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

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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$909.00 per person

5.0 (19 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

48 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Small-group guided North Island tour from Auckland to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua, with Wai O Tapu, Taupo and Huka Falls.

Tour Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Fully guided small group tour
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Entry to Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, Wai O Tapu & Hamilton Gardens

Not Included:

  • Lunch & Dinner

What To Expect

Day 1 : Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: 1 night 3* double or twin share accom included in tour price. Option to upgrade at extra cost to single share

Day 2 : Rotorua to Auckland via Taupo & Hamilton Gardens

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (SkyCity Hotel). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time. ...

Important Information

*You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Solo travellers will be required to pay a Solo Surcharge for Accommodation (+$150 NZD)
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.