Day trip

From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

4.9 / 5

402 reviews

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    Day trip

    From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

    4.9

    402 reviews

    From US$ 213.98 per person

    Set off on a full-day adventure from Auckland to see New Zealand's two most famous attractions in one day. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, from the Lord of the Rings, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a fully guided small-group tour.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Mobile ticketing
    Use your phone or print your voucher
    Duration 10 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Instant confirmation
    Live tour guide
    English
    Pickup included
    Pick-up and drop off is available from downtown Auckland hotels only. Note that your pick-up time may be earlier than the tour start time.
    Small group
    Limited to 14 participants

    Experience

    Itinerary
    10 hours

    • Auckland

    • Hobbiton Movie Set (walk, guided tour)

    • Waitomo (lunch)

    • Waitomo Caves (guided tour, walk)

    • Auckland

    Pickup included
    Main stop
    Other stop
    Highlights
    • Be fascinated as the magical world of Hobbiton comes to life on a 2-hour tour
    • Take photos in front of Hobbit Holes and around The Shire
    • Enjoy a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn and taste a kiwi-style lunch at The Homestead in Waitomo
    • Be captivated by the thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    • Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the 45-minute tour of the iconic Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    • Be amazed by the spectacular scenery en route and listen to engaging commentary from your guide
    Full description
    Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand's most iconic and famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, in one easy small-group day trip from Auckland. After pickup from your central Auckland hotel, travel south over the Bombay Hills for panoramic views of the Waikato Region and the scenic Hauraki Plains. Arrive at The Shire's Rest in Matamata, the home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your guide will help you skip the crowds so you can explore the Movie Set on an official 2-hour tour. Be escorted through the 10-acre site and learn fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill. Savor a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn.  Afterwards, travel to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you'll enjoy a Kiwi-style lunch at The Homestead in Waitomo. On the way, share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travelers. Glide silently by boat in the world famous caves and be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms. Your guide on the 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 Cove, famous for its acoustics. The return trip takes you through some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside before following the majestic Waikato River northwards part of the way back to Auckland. You will pass Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground.  The day concludes with your return to your accommodation.
    Includes
    • Hotel pick-up and drop off (downtown Auckland hotels only)
    • Transportation
    • Local driver-guide
    • Entry and 2-hour guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
    • 1 drink at The Green Dragon Inn
    • Kiwi-style lunch
    • Entry and 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    • Food and drinks not listed in inclusions
    • Tips (optional)
    Not suitable for
    • Children under 4 years
    Covid-19 precautions
    Safety measures in place
    • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
    • The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Prepare for the activity

    Important information

    What to bring

    • Comfortable shoes

    Know before you go

    • Note that hotel pick-ups operate from downtown Auckland only
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • A small amount of easy walking is involved
    • The tour operates in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately
    • This is a small group activity with a maximum of 11 participants and requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.9 /5

    based on 402 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.9/5
    • Transportation
      4.8/5
    • Value for money
      4.6/5
    • Safety
      4.9/5

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    Star rating:

    David was the best tour guide we could’ve asked for. He was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of interesting historic facts as well as tips to get the best out of our Hobbiton tour. He took care of us so well throughout the day but also became our photographer knowing where the best photo spots were. We highly recommend this day tour as we enjoyed it immensely and would definitely do it again!

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    May 13, 2021

    K
    Kristine – Australia Verified GetYourGuide customer

    Helpful?

    Originally hailing from the South Island and currently living in Australia, this was my first time visiting the North Island and I am SO glad I booked this tour! David, the tour guide, was an absolute wealth of knowledge and made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. He went the extra mile to make mine and my fellow tourists day extra special, including taking photos of us around Hobbiton and keeping the transitions between locations as effortless as possible. Kevin, the guide for Hobbiton, was such a gem too. The whole experience was so immersive, yet peaceful at the same time, and you could tell he sincerely enjoyed being a part of the experience. Lastly, a big shout out to Moi, our guide for the Waitomo Glowworm caves. From the minute he started the tour to the very end, you genuinely felt in awe. It was an experience like no other, and his integration of Maori culture was touchingly beautiful. I will 100% be booking this tour again (with friends next time!).

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    May 4, 2021

    H
    Holly-Renee – Australia Verified GetYourGuide customer

    Helpful?

    It was a very fulfilling tour. The guide and driver were kind and guided us well. In Hobbiton village, I took a lot of photos for me who was alone. He seemed to know a wonderful shooting point. Lunch was hearty and delicious. It was a type where you could choose what you like. Waitomo cave was very nice though photography was impossible. I was able to finish my schedule almost on time. This is a recommended tour.

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    March 28, 2020

    N
    NORIKO – Japan Verified GetYourGuide customer

    Helpful?

    Organized by
    Auckland Scenic Tours

    Product ID: 168473