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Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Day Tour inc Te Puia from Auckland

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$429.00 per person

4.9 (32 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Visit Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua’s Te Puia on a small-group day tour from Auckland with Hobbit Holes, geysers, Māori culture, city sights, and secret stops.

Tour Overview

Begin your journey from the bustling heart of Auckland, where your guide will introduce you to the city's key landmarks as you set out towards the serene Waikato countryside. The drive south is a visual feast, showcasing verdant landscapes, sweeping rivers, and the pastoral beauty of one of the world's most prolific farming regions.

Your first major stop is Hobbiton, the iconic setting from the Lord of the Rings films. Here, you will embark on a detailed two and a half hour tour aboard a Hobbiton bus. Explore the enchanting world of the Shire, visiting 44 distinct hobbit holes, marveling at the meticulously maintained gardens, and uncovering behind-the-scenes insights from the movies. The tour concludes with a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon Inn, offering a taste of Hobbit hospitality.

Next, the journey continues to Te Puia in Rotorua, where you will immerse yourself in geothermal wonders and rich Maori cultural heritage. A guided tour of Te Puia reveals the awe-inspiring Pōhutu Geyser, traditional Māori architecture, and the prestigious National Māori Arts School. Don't miss the opportunity to spot a Kiwi bird at the Kiwi viewing house, a highlight for many visitors.

The final leg of your tour includes a drive through Rotorua, with stops at prominent local sites like Lake Rotorua, the Rotorua Museum, and the historic Government Gardens. Depending on time, a visit to a local shop might allow you to sample Manuka Honey, a unique taste of New Zealand.

As the day winds down, your return trip to Auckland will include a few surprise stops, carefully selected to round off this memorable day trip. This tour not only promises a glimpse into the fantastical and the cultural but also ensures a comfortable and enlightening journey through some of New Zealand's most captivating landscapes.

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Hobbiton Movie Set & Te Puia Guided Tours

Not Included:

  • 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

    Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and a variety of farm animals along the way.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Hobbiton Movie Set

    Arriving at the first feature attraction ‘Hobbiton’ you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses and 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

    Departing for Rotorua we pass through Tirau on our adventure. 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

    Te Puia

    Arriving at our second feature destination, Te Puia, you will receive a fully guided tour to best experience the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders including: Pōhutu Geyser, Māori Architecture, The National Māori Arts School, geothermal craters, geothermal events and even the chance to view a Kiwi bird in the Kiwi viewing house.

    2 hours

    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

• Pick-ups start 20 mins before the tour time. Please check your pickup time to ensure you do not miss your pickup. We are unable to wait for late guests. No refunds given for no show passengers. • You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

Additional Info

  • 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
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • Minimum numbers apply - if minimum numbers are not met you will be offered an alterative tour, reschedule, or full refund
  • The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required

Cancellation Policy

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