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Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Tour from Auckland

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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$849.00 per person

5.0 (30 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Two-day North Island tour from Auckland visiting Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Taupo, Huka Falls and Wai O Tapu.

Tour Overview

This two day North Island tour brings together several of the region’s best known attractions in one well paced journey from Auckland. Travelling in a modern minibus with a small group, you move from city streets into the Waikato countryside, where your guide adds local history and context along the way. The route includes a stop in Pirongia and passes through Otorohanga before reaching Waitomo.

At Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you explore ancient cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites and lime columns, then continue underground for a boat cruise on the grotto river, where thousands of glowworms shine overhead. Later, at Hobbiton Movie Set, there is time for lunch before a fully guided tour of the 12 acre set. You travel by Hobbiton bus into the Shire, see 44 hobbit holes and gardens, hear stories about the films, and finish with a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn.

The tour also includes Rotorua highlights and Wai O Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, along with Taupo highlights and Huka Falls, giving the trip a wider mix of geothermal landscapes and well known natural sights. Hamilton Gardens adds another change of pace. With comfortable transport, complimentary refreshments and guides known for sharing detailed background throughout the journey, this tour is designed for travellers who want to cover a lot of the North Island without losing the value of guided insight.

What's Included

  • Bottled Water
  • Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
  • Accommodation
  • Snacks
  • Entry Tickets - stated activities only

Not Included:

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

What To Expect

Day 1 : Explore Waitomo & Hobbiton

  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.
  2. 2

    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.
  3. 3

    Waitomo Glowworm 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

    Admission: Included

  4. 4

    Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm

    On our way to our next destination, Hobbiton Movie Set, we stop outside Big Bird to see and meet some of our local friendly animals. These guys know our guides well and even though we do not have time to go inside the park, the friendly animal will often come to the fences for a photo or two, thrilling guests.

    10 minutes

  5. 5

    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 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’.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    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.
  7. 7

    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. If there is time, we may even visit a special souvenir shop for some discounted shopping and to try Manuka Honey. We then drop you off at your hotels to check in for the night however your day does not have to finish there. We recommend adding the optional extra Maori cultural evening experience and Traditional Hangi Buffet Dinner to enjoy the complete Rotorua experience.

    14 hours

Accommodation: 1 night 3* double or twin share accom included in tour price. Option to upgrade at extra cost to single share

Day 2 : Rotorua & Taupo

  1. 1

    Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

    Starting day two of with a bang, we head straight to Wai-O-Tapu to view the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser before experiencing a fully guided tour of 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.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Taupo

    Our journey south continues towards Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake that is not really a lake but a giant volcanic crater responsible for one of the largest eruptions ever recorded. Here you will have time to buy some lunch before receiving a Taupo highlights tour and learn local interesting facts.

    2 hours

  3. 3

    Huka Falls

    Beginning our journey north again we will stop at Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s most popular and beautiful waterfalls.

    30 minutes

    Admission: Included

  4. 4

    Hamilton Gardens

    Experience an afternoon of unexpected delights at Hamilton Gardens, where 18 Enclosed Gardens transport you through diverse cultures and times. Unlike any botanical garden, this unique attraction is rated among the top 3 things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on Trip Advisor.

    1 hour

    Admission: Included

  5. 5

    Auckland

    Sadly we must continue north towards your tour end point, but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.

    10 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. - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select SkyCity Hotel for now. You can update this later!...

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 12 or 7 seater minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it.

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.
  • Solo travellers will be required to pay a Solo Surcharge for Accommodation (+$150 NZD)
  • 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.
  • 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 24 hours’ notice).

Cancellation Policy

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