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Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Glowworm Caves One-Way Tour

The Auckland, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua tour departs Auckland and travels south through the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Stop for a short morning tea break in the historic township of Rangiriri, once the site of a Maori fortification where fierce land battles were fought between the Maori and British troops. From here, continue on through the "Bridge City" of Hamilton. Then onto Waitomo, where the tour stops for a buffet lunch (included if this option is selected) at the fantastic new facilities at the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Enjoy your lunch as you sit and relax amongst the trees in the natural setting outside the caves.

After lunch, begin your guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers to view stalactites formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water. Your tour will end with a boat ride through the glowworm grotto that is illuminated by thousands of tiny lights emitted by the glowworms, suspended from the cave ceiling.

Reboard your coach and continue on to Rotorua. On the way to Rotorua, follow the Waikato River to the Karapiro Dam on Lake Karapiro for a short refreshment break. As you near Rotorua, your coach enters the Fitzgerald glade, a section of the highway where the native bush grows right up to the roadside and the trees form a canopy overhead like a tunnel. The journey finally takes you up over the Mamaku Saddle and descends into the city of Rotorua, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Tour Highlights include:

• Rangiriri - historic Maori Land Wars Battle Site
• Ngaruawahia - home of the Maori Queen
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Fitzgerald Glade - a section of the highway where native bush grows right up to the roadside and the trees form a canopy over head.