Rotorua to Auckland via the Glow Worm caves?

Question

What's the best way to do this in a day? Is it do-able by public transport or would I need to sign up for a guided tour type thing? If the latter, are there many companies who operate one-way trips and is there any difference between them?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Troutypants has the wrong answer. If he spent time employed as he says, he would know that a division of Intercity called Newmans, runs a daily coach from Rotorua to Auckland via Waitomo Caves.

The tour has a full driver commentary in a 4 or 5 star coach and a guide meets the Coach at Waitomo to escort the passengers through one of the caves.

Another similar service is run by Guthrey's.

Google both these to find Timetable and fares.

On other coaches eg Kiwi Experience, Stray, Magic etc, you take your chances.

Answer 2

that's a lot to do in one day on public transport.



You can get transport from a few private companies to waitomo or an intercity bus to Otorohanga and a taxi from there. Once back at the town you can get an intercity bus to aukland. You are really rushing things though and I don't even know if it's possible!



If you have a spare day I would suggest getting a bus to waitomo, staying over night and doing a cave tour the next morning. There are 3 or 4 companies that do the tours with a bit of rafting in the dark and abseiling/ climbing if you want that kind of thing or just wondering around the caves if you don't. You could then catch a bus up to aukland after your visit to the caves.

Answer 3

Check out some tours.They do this trip in reverse from Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves in a day.....it takes 13 hours...so worth while if you can work it but.I think you would find it more difficult with public transport.Try the Tourist Information Centre in Rotorua.

Answer 4

Uh - it's probably best to get a guided tour.



Great Sights has a Rotorua to Auckland coach tour via Waitomo Caves for $195. Includes boat ride. http://greatsights.co.nz/luxury-bus-tours/Rotorua-to-Auckland-Via-Waitomo-Caves.php

Answer 5

The cheapest way to do it is intercity, but that's boring and long. If you want to have fun check out tix on the kiwibus or stray. If yo have the money go on the tour. It gets you around, you see different sights you won't see on intercity or by yourself and you actually get to do things with people. Much more fun!



If you're looking for more of a party experience, go on the Kiwibus, better experience and muchmore fun, plus you get to go see an angora rabbit get shaved for free, trust me, totally worth it. not to mention the sheep show.



Stray is more for those who are a bit more mature and really want to see the scenery.



Intercity is for those who just want to get A to B. Then again there's always magic bus for the old/dead.