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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

Offered by Auckland Scenic Tours

From

$370.00 per person

4.9 (2302 reviews)

Instant Confirmation

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Tour Overview

Embark on a day-long journey from Auckland, where the landscapes of the North Island unfold in a vivid tableau of history and cinematic magic. Our tour begins with a drive over the Bombay Hills, descending into the lush Waikato Region. Here, you'll experience the Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled among the expansive scenery of a 1,250-acre sheep farm with the Kaimai Ranges serving as a breathtaking backdrop.

As you wander through the meticulously recreated world of the Shire, your guide will provide detailed insights into the transformation of this tranquil farmland into a significant film set for the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" movie series. Explore the iconic Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill. At the Green Dragon Inn, enjoy a complimentary beverage, brewed specially for visitors of Hobbiton.

Following the tour, relax with a hearty "Kiwi" style lunch at the "Homestead", where you can exchange stories with fellow travelers and soak in the serene atmosphere.

The adventure continues to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a place of surreal beauty where thousands of glowworms create a starry effect on the cavernous ceilings. Glide silently by boat beneath this galaxy of bioluminescent insects, guided by a descendant of the Maori Chief who first explored the caves. Learn about the caves' historical and cultural significance while admiring the acoustics of the Cathedral Cave.

Your return to Auckland will trace the path of the mighty Waikato River, revealing New Zealand's rich countryside and significant cultural sites like Ngaruawahia and Taupiri. This comprehensive tour not only showcases two of New Zealand's most enchanting attractions but also immerses you in the heart of the country's heritage and natural splendor.

What's Included

  • Small-group tour (11-16)
  • Light Kiwi café-style lunch
  • Local taxes
  • Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Auckland City
  • Local driver/guide

Not Included:

  • Food and drinks, unless specified

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    After leaving Auckland you will travel south over the Bombay Hills as you get elevated panoramic views of the Waikato Region and travel across the scenic Hauraki Plains to Matamata, the home of Hobbiton Movie Set.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Hobbiton Movie Set

    Begin with a tour through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 10 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into the Shire from Middle-earth. Complimentary specially brewed beverages are available at the Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour Afterwards, enjoy a very “Kiwi” style lunch at the "Homestead" and get to share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travellers.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  3. 3

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    You will then travel to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide on this 45-minute tour will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its acoustics Your return trip to Auckland will then take you initially through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside before following northwards the majestic Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand, part of the way back to Auckland. You will pass Ngaruawahia, the home of the Maori King; Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground. To complete that day, you will be taken back to your hotel in the Auckland CBD.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

Our Tour starts at 6:30am heading south with everyone already picked up across the Auckland CBD and on board. The pickups, depending on location in the CBD of where you are staying, occur in the preceding 20-25minutes. We pick up from all centrally Located Auckland Hotels, BNBs, Backpacker Hotels in the Central Business District. Any of the following or others(not mentioned) in the Central Business District. We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland We also have only 1 pick up location in South Auckland/Auckland Airport area which is the Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau (approx 10 minutes from the airport)...

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age is 4 years
  • A maximum of 14 people per booking (We can provide this tour to groups larger than 14 by discussions with Viator and ourselves)
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Not Wheel-Suitable Friendly as these are walking tours
  • We can provide NZ Safety Approved Child Car Seats and Booster Seats. We do not provide strollers or infant back packs
  • We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland; only the Downtown CBD and 1 location in South Auckland for those staying near the airport-The Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau
  • There is no photography allowed in the area of the Caves where the glowworms are as the glowworms react negatively to flashlight and will turn their lights off and they then take 2 hours to return to their full luminescence.
  • Tour leaves Auckland at 6:30am with everyone on board-the pickups occur across the CBD in the 25 minutes prior to that

Cancellation Policy

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