This small group, fully guided North Island tour brings together several of the region’s best known attractions in one relaxed journey from Auckland. Travel in a modern minibus through the Waikato countryside, with its farmland, rivers and mountain views, and pass through small towns including Pirongia and Otorohanga before reaching Waitomo.

At Waitomo Glowworm Caves, explore ancient cave chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and lime columns, then head deeper underground for a boat cruise on the grotto river beneath thousands of glowworms. From here, the tour continues to Hobbiton Movie Set, where a guided visit across the 12 acre set takes you through the Shire, past 44 hobbit holes and carefully kept gardens, finishing with a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn.

Rotorua adds another layer to the trip, with a guided city tour that includes Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro, also known as Rachel Spring, and the Blue Baths. The wider tour also includes Rotorua highlights and Wai O Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, along with Taupo highlights, Huka Falls and Hamilton Gardens.

Throughout the trip, guides share local stories and background knowledge, giving context to the places you pass as well as the major stops themselves.

Day 1 : Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton

1
Waikato Region

Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. After learning about some local history we stop in the idyllic little town of Pirongia for a quick coffee break. Continuing our adventure we pass through Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi in this unique and charming town.
2
Waitomo Caves

Arriving at our first feature attractions you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations, including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your 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 traveller.

45 minutes
3
Hobbiton Movie Set

Arriving at our second feature attraction, Hobbiton, you will have time to buy lunch before boarding one of the big green Hobbiton buses. You then depart on a two 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 step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.

2 hours 30 minutes

Admission: Included
4
Tirau

Continuing our adventure we depart for Rotorua and pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
5
Rotorua

To complete the formal part of the tours first day we arrive in Rotorua and do a quick guided driving tour, seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. We then drop you off at your hotels to check in for the night however your day does not have to finish there. We recommend adding the optional extra Maori cultural evening experience and Traditional Hangi Buffet Dinner to enjoy the complete your Rotorua experience.

20 minutes

Accommodation: Overnight in Rotorua at a 3 star hotel

Day 2 : Rotorua to Auckland via Taupo & Hamilton Gardens

1
Wai-O-Tapu

Starting day two of with a bang, we head straight to Wai-O-Tapu to view the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser before experiencing a fully guided tour of Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. Considered one of the most surreal places on earth, here you will see the famous Champagne Lake, Devil's Bath, local mud-pools,geothermal craters and other geothermal wonders. The colours and activity will take your breath away.

1 hour 30 minutes
2
Taupo

ur journey south continues towards Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake that is not really a lake but a giant volcanic crater responsible for one of the largest eruptions ever recorded. Here you will have time to buy some lunch before receiving a Taupo highlights tour and learn local interesting facts.

1 hour
3
Huka Falls Tracks

Beginning our journey north again we will stop at Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s most popular and beautiful waterfalls.

30 minutes

Admission: Included
4
Hamilton Gardens

In the fastest growing city in New Zealand, Hamilton, explore the unexpected delights at Hamilton Gardens, where 18 Enclosed Gardens transport you through diverse cultures and times.

1 hour

Admission: Included
5
Auckland

Sadly we must continue north towards your tour end point, but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.

2 Day Tour Auckland to Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua and Taupo

Tour Overview

What's Included

Not Included:

What To Expect

Day 1 : Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton

Waikato Region

Waitomo Caves

Hobbiton Movie Set

Tirau

Rotorua

Day 2 : Rotorua to Auckland via Taupo & Hamilton Gardens

Wai-O-Tapu

Taupo

Huka Falls Tracks

Hamilton Gardens

Auckland

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Pickup details

Important Information

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy