There are 4 ways to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves by bus, train, or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Bus
best- Take the bus from Thames to Manukau Citybus Auckland - Central - Tauranga / ...
- Take the bus from Manukau City to Waitomo Townshipbus Auckland - Central - Palmerston North
5h 24mDrive 165.8 km
cheapest- Drive from Thames to Waitomo Cavescar 165.8 km
2h 8m$49–71Bus, train
- Take the bus from Thames to Manukau Citybus Auckland - Central - Tauranga / ...
- Take the train from Papakura to Otorohangatrain Northern Explorer
6h 20mBus via Auckland
- Take the bus from Thames to Auckland - Centralbus Auckland - Central - Tauranga / ...
- Take the bus from Auckland - Central to Waitomo Glowworm Cavesbus Auckland - Central - Auckland - Central
5h 35m$91–145
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves is to drive which costs $45 - $75 and takes 2h 8m.
The fastest way to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves is to drive which takes 2h 8m and costs $45 - $75.
No, there is no direct bus from Thames to Waitomo Caves. However, there are services departing from Thames and arriving at Waitomo Township via Manukau City. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 24m.
The distance between Thames and Waitomo Caves is 272 km. The road distance is 165.8 km.
The best way to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves without a car is to bus which takes 5h 24m and costs .
It takes approximately 5h 24m to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves, including transfers.
Thames to Waitomo Caves bus services, operated by InterCity, depart from Thames station.
Thames to Waitomo Caves bus services, operated by InterCity, arrive at Manukau City station.
Yes, the driving distance between Thames to Waitomo Caves is 166 km. It takes approximately 2h 8m to drive from Thames to Waitomo Caves.
There are 33+ hotels available in Waitomo Caves.
What companies run services between Thames, New Zealand and Waitomo Caves, New Zealand?
You can take a bus from Thames to Waitomo Township via Manukau City in around 5h 24m.
- Phone
- +64 4495 0775
- bookings@greatjourneysnz.com
- Website
- greatjourneysofnz.co.nz
Train from Papakura to Otorohanga
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 10m
- Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Estimated price
- $70–85
- Schedules at
- greatjourneysofnz.co.nz
- Phone
- +64 9 583 5780
- info@intercity.co.nz
- Website
- intercity.co.nz
Bus from Thames to Manukau City
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 9m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Manukau City to Waitomo Township
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 15m
- Frequency
- 5 times a week
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Thames to Auckland - Central
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 50m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- $15–35
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
- Phone
- +64 9 583 5790
- info@greatsights.co.nz
- Website
- greatsights.co.nz
Bus from Auckland - Central to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 45m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $75–110
- Website
- https://www.greatsights.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/
- Standard
- $75–110
- Flexi
- $85–650
Want to know more about travelling around the world?
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Bali: What to do if Mount Agung erupts, How to get from London to Edinburgh, and Is ride-sharing platform BlaBlaCar right for you? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.