Auckland to Rotorua via Ruakuri Cave (one way tour)

Journey by bus from Auckland to Rotorua, enjoying a full commentary by your experienced bus driver. The coach travels south from Auckland, through the "Bridge City" of Hamilton and the rich farmland of the Waikato region and then on to Waitomo and Ruakuri.

Enter the realms of an underground universe and listen to the ancient drum beat of the earth. Enjoy a 1.5kilometer (0.9 mile) guided tour through the underground limestone passages, where you will see some amazing cave formations. The Ruakuri Cave is laced with myth and legend. Ruakuri "den of dogs" was first discovered by Maori some 400-500 years ago. For over 18 years it has been closed to the public and has recently opened again for guided walking tours. Formed from limestone over 30 million years ago, Ruakuri cave has around 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of underground limestone passages and amazing cave formations.

Enjoy this tour with a GPS operated multi-lingual commentary; available in Japanese, Mandarin, German & Spanish.

Auckland

Known as the 'City of Sails' and nestled between two harbours and a gulf full of islands, Auckland is as much about the sea as it is about the land. As New Zealand's largest city, Auckland has a population of approximately one million people and thrives as a hub of creative colourful local culture with an eclectic mix of people.

Ruakuri Caves

Ruakuri, or 'den of dogs' (English translation), was first discovered by local Maori between 400 and 500 years ago. Your guide will take you on a 1.6km tour underground, bring you up close to glowworms and elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. Following your tour there is time for lunch (a snack pack lunch is included as part of the Ruakuri Caves tour).

Rotorua

Rotorua is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand. From the moment you arrive you will know you're somewhere quite different - there is a scent of sulphur in the air and at nearby geothermal hotspots you'll see mighty geysers and bubbling mud pools. As the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture, there is an enveloping warmth and deep sense of history.

• Rangiriri - historic Maori land Wars Battle Site
• Ngaruawahia - home of the Maori King
• Ruakuri Cave - Lunch is included at Waitomo
• Fitzgerald Glade - a section of the highway where native bush grows right up to the roadside and the trees form a canopy over head.

Terms and Conditions - Please ensure you have read these before booking your tour.

Great Sights is a division of the InterCity Group (NZ) Ltd. For information on InterCity Buses visit bus.nz.com.