This was one of our favorite tours while in New Zealand! The Waitomo Caves are something that has to be experienced as there is nothing else like it. Imagine gazing up at a night sky on the darkest and clearest of nights and seeing thousands of stars, only instead of stars, it's glowworms! We still talk about it. After drifting leisurely through the glowworm caves, we took an easy walk over to a dry limestone cave featuring beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations. In addition to the caves, we also stopped at the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park and actually saw a kiwi! (Not easy as they are nocturnal and love to hide.) Louise is incredibly knowledgeable and made the trip to the Caves (about 2.5 hours from Auckland) not only a history lesson but a breathtaking scenic tour. This was day one of two days we booked with her. We are looking forward to what's next!
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Private tour in Auckland Louise Y
Waitomo Caves - Day Trip from Auckland
5.0
(15) reviews
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10 hours
1
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10 hours
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Louise Y.
5.0
Guide rating
393
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3 hrs
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**Awarded Local Legend By ToursByLocals** for South and Central Asia & Oceania! Kia ora. I would love you to spend some time with me as we explore Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and beyond. I grew up on a farm, attended the small local country school, went to high school in Auckland and have lived mostly in Auckland. I will share the sights, secrets and tastes of New Zealand's largest city with you. As your private tour guide you will see the best sights and my favourite spots where you can enjoy the nature, history and culture of a city built on more than 50 dormant volcanoes. Whether you choose to walk or be driven you can be assured it will be at an enjoyable pace. I'm very flexible so you can always suggest or change something as we go. Just relax, have a great day out and enjoy discovering the real New Zealand with me. I have been working with international visitors for about 30 years and have lived and worked overseas. I love travelling and making friends. I'm a great believer in Slow Travel, having a local experience and taking away lots of good memories. Free Wifi available while you are with me. Ka kite ano New Zealand Passenger licence, Current First Aid Certificate, NZ ProGuides member, CELTA - Certificate English Language Teaching Adults, Kiwihost programme Vehicle has COF, TSL and I have a P endorsement on my licence.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Louise Y.
Descend into limestone caves and see millions of glow worms. Plus enjoy stunning scenery on the journey there and back
Overview of your Auckland tour
Waitomo Caves are a must do if you are visiting New Zealand. You will be impressed by some of the most beautiful countryside in the North Island. 2 1/2 hours drive from Auckland to Waitomo. See the rolling farmland and travel alongside New Zealand's longest river, the mighty Waikato (flowing water) We pass through small villages, see fabulous mountains and scenic reserves, pass by the residence of the Maori Kuini, stop in the famous Kiwiana town and explore the Waitomo area We join a personalised tour on a private farm and this is truly the best way to explore this area. Visit a scenic back country farm to see wonderful caves, marvel at thousands of glowworms and enjoy walks in a limestone landscape. This reminds me of my childhood days and fun on the farm - nothing has changed! Photos can be taken in both the glowworm cave adn the Spirit cave. If you are a keen photographer ask me about a specialised tour. Waitomo is remote, beautiful and exciting. Visitors have been coming to admire these caves since 1889
Recent Reviews
Louise excels in local knowledge, situational awareness, and personality. A perfect day, thank you for the cookies!!
I can't say enough about our full day tour with Louise! She picked us up right on time and returned us right on time. The caves that we visited were amazing. Along the drive Louise was full of facts and knowledge of each area that we drove through. After stopping for a coffee/tea break provided by Louise we were off for more adventures. We had time for a lovely lunch and homemade cookies! Before we returned to our hotel, we made a stop to purchase some honey! We could not have had a more enjoy day!
Lovely day. Louise was very accommodating To our needs needs
Louise is the best guide ever!!! Our group of 7 enjoyed the personal attention to detail and the flexibility in the schedule to allow us a day we will remember forever!!! Thank you, Louise for the most magnificent first experience in your beautiful country!
Louise was very friendly, informed and professional. She went out of her way to help my wife locate a facility in Rotorua that my wife visited 50 years ago. Unfortunately it no longer exits, but we won't blame Louise for this!! Rotorua was a three hour drive in each direction from our hotel and Louise drove very well even in some heavy rain.
Your Auckland tour itinerary
Travel south on State Highway 1, stopping for morning tea after about 1 hour. Get up close to the Waikato River, our longest river with great history. Good introduction to Maori culture as we pass through Taupiri and Ngaruawahia. We take the scenic route through farmland and small villages arriving in Waitomo after 1 and a half hours. Join a small group personalised tour with locals and visit a scenic backcountry farm to see wonderful caves, marvel at thousands of glowworms and enjoy lovely walks in a limestone landscape. Boat ride through the caves, hear stories from a local guide. The total tour time is about 2 and a half hours. Lunch in Otorohanga Visit the Kiwi House, see native birds, meet Buddy the Tūī and see the elusive Kiwi. Arrive back in Auckland feeling that you have had a very special day out Please note that you will be required to wear a hard hat with a light as there is some walking in dark spaces (this is mostly to protect the stalactites). Hand rails are provided.
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv
Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. Fully air conditioned, leather seats and very comfortable.
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Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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