There are 4 ways to get from Waitomo Caves to Thames 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 Waitomo Township to Manukau Citybus Auckland - Central - Palmerston North
- Take the bus from Manukau City to Thamesbus Auckland - Central - Tauranga
5h 15mDrive 165.8 km
cheapest- Drive from Waitomo Caves to Thamescar 165.8 km
2h 8m$51–74Train, bus
- Take the train from Otorohanga to Papakuratrain Northern Explorer
- Take the bus from Manukau City to Thamesbus Auckland - Central - Tauranga
5h 28mBus via Auckland
- Take the bus from Waitomo Glowworm Caves to Auckland - Centralbus Auckland - Central - Auckland - Central
- Take the bus from Auckland - Central to Thamesbus Auckland - Central - Tauranga
9h 45m
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Waitomo Caves to Thames is to drive which costs $50 - $75 and takes 2h 8m.
The fastest way to get from Waitomo Caves to Thames is to drive which takes 2h 8m and costs $50 - $75.
No, there is no direct bus from Waitomo Caves to Thames. However, there are services departing from Waitomo Township and arriving at Thames via Manukau City. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 15m.
The distance between Waitomo Caves and Thames is 273 km. The road distance is 165.8 km.
The best way to get from Waitomo Caves to Thames without a car is to bus which takes 5h 15m and costs .
It takes approximately 5h 15m to get from Waitomo Caves to Thames, including transfers.
Waitomo Caves to Thames bus services, operated by InterCity, depart from Waitomo Township station.
Waitomo Caves to Thames bus services, operated by InterCity, arrive at Manukau City station.
Yes, the driving distance between Waitomo Caves to Thames is 166 km. It takes approximately 2h 8m to drive from Waitomo Caves to Thames.
Book your Waitomo Caves to Thames bus tickets online with 12go.asia.
What companies run services between Waitomo Caves, New Zealand and Thames, New Zealand?
You can take a bus from Waitomo Township to Thames via Manukau City in around 5h 15m.
- Phone
- +64 4495 0775
- [email protected]
- Website
- greatjourneysofnz.co.nz
Train from Otorohanga to Papakura
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 10m
- Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Estimated price
- $65–85
- Schedules at
- greatjourneysnz.com
- Phone
- +64 9 583 5780
- [email protected]
- Website
- InterCity
Bus from Waitomo Township to Manukau City
- Ave. Duration
- 3h
- Frequency
- 5 times a week
- Website
- InterCity
Bus from Manukau City to Thames
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Website
- InterCity
Bus from Manukau City to Thames
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Website
- InterCity
Bus from Auckland - Central to Thames
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 45m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Website
- InterCity
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Booking & Getting There
There are 51+ hotels available in Thames.





