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Visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions in one day on this guided, small group tour from Auckland. Immerse yourself in magic at the Hobbiton Movie Set and explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 13 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Live tour guide
- English
- Pickup included
- - Enjoy the convenience of pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option & meet us there! If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we recommend selecting SkyCity Hotel for now. You can update this later if needed! - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Liam was absolutely awesome! This trip was incredible and a must do! You get to see so much and our guide was so awesome and made us feel so comfortable. Can’t wait to come back and do it again!
Day was amazing! Dean the driver was very knowledgeable and friendly and attentive towards what everybody needed. Over at Hobbiton we had Andrew, who made the tour so much fun! He had amazing knowledge of the tour set and fun fact and was an awesome photographer! At Waitomo caves we had Tummy as a tour guide who was very sweet and made the tour and the boat ride fun !! Overall I had an amazing day
Itinerary
24 pickup location options:
JW Marriott Auckland, SO/ Auckland, Hilton Auckland, Rydges Auckland, M Social Auckland, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, Mercure Auckland Queen Street, The Grand by SkyCity, ibis budget Auckland Central, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, The Sebel Auckland Manukau, SkyCity Auckland, Pullman Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, Heritage Auckland, Kiwi International Hotel, Cordis, Auckland, Crowne Plaza Auckland, an IHG Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, Park Hyatt Auckland, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, VR Auckland City
Waikato
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Hobbiton Movie Set
Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic views on the way (2.5 hours)
Lake Karapiro
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Otorohanga
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Bus tour, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Waitomo
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Gondola ride, Scenic views on the way (45 minutes)
24 drop-off locations:
Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, Rydges Auckland, JW Marriott Auckland, Hilton Auckland, SkyCity Auckland, Mercure Auckland Queen Street, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, The Sebel Auckland Manukau, The Grand by SkyCity, ibis budget Auckland Central, SO/ Auckland, M Social Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, Park Hyatt Auckland, Cordis, Auckland, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, Pullman Auckland, Heritage Auckland, VR Auckland City, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Crowne Plaza Auckland, an IHG Hotel, Kiwi International Hotel
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Admire thousands of glowworms above your head while on glowworm grotto boat
- Marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites in the world famous Waitomo Caves
- Explore the beautiful movie set of Hobbiton with a guide
- Know the secrets and fascinating stories about the making of the movie Hobbiton
- Enjoy a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn
Full description
Along the way, don’t forget to take advantage of the photo opportunities as you admire the stunning natural landscapes all around of beautiful mountains and farmlands.
After the drive, arrive at Alexander Family Sheep Farm and Shire's Rest, the entrance to Hobbiton, and marvel at the thousands of sheep that live here. While you’re here, grab a bite to eat, a coffee, or enjoy an ice cream to cool off while your guide collects your tickets to the movie set.
Next, hop on board one of the big green Hobbiton buses to depart on your 2.5 hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12-acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide to ensure you get the most out of your visit.
During your tour trip into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear secrets and stories about the making of the movies and finish your LOTR experience with a cold beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub, The Green Dragon Inn.
After your LOTR experience, it’s time to head west towards the stunning Waitomo region. Along the way admire the incredible hydro dams, beautiful farmland, race horses, and the Kiwiana capital of New Zealand. Before arriving at the caves, stop by Waitomo homestead for lunch, and a little surprise.
Once in Waitomo, explore the ancient and amazing caves and marvel at the many cave formations including Stalactites, Stalagmites, and Lime Columns before descending even further underground for your Glowworm Grotto experience.
Board your glow-worm boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see for any traveler. Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside. This policy helps protect the glowworms and limestone formations, ensuring the preservation of this unique environment for future visitors to enjoy.
On the guided trip back to Auckland the sights continue with New Zealand's longest river, the Huntly power station, and the Maori Queens’ burial site.
Includes
- Fully guided small group return tour from Auckland (maximum 16 passengers)
- Hotel pickups and drop-off (specific central Auckland hotels only)
- Entry and fully guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
- Complimentary beverage at the famous Green Dragon Inn
- Alexander Family Sheep Farm and Shire's Rest
- Entry and fully guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Snacks
- Water
- Charging ports available in vehicle
- Transport in modern and comfortable 16 seater minibuses
- Food and drinks (unless specified)
- Lunch (there are several opportunities to purchase food along the way)
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart problems
Select participants and date
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Not allowed
- Drones
- Non-folding wheelchairs
- Alcohol and drugs
- Electric wheelchairs
- Photography inside
Know before you go
- Please advise the ages of any children on the booking.
- This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility or serious back or heart problems
- Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car or booster seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be rented for $20 per seat (with 24 hours notice)
- - There will be stops for lunch at your own expense
