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Hobbiton & Rotorua including Waiotapu Day Tour from Auckland

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$429.00 per person

4.9 (482 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Discover Hobbiton, Wai-O-Tapu, and Rotorua on a small-group tour from Auckland with expert guides, scenic stops and comfort-packed minibuses.

Tour Overview

Embark on a meticulously curated day trip from Auckland that combines the magic of Hobbiton and the otherworldly beauty of Wai-O-Tapu. As you leave the bustling city, your guide will introduce you to the highlights of Auckland, crafting a seamless transition into the remarkable landscapes that lie ahead.

The journey south takes you through the expansive Waikato countryside, a vista of rolling hills and pastoral lands that host the world's most extensive farming zones. Here, the rural New Zealand scenery unfolds with its powerful rivers and diverse farm animals, setting a serene backdrop.

Upon arriving at Hobbiton, step aboard a green Hobbiton bus for a comprehensive 2.5-hour tour. The experience allows you to wander through the iconic 12-acre movie set, exploring 44 hobbit holes and the vibrant gardens that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Highlights include exclusive anecdotes from the making of the films and a refreshing stop at The Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a beverage in this quintessential Hobbit meeting place.

The adventure continues at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, a place where nature's power and artistry meet. Guided through this geothermal marvel, you'll encounter the vivid Champagne Lake and the striking Devil's Bath, along with sizzling mud pools and steaming craters that illustrate the earth's fiery underbelly.

The day concludes with a scenic drive through Rotorua, taking in Lake Rotorua, the historic Government Gardens, and the storied Blue Baths. Each site is steeped in local history and cultural significance, ensuring a rich, engaging wrap-up to your exploration.

As night falls, your return to Auckland is punctuated with surprise stops, enhancing this unique journey with unexpected delights, truly embodying the spirit of discovery that defines New Zealand's North Island.

What's Included

  • Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Hobbiton Movie Tour & Waiotapu Entry

Not Included:

  • Lunch (opportunities to purchase at own expense)
  • Restroom on board

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Waikato Region

    Be driven through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, on a fully guided journey to your next attraction. During the trip you will encounter stunning scenery, might rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and see several different farm animals along the way.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Hobbiton Movie Set

    Board one of the big green Hobbiton buses to depart on a two & 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 beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub The Green Dragon Inn.

    3 hours

    Admission: Included

  4. 4

    Tirau

    Famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Capital of the World' because of the many unique Corrugated Iron sculptures and building this town never fails to get a look and a laugh. Our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.

    Pass by without stopping

  5. 5

    Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

    Experience 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

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    Rotorua

    To finish off our Rotorua experience we do a guided driving tour seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. If there is time, we may even visit a special souvenir shop for some discounted shopping and to try Manuka Honey.

    Pass by without stopping

  7. 7

    Auckland

    Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland including secret stops along the way.

    5 minutes

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 minutes 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 poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can provide your own or one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
  • The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties - A moderate amount of walking is involved.

Cancellation Policy

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