Hobbiton & Rotorua Small-Group Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Hobbiton Movie Set
- Discover Rotorua's geothermal wonders
- Enjoy a small-group experience
- Comfortable transportation from Auckland
- Expert local guides
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
- Visit to Rotorua's geothermal parks
- Transportation from Auckland in a small group
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: 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: Be driven through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, on a fully guided journey to your next attraction. During the trip you will encounter stunning scenery, might rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and see several different farm animals along the way.
Board one of the big green Hobbiton buses to 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 beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub The Green Dragon Inn.
Pass by: Famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Capital of the World' because of the many unique Corrugated Iron sculptures and building this town never fails to get a look and a laugh. Our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
Experience 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.
Pass by: 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.
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.
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in small groups, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Meals and beverages are not included; consider bringing snacks or purchasing food during the tour.
- The tour involves walking and may include stairs; please wear appropriate footwear.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as weather conditions can change throughout the day.
- Don't forget your camera 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
- 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. You can provide your own or one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
- The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
Traveler reviews
Hobbiton Tour A+++
We absolutely loved the Hobbiton Tour with Cheeky Kiwi! The pickup at our hotel was on time and our driver, Colin, was great. The van was comfortable and we appreciated the stops for food/restrooms. Our favorite part of the day was absolutely the Hobbiton tour. It was a seamless transition from the Cheeky Kiwi guide to the Hobbiton staff. He made sure we knew what the tour would entail, provided time to shop at the gift store and gave us some tips to make the day even better. Wear shoes with good grips, especially if it's sprinkling/raining. There are umbrellas provided by Hobbiton throughout the tour so no need to bring your own. In hindsight I wish we would have booked the Hobbiton only tour with Cheeky Kiwi as we did not enjoy Waiotapu as much as I thought we would have - this was 100% a personal preference and absolutely nothing that Cheeky Kiwi did wrong. We were at the end of our 2 weeks in NZ and were probably more tired than we realized. Also, as part of the natural environment from the geothermal activity, Rotorua and Waiotapu are very stinky (sulfur smell). The drive back to Auckland was very relaxing and we stopped for Tip Top ice cream and enjoyed a movie to pass the time. This was our 2nd tour with Cheeky Kiwi and I highly recommend their tours!
Excellent Hobbiton and Rotorua tour
Excellent Tour. Our driver, Michael was brilliant, very knowledgeable and made sure everyone was comfortable. Rob, the guide at Hobbiton was excellent and kept everyone engaged
Cheeky Kiwi
Excellent tour. Our driver Michael was absolutely brilliant, very knowledgeable and made everyone feel comfortable. Rob at Hobbiton was an excellent guide and totally engaged his audience.
A great day out!
A great day out. A small group (13), a small and new bus and everything was very well organised. Despite a before dawn start due to the long day ahead, pick-up was right on the advised time. What really made the whole trip though was driver and guide, Jeoff. An absolute mine of information, with loads of interesting details packed in, often delivered with a touch of dry humour (Cat Stevens's "Morning has Broken" being played as the sun came up, followed by The Beatles and "Good Morning"!). He is more than your average tour guide. Highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi....the name alone should pull you in....and make sure you ask for Jeoff as your guide.
Magical & Powerful — A Perfect NZ Experience
From the peaceful beauty of Hobbiton Movie Set to the dramatic geothermal wonders of Rotorua geothermal areas, this tour perfectly captures the magic and power of New Zealand. Truly unforgettable!