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Turn Key Tours - Waitomo & The King Country - ZT6

Waitomo & The King Country

Primarily famous for it's limestone and glow worm caves, but for the more adrelalin charged there is abseiling, blackwater rafting, and cave tubing. Not to mention an amazing variety of walks and trails. In the surrounding district the Otorohanga Kiwi House is the best place to see our native Kiwi bird and the Tuatara. The oldest living relative to the dinosaurs. There are also numerous private gardens open to the public.

Highlights & Inclusions:
• Footwhistle Glowworm
• Cave Tour

• Lunch

• Marakopa Falls

• Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

Departure information:
Departs Auckland 7.00am

A pleasant drive south over the Bombay Hills into the rich dairy farmland of the Waikato, following the Waikato River past the sacred Maori burial ground of Mt Taupiri, to Ngaruawahia, seat of the Maori King Movement.

 

Turning westwards, we take a more scenic rural route to Waitomo via small settlements, to the village of Pirongia beside the 962m mountain of the same name. We’ll take time to relax here for a tea/coffee break. The rolling countryside affords some great elevated views over the surrounding farmland, you can even view Mt Ruapehu in the centre of the North Island on a clear day.

 

At Waitomo we take the Footwhistle guided tour comprising of an hour 15 mins duration (Note; This is a dry tour). A more personalized experience with no more than twelve in the group, where you are able to get right up close to the glow worms (Arachnocampa) and take photos! A hearty lunch now beckons.

 

Our drive continues east deeper into the country side, visiting the 35m high Marakopa Falls, often described as our country's most beautiful waterfall with an easy walk through Nikau and Tawa forest to the viewing platform, then on to the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, a 17m high natural limestone arch (all that remains of an ancient cave system) which spans the Mangapohue Stream, The track continues over farmland where you can see 25 million year old fossilised oysters exposed in the limestone outcrops. Before returning to Auckland.

 

With so much to do in Waitomo, here are some options that may interest you... Cave tubing,  Waitomo Glow Worm Cave, Kiwi House

BOOK TOUR:
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  • Footwhistle Tour

    Footwhistle Tour

    Enjoy a 3.5km courtesy scenic shuttle  to our cave while your experienced guide reveals the rich history of Waitomo. Then, take a short walk through breath taking New Zealand native bush to the cave entrance. There, your guide lights the candles setting the scene for an intimate cave experience, where you will see glowworms up close, cave formations up close and appreciate the  beauty of Footwhistle Cave (also known to local maori as Te Anaroa Cave).

     

    The solar powered lights are kept low so you can appreciate the magnificent glow worm displays at their best, only inches away. Around a corner lie the bones of one of New Zealand's lost treasures, the ancient Moa. The soothing sound of Footwhistle cave stream flows in the darkness below.

     

    Formation  lights are especially turned on to cast  a warm glow  over stunning cave formations.  The guide tells the stories of the insect life that live here - titiwai, the glow worm, and tuna, the eel. After enjoying a relaxed stroll through the cave, you'll be seated in Footwhistle's Cathedral to see it lit up by a dazzling magnesium torch.  Although the display only lasts a few seconds, your memories of the Footwhistle Cave will last a lifetime.

     

    Be sure to bring your camera as you will be able to take photos and your guide will also be able to help you out with the best camera settings to get your best holiday pic.  Complete the tour by enjoying a complimentary Kawa Kawa tea whilst you relax in our punga hut nestled in native forest and surrounds.

  • Tube it

    Tube it

    Float through our beautiful cave on an inner tyre tube under the most amazing displays of glowworms! More commonly known as black water rafting.

     

    Jump off a waterfall, ZOOM down our hydro slide and for those who are keen can crawl up to our hidden waterfall which is often the highlight of the trip.. but don't panic if you're not into small spaces this part is optional and a team of friendly and experienced guides will look after you!

     

    This trip is a mixed bag of fun and mystery with flashes of excitement.

  • Waitomo Caves

    Watiomo Caves

    ​​​​​​​​World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.

     

    The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance.

     

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.


    THE BOAT RIDE

     

    Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way

or (Mobile)...  021 990 242

Call us now (FREE PHONE)

0508 990 242

Call us now (FREE PHONE) 0508 990 242

OR (Mobile)... 021 990 242