Waitomo Caves Tours

The drive from Auckland to the Waitomo Caves typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, covering approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles).

With Cheeky Kiwi Travel, the journey includes additional scenic stops and informative commentary from the guide, extending the trip duration. This extra time allows for a more immersive experience, showcasing local highlights and providing intersting insights along the way.

Check out our pick-up location list above and choose the closest pickup location to where you are staying. We will meet you outside the entrance.

We do not offer pick-ups from the airport. You can catch a taxi to the nearest pick-up location and our driver can meet you there.

In Auckland, the closest pick-up location to the airport is Sebel Manukau.

Our drivers can drop you off near to the airport after the tour, where it will be easy for you to taxi the rest of the way.

When preparing for a trip to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton or Rotorua, consider packing the following items:

• eTicket/Booking Confirmation: Can be in digital or printed form.
• Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers suitable for the weather and wear comfortable clothing for walking around.
• Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy shoes are recommended.
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Rain Gear: A lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as weather can be unpredictable.
• Camera/Phone: To capture the picturesque scenery and iconic Hobbit holes.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially on warm days.
• Backpack: To carry your essentials.
• Insect Repellent: Especially in warmer months.
• Cash/Card: For purchasing food and sounvenirs.

Yes, we have room for luggage, There is enough room for one large case and one carry on bag per person on all tours.

Additional luggage will be an additional $40 per item and must be pre arranged with us before the day of your tour

Oversized items including bikes, surfboards and your pet can not be accommodated.

Yes, we can drop you at any central hotel location. Please check with your driver on the day.

We require a minimum of 5 people for our tours to operate. If your tour has not reached minimum numbers, we will contact you a few days prior and either try and provide you with another option, or offer a full refund.

Why does my booking say “Pending”?
This means we are waiting to hear back from one of our partner operators, and will get back to you as soon as possible with a confirmation. Please note we may not be always able to confirm all booking requests, but we do our best to provide an alternative if we are unable to.

Why does my booking say “On hold”?
This means you are on our waiting list and we will contact you if a space opens up.

Are all reservations made through booking agents (Viator, Getyourguide, KLOOK etc) always confirmed?
If you have booked a Heli Hike or a scenic flight with us in Mt Cook or Milford Sound, we may contact you after you have booked advising the activity is sold out. This is because the booking software is not connected to the flight operator’s system and does not know if the activity is available. If you do not hear from us then you are good to go!

The return time to your hotel from a Waitomo Caves tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel varies depending on the starting point and specific itinerary. However, for a general idea:

Departures are at 6:00 AM with a return time of approximately 7:00 PM, making it about a 13-hour day.

These times can vary slightly based on weather conditions and road traffic.

We have a fleet of modern comfortable minibuses ranging from 7 to 16 seats, equipped out with all the modern conveniences: air conditioning, USB charging ports throughout buses, WiFi (in some buses) and DVD players to help the stories come to life.

Please note, there are no toilets on the bus, however all of our buses make frequent bathroom stops on all tour routes.

Our buses have our Cheeky Kiwi logo on the front and are very easy to spot!

Cheeky Kiwi Travel’ has won Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2024, 2023 and 2022. This is Tripadvisor’s highest accolade and is only awarded to the top 1% of experiences on the platform based on consistent, outstanding reviews and ratings from travellers.

Additionally, Cheeky Kiwi Travel has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for five consecutive year. It also holds the Qualmark Gold Certification, which signifies high standards of service, environmental sustainability and social responsibility in New Zealand tourism​.

Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s guides contribute significantly to the positive reviews, high ratings and multiple awards that our tours receive.

Our guides are highly regarded for their passion, knowledge and engaging personalities. Here are some key characteristics and feedback about the guides:

Passionate and Knowledgeable: The guides are well-informed about the local area, history and natural environment. They provide insightful commentary on the landscapes, wildlife and cultural history of the Waikato region, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

Friendly and Inclusive: They are known for being friendly and approachable, making the tour enjoyable and comfortable for guests. The small-group setting allows for a more personalised experience, where guides can interact with each guest individually. The small-group experience also encourages guests to connect and make new friends from around the world, adding a unique and social dimension to the tour.

Engaging and Entertaining: The guides share local histoy, cultural insights and their love of the area, keeping the journey authentic and engaging.

Safety and Comfort: All of our guides have passenger-endorsed drivers’ liscences, know the local roads and conitions and prioritise the safety and comfort of guests at all times.

Highly Rated: Many reviews praise the guides for their exceptional service with specific mentions of their helpfulness and ability to go the extra mile to make the tour truly unforgettable.

Cheeky Kiwi Travel proudly holds several certifications that reflect our commitment to quality, safety, inclusivity and sustainability. These include:

Qualmark Gold Certification: This prestigious accreditation is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance mark, signifying that we meet the highest standards of excellence in service, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award: Awarded for five consecutive years, this recognition is based on consistently high ratings and reviews from our satisfied customers.

Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ Award: As part of the annual Traveller’s Choice Awards, Cheeky Kiwi has also won the ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2022, 2023 and 2023. This is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition and is awarded to the top 1% of global listings.

In 2024, Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise won the ‘Best of the Best’ Award, ranking No.16 in the world in the ‘Sailing and Day Tours’ category.

Department of Conservation (DOC) Approved Operator: This certification ensures that we operate in a manner that protects and conserves New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.

Pridge Pledge: Cheeky Kiwi Travel proudly adheres to the Pride Pledge, ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all LGBTQ+ travellers.

COVID Clean Approved: We adhere to strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our guests and staff, earning the COVID Clean Approved status.

You can read recent testimonials from our guests on the Cheeky Kiwi Travel Reviews page.

To read more than 3,000 5-star reviews, search for Cheeky Kiwi Travel on Tripadvisor.