Auckland to Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo 1-Way Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set
- Discover the glowworms in Waitomo Caves
- Enjoy scenic New Zealand landscapes
- Learn about Maori culture
- Experience a small group tour atmosphere
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Transportation from Auckland to Rotorua
- Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
- Visit to Waitomo Caves
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: 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.
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.
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 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’.
Pass by: 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.
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. We then drop you off at your hotel to check in for the night (accommodation not included)
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is a one-way trip from Auckland to Rotorua; return transportation is not included.
- Meals and beverages are not provided; consider bringing snacks or purchasing food along the way.
- The tour involves walking through various terrains; ensure you are comfortable with moderate physical activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
- Have a camera ready to capture the stunning landscapes and unique sites.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- 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.
- Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Traveler reviews
Excellent Tour and Outstanding Guide
I thoroughly enjoyed the Auckland to Rotorua tour with Ari (Arahia). Not only did I learn a great deal about New Zealand’s history and landmarks, but I also gained valuable insight into Māori culture through Ari’s personal perspective as a member of the Māori community. Ari has a warm, friendly personality and went out of her way to make my experience enjoyable throughout the day. As a deaf traveler, I especially appreciated the care she took to ensure my communication needs were met. She also made sure the guides at Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton were aware of my deafness and communication preferences, which helped me fully enjoy both experiences. The tour was well organized, informative, and filled with beautiful scenery along the way. I left with a deeper appreciation for New Zealand, its people, and its culture. I highly recommend this tour, and Ari (Arahia) in particular, to anyone visiting New Zealand.
Awesome tour
Cam was an awesome guide/driver and my fellow passenger was great too (I did I tour party of a grand total of 2.) I would give Cam a 6 star if I could. Highly recommend. I hope you get him on your North Island adventures. Great trip with Cheeky Kiwi highly recommend the Auckland to Rotorua trip (via Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton.) I wish Cam could drive me all the way back home (Haast.) 11/10. Hope my Christchurch to Queenstown (via Tekapo and Mt Cook) are just as awesome as Cam. I was thinking of doing the Auckland to Rotorua trip just through Hobbiton but thankfully I did it with Waitomo caves. Huge shout out to the Matua (I forgot your name) at Waitomo Caves and Lana at Hobbiton.
Would do it again!
I had a great day on this tour! Trent was a great guide who made sure everyone had a good time. He was well organised and we were never in a rush! He even had snacks! ;) Waitomo was a very unique experience withe the boat going through the cave and Hobbiton was great as well! You could even go to Hobbiton without having seen the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit movies. So much love for detail there! Would definitely recommend the Tour!
FAB!!
The tour was very well organised by the warm and cute guide - Ala..( sorry don’t remember the name properly … but he is this little bundle of joy who made the tour more interesting and special by being there with us throughout the journey and is also very knowledgeable. 5 stars to him!
No Nazgûl thanks to the guide!
Had an awesome tour to Hobbiton and waitomo with Alessandro. He was warm compassionate and kept us rolling along. His communication skills were excellent and it ensured there was no surprises. Hands down an awesome tour