Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

Auckland, NZ
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (2572 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Small-group tour (11-16)
  • inclusion
    Local taxes
  • inclusion
    Local driver/guide
  • inclusion
    Light Kiwi café-style lunch
  • inclusion
    Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • inclusion
    Hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Auckland City

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Food and drinks, unless specified

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Adina Citylife Auckland
Airedale Boutique Suites
Ascotia Off Queen
Auckland City Hotel - Hobson St
Auckland Harbour Suites
Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
Crowne Plaza Auckland, An Ihg Hotel
Econo Lodge City Central
Elliott St Apartments Hotel
Fable Auckland, MGallery
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
Heritage Auckland
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG hotel
Horizon By SkyCity
Hotel DeBrett
ibis Budget Auckland Central
Imagine Beach Road
InterContinental Auckland, an IHG Hotel
Jw Marriott Auckland
Kiwi International Hotel
M Social Auckland
Mercure Auckland Queen Street
Movenpick Hotel Auckland
Ohtel Auckland
Park Hyatt Auckland
Parkside Hotel & Apartments
President Hotel Auckland
Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments
QT Auckland
Quest on Mount
Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
Rydges Auckland
SkyCity Hotel
So/ Auckland
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Sudima Auckland City
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland
The Chancellor on Hobson
The Grand by SkyCity
The Hotel Britomart
The Quadrant Hotel and Suites
The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
The Sebel Quay West Auckland
The Shakespeare Hotel
Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter
Voco Auckland City Centre, An Ihg Hotel
VR Auckland City
VR Queen Street
Our Tour starts at 6:30am heading south with everyone already picked up across the Auckland CBD and on board. The pickups, depending on location in the CBD of where you are staying, occur in the preceding 20-25minutes. We pick up from all centrally Located Auckland Hotels, BNBs, Backpacker Hotels in the Central Business District. Any of the following or others(not mentioned) in the Central Business District. We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland We also have only 1 pick up location in South Auckland/Auckland Airport area which is the Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau (approx 10 minutes from the airport) Adina Apartment Hotel, 2 Tapora Street Air BNBs- we pick up from most Downtown CBD BNBs (except those with parking/access issues) Ascotia off Queen Attic Backpackers, 31 Wellesley Street West Auckland City Hotel, 157 Hobson Street Auckland Harbour Suites, 16 Gore Street Avani Metropolis Backpackers-all CBD locations Barclay Suites Choice Backpackers, 10 Wellesley Street East City Life Copthorne, 150 Anzac Avenue Cordis Hotel, 83 Symonds St Crowne Plaza Dilworth Building Apartments Edit Hotel, 27-31 Victoria Street West (formerly President Hotel) Empire Apartments Fable Gallery Hotel, 58 Queen Street Gamma Hotel The Chancellor on Hobson, 1 Hobson Street Grand Millennium Haka House, 5 Turner Street Haka House, 373 Karangahape Rd Hilton Hotel on Princes Wharf Hobson Lodge, 224 Hobson Street Holiday Inn Express, Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD Hotel De Bretts Hotel Indigo, 53 St. Patrick's Square Ibis City (Wyndham Street) Imagine Intercontinental Hotel on Quay Street (1 Queen Street) Kiwi International, 411 Queen Street Legacy Airedale Hotel, 380 Queen Street Lylo, 54 Cook Street Marriott Hotel, 22 Albert Street Mercure Auckland, 500 Queen St Metropolis (Avani Metropolis) Movenpick, 8 Customs Street East MSocial Oaks Auckland Hotel, 40 Beach Road (formerly Nesuto Stadium Hotel) Nesuto St. Martins, St. Martins Lane Newton Lodge, 27 Cross Street Park Hyatt, 99 Halsey Street Princes Wharf Apartments Pullman Quadrant Hotel & Suites Quest (all CBD locations) Ramada Suites, 147 Victoria Street Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Rydges Sebel Viaduct Harbour, 85 Customs Street West Sebel Quay West, 8 Albert Street Sebel Manukau, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau-for those staying near the airport Sky City Grand Sky City Hotel Sofitel SO Hotel, cnr Customs Street and Gore Street Star Park Apartments, 30B Swanson St Star Queen Apartments, 438 Queen Street Star Victoria Apartments, 64 Federal Street Sudima, 63-67 Nelson Street Swiss bel Suites, 206 Victoria Street West Travelodge, 110 Packenham Street West, Wynyard Quarter Voco Hotel, Wyndham Street VR Auckland City, 188 Hobson Street VR Queen Street, 401 Queen Street

What to expect

1

Auckland Central

After leaving Auckland you will travel south over the Bombay Hills as you get elevated panoramic views of the Waikato Region and travel across the scenic Hauraki Plains to Matamata, the home of Hobbiton Movie Set.

2
Hobbiton Movie Set

Begin with a tour through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 10 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into the Shire from Middle-earth. Complimentary specially brewed beverages are available at the Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour Afterwards, enjoy a very “Kiwi” style lunch at the "Homestead" and get to share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travellers.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

You will then travel to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide on this 45-minute tour will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its acoustics Your return trip to Auckland will then take you initially through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside before following northwards the majestic Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand, part of the way back to Auckland. You will pass Ngaruawahia, the home of the Maori King; Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground. To complete that day, you will be taken back to your hotel in the Auckland CBD.

Duration 240 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    A maximum of 14 people per booking (We can provide this tour to groups larger than 14 by discussions with Viator and ourselves)
  • Additional information
    Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Not Wheel-Suitable Friendly as these are walking tours
  • Additional information
    Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Specialized infant seats are available
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    There is no photography allowed in the area of the Caves where the glowworms are as the glowworms react negatively to flashlight and will turn their lights off and they then take 2 hours to return to their full luminescence.
  • Additional information
    Tour leaves Auckland at 6:30am with everyone on board-the pickups occur across the CBD in the 25 minutes prior to that
  • Additional information
    We can provide NZ Safety Approved Child Car Seats and Booster Seats. We do not provide strollers or infant back packs
  • Additional information
    We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland; only the Downtown CBD and 1 location in South Auckland for those staying near the airport-The Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau
Provided by Auckland Scenic Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try the craft beers at Green Dragon Inn.
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • icon
    Check out the nearby Hobbiton café.
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    Capture stunning views on the bus ride.
  • icon
    Plan a visit to Rotorua after the tour.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on an extraordinary journey to two of New Zealand's most iconic destinations with the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland. This immersive tour offers a captivating experience that brings to life the magical world of Hobbiton and takes you on a mesmerizing boat ride through the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable adventures. Begin your journey by traveling through the stunning Waikato Region and Hauraki Plains, enjoying panoramic views along the way. At the Hobbiton Movie Set, explore the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm as your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating details about the creation of this iconic film location. Marvel at the intricately designed Hobbit Holes, visit The Green Dragon Inn, and immerse yourself in the charm of the Shire. Afterward, indulge in a delicious "Kiwi" style lunch at the Homestead while swapping stories with fellow travelers. Next, journey to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you'll be captivated by thousands of magical glowworms illuminating the dark cave, creating an astonishing celestial-like display. Glide silently through the cave on a boat as your guide, possibly a descendant of the Maori Chief who first explored the caves, shares the fascinating history of the area. Along the way, admire the majestic Cathedral Cave renowned for its remarkable acoustics.

Who is this for?

This tour appeals to a wide range of individuals seeking a truly unique and magical experience. Movie enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" will relish the opportunity to step foot in the legendary Hobbiton Movie Set and immerse themselves in Middle-earth. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to witness the mesmerizing glowworms that adorn the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find delight in this enchanting journey, making it an ideal adventure for anyone looking to create lasting memories.

Why book this?

Book this extraordinary day trip to Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves for an unparalleled experience that combines fantasy, natural wonders, history, and stunning landscapes all in one. Walk in the footsteps of beloved hobbits, explore the charming Hobbit Holes, and enjoy specially brewed beverages at The Green Dragon Inn. Then, be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring glowworms that transform the Waitomo Glowworm Caves into a captivating subterranean wonderland. This tour not only grants access to two world-famous attractions but also provides expert guides who ensure you gain insights and knowledge about these captivating places that are difficult to acquire elsewhere. Immerse yourself in the magic of Middle-earth and the ethereal beauty of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a day filled with wonder and enchantment.

Good to know

During the tour, all admission fees, a delicious cafe lunch, and transportation to and from your hotel in Auckland CBD are included for your convenience. Marvel at the stunning scenery as you journey through the heart of New Zealand's countryside, away from the motorways, and into the real hinterland. Keep in mind that the extended Hobbiton Experience now offers a 2.5-hour exploration, allowing you to venture beyond the doors of the fully themed Hobbit Holes and discover the intricate details of the interior, including bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, and more. Prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty, cultural significance, and unmatched charm that await you on this extraordinary day trip.

Reviews

Feedback from previous travelers has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who make the tour informative and engaging. The Hobbiton Movie Set delights fans with its authentic portrayal of the Shire and the attention to detail in each Hobbit Hole. The interactive experience at the Green Dragon Inn, complete with specially brewed beverages, is a highlight for many. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves leave visitors in awe of the mesmerizing glowworms that create a celestial spectacle. The boat ride through the cave offers a serene and magical journey, complemented by the captivating storytelling of the guides. Overall, visitors rave about the seamless organization of the tour, the stunning scenery, and the unforgettable memories they create at both Hobbiton and Waitomo.

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