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Glow Worm Caves Near Auckland (Trips & Tours)

Kia ora! Tom here again, from the team at Taiao Adventures.Glow worms (titiwai in te reo Māori) are one of Aotearoa’s most magical natural wonders. These tiny creatures light up dark caves, forests, and lakesides with their soft bioluminescent glow, turning ordinary places into something that feels otherworldly.Many visitors think you have to travel far south to see them, but that’s not true - there are some incredible glow worm experiences within easy reach of Auckland. If you’re looking...

A Guide to Exploring Rotorua as a Solo Traveller

Kia ora! It’s Tom again, from the team here at Taiao Adventures.There’s something special about travelling on your own. It’s a chance to follow your own schedule, be present, and discover a new place on your own terms. As a guide, I get to meet heaps of solo travellers exploring New Zealand, and I always tell them the same thing - Rotorua is a fantastic place to do it.Rotorua is a safe, friendly city that’s easy to get around, and filled with adventures that are just as amazing (sometime...

Beyond the Obvious: 4 Unique Nighttime Experiences in Rotorua

Kia ora! It’s Tom again, from the team at Taiao Adventures.Rotorua has lots of world-famous tourist activities, and they're popular for a reason. But while they're all fantastic, as a local, I love a hidden gem.So, if you're looking to create a memory that’s a bit out of the ordinary, here are three of my favourite unique nighttime experiences....

Rotorua For Two: The Best Romantic Spots

Kia ora! It’s Tom again, from the team at Taiao Adventures.When people think about a trip to Rotorua, they often picture adrenaline-fueled adventures or fun family holidays. And while we do that brilliantly, there’s another side to our city that, as a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, I absolutely love. There’s a quiet, romantic spirit here, born from our stunning landscapes, steamy thermal pools, and the deep sense of connection you feel when you’re surrounded by so much natural beauty...

Rotorua, After Dark

Ah, so you’re planning a trip to Rotorua? Whether you’re planning on seeing the geysers, watching our mud pools bubble, or catching a cultural performance, you’re in for a real treat!But one of the things I love most about our city is the energy shift after dark, giving way to a whole new set of adventures. Here are some of my favourites....

A Packing List For Your Glow Worm Adventure

Kia ora! It’s Tom, one of the guides from the team here at Taiao Adventures.One of the best parts of my job is seeing the look on people’s faces when they see the glow worms for the first time. But, lots of prep happens before we head out, and people often ask me what they should wear and bring for their tour.It sounds a little dull, but being comfortable is an important part of any adventure. If you’re warm, dry, and not worried about your gear, you can relax and immerse yourself in the e...

A Guide’s Guide to Finding Glow Worms in Rotorua

Kia ora! My name’s Tom, and I’m one of the guides here at Taiao Adventures. For years, my “office” has been the still, dark waters of Rotorua’s lakes, and my favourite colleagues are the thousands of little shimmering lights that call this place home.There’s so much to love about glow worm tours, but one thing I’ll never get enough of is when we’ve paddled our kayaks into a hidden cove, everyone has switched off their headlamps, and the darkness slowly gives way to pinpricks of l...