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Auckland to Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo 1 Way Small Group Tour

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$429.00 per person

5.0 (17 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Small group one-way tour from Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton, with guided visits, Waikato scenery and hotel drop-off.

Tour Overview

Travel one way from Auckland to Rotorua on a small group tour that combines two of the North Island’s best known attractions with a relaxed overland journey through the Waikato countryside.

Heading south from Auckland, the route passes farming country, rivers and mountain views, with a short stop in Pirongia for a coffee break and a drive through Otorohanga, known as the Kiwiana capital of New Zealand. At Waitomo Glowworm Caves, join a guided visit through ancient cave chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and lime columns, then descend further for a boat cruise on the grotto river, where thousands of glowworms shine overhead.

Later, continue to Hobbiton for time to buy lunch before boarding a Hobbiton bus for a fully guided tour of the 12 acre movie set. Walk through the pastures of the Shire, see 44 hobbit holes, visit the gardens and hear stories about the making of the films. The visit includes a complimentary beverage at The Green Dragon Inn.

The journey then continues through Tirau, famous for its corrugated iron buildings and sculptures, before arriving in Rotorua. A guided driving tour introduces key city sights including Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro, Rachel Spring, and the Blue Baths, before hotel drop off. Entry tickets, bottled water and snacks are included.

What's Included

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Hotel drop off in Rotorua (central locations only)
  • Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Bottled water & snacks
  • Hotel pickup in Auckland (listed locations only)
  • Fully Guided 1-Way Small Group Tour

Not Included:

  • Accommodation in Rotorua

What To Expect

  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.

    Pass by without stopping

  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.

    1 hour

  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 and a half 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’.

    3 hours

    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.

    Pass by without stopping

  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 hotel to check in for the night (accommodation not included)

    20 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - You will receive a reminder with important pickup information, please read this ...

Important Information

Hotel Pick ups start 20 mins before the tour time. Please check your pick up time to ensure you do not miss your pickup. We are unable to wait for late guests. You will be picked up in a minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it.

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
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, 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.
  • Remaining hours will be allotted for the travel time

Cancellation Policy

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