Waitomo Caves - stayawhile

Tour 114.   HOSTED TOURS FROM AUCKLAND 

Departs Auckland 2019: December 16,             2020:  January 27, February 13, March 09. 

Day 1. Tour departs Auckland Strand Railway Station 7.45am and Papakura at 8.40am. . Arrive Otorohanga 10.50am. We visit the Otorohanga kiwi house and catch up on our native birds including the Kereru and iconic kiwi, and ancient Tuatara reptile. Continue to the charming seaside town of Kawhia for some free time and lunch break (lunch own expense). Contnue through the back roads to the beautiful Marakopa Falls before arriving at the historic Waitomo Caves Hotel for check in. 3 course dinner in the hotel dining room included.  

Day 2. Most of the day is free to explore and enjoy any or all of the open caves, the adventure activities in the area, or take a walk through the forest to historic caves. Mid afternoon we transfer to Otorohanga to rejoin the "Northern Explorer for our journey back to Auckland.     

You are welcome to stayover and enjoy the beauty and quietness of the area.                   

Northern Explorer departs Otorohanga 3.45pm every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday arriving Auckland Strand railway station 6.50pm 

Tour cost includes: 

** Travel aboard the "Northern Explorer" train from Auckland to Otorohanga and return. 

** Return transfers from Otorohanga Railway Station to Waitomo Hotel.         

** One night accommodation, three course dinner, and continental breakfast at the historic Waitomo Caves Hotel.      

** Touring to Otorohanga kiwi house including admissions, Kawhia, and Marakopa Falls 

We recommend staying longer. 

Tour cost per person 

2 per room      $590        Extra Nights*    $90 

Single room    $660         Extra Nights*   $170 

* Extra night rate includes accommodation and continental breakfast only.

Waitomo Caves Options:                         

Waitomo Glowworm Cave     $53

Ruakuri Cave            $76

Aranui cave               $53

Combo's

Glowworm Cave plus Ruakuri     $94 

Glowworm Cave plus Aranui       $79  

Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri, Aranui       $100

Blackwater Rafting

For more adventure don a wet suit and go underground to exerience the BLACK LABYRINTH of the Ruakuri Cave. Explore the limestone caves and drift down the river on a truck tube under a canopy of glowworms. Around 3 hours.. Cost $147 

For ultimate adventure try the BLACK ABYSS including zipllne through a gallery of glowworms, climb underground waterfalls, and abseil down a unique 35 metre hole. Cost $255

For a small group Glowworm, Eco, and cultural experience with a maximum  of 11 participants explore the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave with your local guide. Here you can photograph the glowworms,  enjoy a gentle forest walk with an introduction to the flora and fauna and learn the Maori history and use of the forest. Also try some Kawakawa tea, traditional drink of the Maori at the Punga Hut. Just $70 

To provide greater flexibility to your travel arrangements you may travel to or from Waitomo Caves village by Intercity bus departing Auckland Skycity terminal 8.45am arriving Waitomo Village 12.25pm. The return bus departs Waitomo Village at 3.55pm arriving Auckland Skycity terminal at 7.20pm. Deduct $20 per sector travelled by bus instead of train. You are welcome to stay over at Waitomo and carry on to the Grand Chateau and/or Wellington any Monday, Thursday, saturday.