Glowworm Caves & Hamilton Gardens Day Tour from Auckland
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Glowworm Caves & Hamilton Gardens Day Tour from Auckland

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10h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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About this experience

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.

Available options

Glowworm Caves & Hamilton Gardens Day Tour from Auckland

Pickup included

What's included

In-person guide is licensed or certified
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6
Stop 6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

After viewing Waikato River, we drive to our destination back to Auckland.

What's not included

Gifts & Souvenirs
All Fees and Taxes

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
''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.

About Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, known for its stunning harbor, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant multicultural scene. With over 50 trails and 22 islands, it's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Auckland Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is Auckland's tallest structure, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Architecture 1-2 hours NZD 39 for observation deck, NZD 189 for SkyJump

Auckland War Memorial Museum

This museum offers a comprehensive look at New Zealand's history, culture, and natural environment.

Museum 2-3 hours NZD 25 for adults, free for children under 15

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves.

Nature Full day Ferry fare NZD 18-25 one way

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Adventure Half day Ferry fare NZD 18-25 one way

Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals and offers educational programs and conservation efforts.

Family 2-3 hours NZD 30 for adults, NZD 18 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hāngī

A traditional Maori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. Meats and vegetables are cooked slowly in the earth oven, giving them a unique smoky flavor.

Dinner Contains meat, can be vegetarian if requested

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Dessert Gluten-free, can be made vegan

Fish and Chips

A classic New Zealand takeaway food, featuring fresh fish (usually snapper or tarakihi) and chips, often served with tartare sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, can be gluten-free if requested

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Skydiving Beach activities Spa treatments Wine tasting Maori cultural performances Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor events. It's perfect for beach activities and hiking.

20-25°C 68-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Maori
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Auckland is generally safe, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air
  • Auckland Airport • 21 km south of the city center
By train

Auckland Railway Station

By bus

Auckland Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Auckland. The network includes local, frequent, and express services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

CBD (Central Business District) Ponsonby Devonport Mission Bay

Day trips

Waiheke Island
35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland • Full day

Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Rangitoto Island
25 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland • Half day

Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Hobbiton Movie Set
2.5 hours by car from Auckland • Full day

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a popular tourist attraction featuring the filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

Festivals

Auckland Arts Festival • March Auckland Diwali Festival • October/November Auckland Pride Festival • February

Pro tips

  • Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cultural performances.
  • Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for a day trip, and book a wine tour in advance to ensure availability.
  • Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting the La Cigale French Market or the Auckland Night Markets.
  • Hike up to the summit of Rangitoto Island for stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
  • Use the AT HOP card for easy and discounted public transport fares.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 15-90
1
Childs
Age 3-14
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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