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Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$399.00 per person

4.9 (156 reviews)

Instant Confirmation

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Tour Overview

Begin your journey amidst the bustling streets of Auckland, where your guide highlights iconic city landmarks as you leave the urban landscape behind. The route transitions into the serene, rolling hills of the Waikato countryside, a panorama of pastoral beauty and agricultural vastness. Here, you're treated to views of mighty rivers and distant mountains, all while passing sheep grazing tranquilly beside the road.

The first major stop is Hobbiton, the enchanting movie set famous for its role in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film series. On a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour, explore the well-kept gardens, charming hobbit holes, and the Green Dragon Inn, where a complimentary beverage awaits. Learn intricate details about movie production and the set's transformation from tranquil farmland to a bustling movie set.

Next, the tour heads to Te Puia in Rotorua, where the rich tapestry of Maori culture and geothermal activity unfolds. Experience the awe of the Pōhutu Geyser, an active natural wonder that erupts regularly, sending plumes of steam skyward. Immerse in the craftsmanship at The National Māori Arts School and view traditional Māori architecture. The opportunity to see a Kiwi bird in its natural habitat adds a unique wildlife encounter to your visit.

As the day winds down, a guided drive through Rotorua offers glimpses of Lake Rotorua and historical sites like the Government Gardens and the Blue Baths. Each site narrates part of Rotorua’s rich history and cultural significance, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic geothermal city.

On the return journey to Auckland, your guide ensures the experience continues with secret stops, revealing more hidden gems along the way. This tour not only showcases iconic New Zealand landscapes and cultural heritage but does so with the comfort and insight only a knowledgeable local guide can provide.

What's Included

  • Water available & snacks provided
  • Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
  • Entry Tickets

Not Included:

  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.

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 & 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’. *** Maintenance & restoration construction at Hobbiton is set to begin 01 June 2025, with the major works being completed in September 2025. During this period, construction and maintenance equipment and noise will be present. Tours will continue as normal but will take an alternate route around the construction zone, while being able to get a glimpse of the work that goes into keeping Hobbiton Movie Set as magical as it looked in the films.

    2 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 - Rotorua, NZ

    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.

    15 minutes

  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.

    Pass by without stopping

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

- Enjoy the convenience of pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option & meet us there! - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time....

Important Information

Hotel pick ups start 20 mins before the tour time. Please check your pick up time in tour information to ensure you do not miss your pickup. You will be picked up in a minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions. Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

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. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with at least 24hrs 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.