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Water activity

From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

4.9  / 5
773 reviews
Activity provider:Auckland Scenic Tours
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Water activity

From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

Activity provider:Auckland Scenic Tours
4.9  / 5
773 reviews
Likely to sell out

From US$ 197.61 per person

Likely to sell out
Certified
Certified by GetYourGuide

Set off on an adventure from Auckland to see New Zealand's two most famous attractions in one day: the Hobbiton Movie Set and 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.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 11 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Pickup and drop-off are available from downtown Auckland hotels only. Note that your pickup time may be earlier than the tour start time. Please wait in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes prior to your pickup time.
Small group
Limited to 14 participants

Experience

Itinerary
  • getyourguide-logo-icon.svg

    Pickup location:

    Auckland

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Hobbiton Movie Set

    Guided tour, Walk (2.5 hours)

  • Waitomo

    Lunch (1 hour)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    Guided tour, Walk (1 hour)

  • Arrive back at:

    Auckland

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights
  • Feel nostalgic as you step inside the world of Middle-earth at The Shire
  • Marvel at glowworms while sailing in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Sip on a refreshing, specially brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn
  • Experience a sense of movie magic as you explore Hobbiton and take pictures
  • Admire the scenery en route and listen to insightful 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, on a 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. 

Afterward, 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 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. 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 to Hobbiton Movie set
  • 2-hour guided tour of Hobbiton Movie set
  • 1 drink at The Green Dragon Inn
  • Kiwi-style lunch
  • Entry to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Tips (optional)
Not suitable for
  • Children under 4 years

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

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
Likely to sell out

From US$ 197.61 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
  • Give this as a gift

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 773 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Service
    4.9/5
  • Organization
    4.9/5

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The Hobbiton tour was good. Only a few houses were accessible most of them we could only view from the front gate. I didn’t realise only one of the doors we could open. The cave tour was pretty cool. The glow worm cave boat ride was pretty but shorter than expected. Our tour guide for the cave was hilarious and informative (I don’t remember his name but I remember he was the great grand nephew). Our tour guide Michael was amazing. Genuine, informative and made the experience great!

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September 17, 2023

M
Madeleine – AustraliaVerified booking

Helpful?

This tour was incredible! We’re big LOTR fans and we’re not disappointed with Hobbiton. Our guide, Michael, was amazing though out the whole day. He arrived on time, drove safely, gave us ample background on locations, and even stopped for ice cream in the way back. Only criticism is that Waitomo glow worm cave is not as bright as the photos, so don’t be disappointed when you see them, it was a cool cave but that part was a bit of a let down. Otherwise, amazing tour and would totally recommend if you’re visiting Aukland.

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September 11, 2023

A
Adam – United StatesVerified booking

Helpful?

Our tour guide was amazing, he was so knowledgeable and kind. Highlight of our trip for sure! Our day got even better when we saw the glow worms in waitomo. It felt like a beautiful night sky in a cave and was much brighter and calming than expected.

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September 1, 2023

S
Sarah – CanadaVerified booking

Helpful?

Product ID: 168473

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