Top North Island Underground Tours

Embark on a thrilling Blackwater Rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave. Choose between two exhilarating tours: the original Black Labyrinth, where you'll float under glowworms and jump off waterfalls, or the longer Black Abyss, which includes abseiling, ziplining, and cave exploration. Both experiences offer unforgettable encounters with the natural beauty of the cave and take you to places impossible to reach on your own.

Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions on this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a café lunch. In the afternoon, explore Māori myths and history on an underground boat ride at Waitomo, surrounded by thousands of glowworms.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-visit North Island attraction, and while many day tours depart from Auckland, this handy tour is ideal for independent travelers who can make their own way to the caves. The Ruakuri Cave is the longest, with impressive rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glittering glowworms. Explore the magnificent cave on a guided walking tour and learn more about Māori culture as you go.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton™ and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves rank among New Zealand’s top attractions. Visit both sites in one day on a small-group tour that includes hotel pickup, a delicious lunch, and personal attention from your guide. Avoid the hassle of self-driving from Auckland and admire scenic views en route. A must-do tour for nature and movie lovers short on time in the North Island.

Experience one of the wonders of New Zealand’s natural world on this glowworm caving adventure in Waitomo. Pull on your boots and helmet before heading through the private farmland and native forest to the Mangarongapu Cave system with a local guide and small group. With your headlamp to light the way, hike around huge boulders and through shallow streams, and marvel at the millions of bright green glowworms illuminating the rocky limestone.

This convenient day trip visits two of the North Island’s most popular attractions from Auckland in a single day, which would be difficult if traveling independently. The small-group, fully guided mini-bus tour takes you to several natural wonders, such as rivers, natural geothermal pools, and glow-worm caves. Your guide will tell you all about the natural and cultural history, to help you better understand what you’re seeing.

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and Māori culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous small-group tour takes in both places in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport and hotel pickup from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites and glowworms at Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua’s attractions, including Te Puia Geothermal Park.

Many parts of Coromandel’s beautiful volcanic coastline can only be accessed by boat, so join a small-group guided boat tour of the coast around Cathedral Cove that land-based travelers miss. Cruise inside Orua Sea Cave, one of New Zealand's largest sea caves, and see blowholes and larger boats can’t reach. Listen to the acoustics in sea caves and spot wildlife near Lonely Bay, Shakespeare Cliff, and Cooks and Hahei beaches.

Step into Peter Jackson's Middle-earth with this guided group tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. Learn more about the movies than you ever would by exploring by yourself with the help of your local guide. And with a shuttle service at your disposal, you enjoy a truly seamless Matamata experience.

Take a break from Auckland on a private day trip to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the Waikato countryside. Hotel pickup, door-to-door transport, and lunch are included, so you can relax. Admire views of the central North Island’s rural landscape along the way. Take guided tours at each destination, plus stop at scenic Lake Karapiro on the mighty Waikato River.

Ideal for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” this tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves starts with a scenic drive through the Waikato countryside. Take an underground boat ride on the Waitomo River, then learn about movie-making history at Hobbiton. A picnic lunch and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn are included for your convenience.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the coast of Cathedral Cove in a comfortable boat with plenty of shade—ideal on a hot summer’s day. Learn about the biodiversity of the marine reserve from your guide while admiring the caves, cliffs, arches, and rock formations. Depart from Whitianga Wharf in the morning or afternoon. This tour does not include snorkeling.

Explore the captivating Bay of Islands on a comprehensive 4-hour Nature Adventure tour. Beginning in Paihia, the journey leads to Haruru Waterfalls for an up-close experience, followed by a visit to the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. Accompanied by local guides, enjoy a scenic walk among the twinkling glow worms. We then take you for a walk with ancient Kauri trees, some over 800 years old through beautiful scenic nature walk. We also finish off at Waitangi Lookout, showcasing the beautiful Bay of Islands. The itinerary also includes a visit to the artistic Hundertwasser Toilets, ensuring a unique blend of nature and culture. This tour guarantees a timely return to the ship or Paihia for shopping. - 4-hour guided tour starting from Paihia Town - Visit Haruru Waterfalls, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, and Kauri Forest, Waitangi Lookout & Hundtertwasser Artistic Toilets. - For bigger groups get in touch, we can accommodate with several vans. *Note bring a warm jacket for the Glow worm caves*

Discover highlights of the North Island on this jam-packed four day tour. Travel from Auckland to discover the bubbling mud pools and astonishing natural geysers of Rotorua, with cultural Maori performances. Cruise beneath the glistening glow worms at Waitomo Cave. Explore the amazing Hobbiton movie set and finish your trip with a tour of vibrant Wellington. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for all transfers and activities.

Experience two of the North Island’s highlights on a small-group day tour from Auckland with hotel pickup. Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set for a guided tour of filming locations; note that maintenance and restoration work from June to September 2025 will cause construction noise and alternate routes. Then head to the Waitomo Caves to observe resident glowworms underground. Enjoy a relaxed pace without the stress of self-driving from Auckland.

This action-packed 7-day tour encompasses the highlights of both of New Zealand’s main islands. It's ideal for first-time visitors who are short on time. Starting in Auckland, stop at Waitomo, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mt. Cook, Queenstown, and elsewhere. Ride a scenic train and spot whales on a boat tour. Accommodation, all admission fees, and transportation are included, letting you see and do more than you could independently.

Enjoy two North Island highlights on an easy day trip from Auckland. Avoid the hassle of self driving or taking public transport when you join a fully guided small-group tour. Tickets to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves are included. Participate in guided tours of both attractions and enjoy a sit-down lunch with free choice from a set menu.

Experience the highlights of both of New Zealand’s main islands during this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch, or vice versa, without having to self-drive or plan complicated logistics. Admire glowworms at the Waitomo Caves, see the geothermal wonderland at Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa, take the ferry from Wellington to the South Island, then ride the Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura, where you spot whales. Includes accommodation in Rotorua, Wellington, and Kaikoura.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's "Middle-earth," where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films came to life. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transportation from selected locations in Auckland for your convenience.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

Escape the crowds and get off the beaten track on this exclusive glowworm cave tour based out of a family farm. This private tour is tailored to your group and lets you move at your own pace through the caves. See the mesmerizing glowworm displays and traverse the caves with your knowledgeable guide, with equipment provided. Don’t forget your camera on this intimate tour through this stunning natural wonder.

Visit two of the North Island’s most popular attractions in one day on this small-group tour from Auckland. First, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the making of "The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. In the afternoon, continue to Rotorua to explore the city and visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland where highlights include geysers, volcanic mud pools, and geothermal craters.

Photograph New Zealand's spectacular scenery both inside and outside of the caves on a private photography tour with your own photographer-guide. Visit a pristine glow worm cave in the Waitomo district, and take your time to capture great shots of the glow worms and other sights. You can use larger cameras and equipment like small tripods on this photography tour, with the freedom to take more time for your photography than on standard tours. Includes guide, use of wet weather gear, and snacks.