Tauranga Shore Excursion: Waitomo Caves and The Kiwi House - Tauranga, New Zealand

A truly unique experience visiting the world-renowned Waitomo Caves. Experience a short boat trip to the Glow worm Grotto. Visit the Kiwi House in Otorohanga and try to spot the adorable flightless bird.

This approximately 6-hour tour leaves the Port of Tauranga or local accommodation (within the Tauranga, Mt Maunganui/early Papamoa area) at 8:30am (or at a time suitable to ship arrival/departure times, or as arranged with clients staying locally), then travels over the Kaimai Ranges through the verdant Waikato District (New Zealand's top dairy-farming area) and the historic rocks of the Hinuera Valley.

A stop is made at the Karapiro Look-out, above Karapiro Lake, before travelling on to the Waitomo Caves, where expert guides will give interesting and informative facts on the historical and geographical aspects of the caves.
 
You will view spectacular stalactites and stalagmites as you enter "The Cathedral" which has such excellent acoustics that the Vienna Boys' Choir have recorded there. This will be followed by a boat trip to the Glow Worm Grotto.

On the return trip, you will enjoy a stop at the Kiwi House in Otorohanga. Travel back along the scenic route which will cross over the Arapuni Dam. You will be able to purchase lunch on the way if you want to.