Tauranga Shore Excursion: Waitomo Caves och Kiwi House

Good tour - but a lot of driving, which can't be avoided. Our car guide did a great job of keeping us informed and enjoying many of the stopping points along the way. The worms were never really seen but they lit the way for us in a three dimensional fashion. The cave guide did a good of talking us through the cave and making it safe. Most of the walk was downhill and had railings. These worms were shown how they created the glow effect. It would be neat to see the actual worm or photos of it. Another stop was a Kiwi Fruit farm. Short, but pre-arranged for and again a learning experience. The Kiwi Bird experience was quick, but again pre-arranged for and we were brought where the most likely location to see a Kiwi Bird. Well, they are night birds, and we didn't physically see one. Rats! Personally, with the cameras available they should be able to locate/aim them so we can see a Kiwi - even if it is on camera or work the birds day/night schedule so they are up when there is an audience. I did ask a keeper and confirmed there were two in the area we were directed to.

Our guide was waiting for us as we disembarked our cruise ship. The bus was clean and comfortable. The driver was our guide and he shared a lot of interesting facts on life in New Zealand and its history. He dropped us off at the front of the line to the Glow Worm Caves and then waited for us in the bus as we took the tour with the facility guide. The Glow Worm caves are a "must see". We had never seen a live Kiwi before so the visit to the Kiwi House was very interesting.

We were picked up on schedule. Because both of us couples, were there, we even left early. The guide was personable, knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. The tour through the gorgeous New Zealand countryside was beautiful, the guide stopping at places she knew were perfect for picture-taking. The caves themselves were intriguing, and the glow worms were like nothing I had ever seen before. And we saw live, moving, kiwi birds at Kiwi House. Here the guide's knowledge was particularly beneficial, since she knew when to arrive there to avoid the bus-crowds, so the four of us were in the "night" house when no one else was there. Then a brief stop at a kiwi-fruit growing orchards. All in all, a wonderful day.

Best tour on our 3 1/2 week vacation. She was very knowledgeable. We had some extra time and she took us to a kiwi farm. She was the best!

Waitomo Caves were very good. However Kiwi House was average caged zoo with one kiwi bird in darkened room behind glass.

Wonderful tour with Paul as our driver who was very informative and experienced. We were delayed in arriving at the port as our cruise ship experienced some windy weather, but as we were the only passengers Paul kindly waited for us. Informative overall tour and a great way to experience the scenery of the interior of the north island. The caves were fascinating and not to miss. Did not spend much time at the Kiwi House but did see the one Kiwi in the dark exhibit. Well worth the tour and a very economic, informative tour.

This was a great tour, Paul was fantastic and very informative! Waitomo Caves are absolutely stunning and a must do!

Great service. Two of us had a guide and a Mercedes sedan for the glowworm and kiwi trip. We learned a lot from the guide who was very knowledgeable.

Incredible tour!! Seeing the magical glow worms was spectacular!! Our driver was wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable, and kind. Wonder of wonders, we saw a kiwi up close......amazing! Highly recommend this excursion. Well organized and comfortable!!

Paul Marston Tauranga Tasting Tours and Charters took four of us on a great journey to the Waitomo Caves, the Kiwi House and much more. We were greeted on time at the gangway of our Princess cruise ship, and from there everything was well taken care of. The views from Tauranga to Waitomo Caves were exceptional - loved the greens that blanketed the landscape, dotted with cattles, sheeps, horses, etc. along the way. The Caves were simply breathtaking! Lunch place recommended by Paul was also very affordable and high quality ordered the pies. Paul kept track of the time and sent us back to the ship on time. We enjoyed the day tremendously, and had learned a lot about New Zealand and Tauranga area from Paul. We highly recommended this tour.