surrealist Fantasy Garden.
  • Mercer - A brief stop for photography and look at a stunning flowing river. The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand, running for 425 kilometres (264 mi) through the North Island.

The name Waikato comes from the Māori language and translates as flowing water.

We will discuss more about Waikato River on our way back to Auckland.

  • Auckland - After viewing Waikato River, we drive to our destination back to Auckland.
What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
  • Bottled water
  • Licensed or certified in-person guide
  • Snacks
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Gifts & Souvenirs
  • All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information

Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hamilton Gardens Day Tour

Starting Point: Auckland (Meet at 7:00 am)
Duration: Approx. 10 hours

Attractions: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hamilton Gardens

Begin your journey from Auckland with a scenic drive through the Waikato region. Enjoy a short stop in Taupiri for a coffee and restroom break before continuing to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Experience an unforgettable guided tour, marveling at the glowworms illuminating the underground caverns. Afterward, enjoy a brief lunch at the Waitomo Homestead Cafe.

Next, visit the stunning Hamilton Gardens, where you’ll explore beautifully themed garden collections and immerse yourself in rich cultural and horticultural displays. After exploring, return to Auckland, arriving around 5:00 pm.

This tour combines natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation, making it an ideal day trip from Auckland.

  • ‘’Travel time is included on the tour duration’’
  • The product’s total duration already takes into account the time spent traveling to each location and the pickup.
  • “To secure your tour confirmation and avoid queues, it is recommended to book at least one week prior to travel, as Waitomo Caves entrance fees will be booked in advance.”
  • Traveler will be required to walk down stairs to get into the boat ride.
Location
Auckland
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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