Sanctuary Mountain (Mt Maungatautari) & Waitomo Luxury Day Tour From Auckland

Set out on a captivating journey from Auckland to uncover the wonders of Sanctuary Mountain and the enchanting Waitomo Caves. This luxury day tour promises an unforgettable experience as you explore a pest-proof wildlife sanctuary, encounter rare birds, and learn about the mesmerizing glow of thousands of luminescent glowworms. With round-trip transportation, a picnic lunch, and exclusive access to these natural marvels, this tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of New Zealand. Prepare to be captivated by the magic that awaits.

Key Points

• Guided excursion through Sanctuary Mountain, a large pest-proof wildlife sanctuary, where visitors can spot rare birds like the hihi (stitchbird).

• Guided underground tour of Footwhistle Glowworm Cave, which offers a serene and memorable experience with thousands of luminescent glowworms.

• Picnic lunch and round-trip luxury vehicle transportation from Auckland, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day trip.

• Tour not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Tour has an impressive 5.0 overall rating from customers, with a free cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Auckland showcases two of New Zealand’s North Island attractions – Sanctuary Mountain and the Waitomo Caves.

The tour includes a guided excursion through Sanctuary Mountain, one of the country’s largest pest-proof wildlife sanctuaries. Visitors will have the chance to spot rare birds like the hihi (stitchbird) in this protected natural habitat.

Next, the group will head to the famous Waitomo Caves, where they’ll explore the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave on a guided underground tour. This particular cave is less crowded than other Waitomo sites, offering a more intimate glowworm experience.

With a provided picnic lunch and round-trip transportation from Auckland, this tour provides a well-rounded day of discovery in New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes.

Inclusions

The tour includes a guided tour of Sanctuary Mountain, one of New Zealand’s largest pest-proof wildlife sanctuaries. Visitors will be provided a picnic lunch during the day, and they’ll also receive a guided tour of the Waitomo – Footwhistle Glowworm Cave, which offers a more intimate glowworm experience than some of the other Waitomo sites. Bottled water is included throughout the day, and while excess luggage charges may apply, the tour includes round-trip transportation from Auckland in a luxury vehicle.

Inclusions	Details
Guided tour	Sanctuary Mountain and Waitomo – Footwhistle Glowworm Cave
Lunch	Picnic lunch provided
Beverages	Bottled water included
Transportation	Round-trip from Auckland in a luxury vehicle

Transportation

Roundtrip transportation from Auckland in a luxury vehicle is provided for the tour, with pickup available from various locations around the city, including private homes, serviced apartments, motels, and the Auckland Airport.

The tour kicks off at 7:15 am, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day’s activities.

Guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfortable ride as the tour whisks them away to the first stop at Sanctuary Mountain.

The use of a luxury vehicle ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey, allowing guests to arrive at each destination refreshed and ready to explore.

Accessibility and Participation

Guests can’t bring their wheelchairs on this tour, but strollers are allowed. Infant seats are available for those traveling with little ones, and children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. The private tour ensures only your group will be part of the experience, providing a more personalized and exclusive outing.

Some key highlights of the accessibility and participation include:

1. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller friendly.

2. Infant seats are provided for those traveling with babies.

3. Children can join the tour when accompanied by an adult.

4. The private tour format ensures your group has the undivided attention of the guides.

With these considerations in mind, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Sanctuary Mountain and Waitomo Caves in an intimate, customized setting.

Reviews and Pricing

Based on the reviews, this Sanctuary Mountain and Waitomo day tour from Auckland has earned an impressive 5.0 overall rating from satisfied customers.

Reviewers highlight the unique bird sightings, including the rare hihi (stitchbird), and the memorable glowworm experiences during the Waitomo portion of the tour.

The tour’s price starts from £283.74 per person, with variation depending on the group size.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, and the option to reserve now and pay later.

With a private tour, guests can ensure they’ll be the only group participating, creating a personalized and exclusive experience.

Unique Bird Sightings

According to reviews, the Sanctuary Mountain portion of the tour delights visitors with rare bird sightings, including the elusive hihi, or stitchbird, a species found only in a handful of locations across New Zealand.

During the guided tour, birdwatchers may catch glimpses of:

1. The vibrant plumage of the hihi, with its distinctive white belly and striking yellow head.

2. The graceful flight of the North Island kākako, a threatened species with a hauntingly beautiful call.

3. The industrious kererū, or New Zealand wood pigeon, known for its large size and iridescent feathers.

4. The energetic antics of the kōtare, or kingfisher, as it darts across the sanctuary’s waterways.

Glowworm Experiences

The Footwhistle Glowworm Cave tour immerses visitors in a mesmerizing underwater world, where thousands of luminescent glowworms cling to the cave’s ceilings and walls, casting an ethereal glow across the inky darkness. As guests drift silently through the cave in a small boat, they’re enchanted by the twinkling display, likened to a starry night sky. The experience is both serene and awe-inspiring, offering a glimpse into the unique ecosystem that thrives in this subterranean sanctuary.

Highlights
Thousands of glowworms
Serene underground boat tour
Ethereal, starry-like lighting
Rare chance to see this ecosystem
Unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience

Free Cancellation and Reserve Now

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing travelers with flexibility and peace of mind when booking.

Plus, visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it easier to secure their preferred tour time without an immediate financial commitment.

This convenient booking policy ensures that your travel plans can be adjusted if needed, and allows you to lock in your reservation with ease.

The tour’s flexible and hassle-free booking options include:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.

2. Reserve now, pay later functionality for added convenience.

3. Flexible scheduling to accommodate your itinerary.

4. Secure your spot without an immediate financial commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring With Me on the Tour?

Guests should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a light jacket or layers for the changing weather. It’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack or bag to carry personal items and any snacks or water.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Picnic Lunch?

The picnic lunch provided on the tour can accommodate various dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests are encouraged to let the tour operator know of any special dietary requirements when booking the tour.

Can I Leave Luggage on the Vehicle During the Tour?

Yes, you can leave excess luggage on the vehicle during the tour. The tour operator’s policy allows for storing any extra bags or belongings on the luxury transport provided, so you don’t have to carry them throughout the day.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there may be an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers should check with the tour operator as some tours offer flexible itineraries that can be customized to accommodate longer visits or additional activities.

Is Photography Allowed During the Cave Tour?

Photography is generally permitted in the Waitomo – Footwhistle Glowworm Cave during the guided tour. However, flash photography is typically prohibited to avoid disturbing the delicate glowworm ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to capture the magical underground experience using discreet, natural lighting.

Recap

Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Explore the pristine Sanctuary Mountain, where rare birds thrive, then venture underground to witness the enchanting Footwhistle Glowworm Cave.

Savor a picnic lunch and soak in the breathtaking landscapes, all while enjoying the comfort of luxury transportation.

This day tour from Auckland promises an unparalleled experience, immersing you in the beauty and wildlife of this remarkable country.