Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Hobbiton Movie Set
- Discover Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Enjoy scenic New Zealand countryside
- Learn about film production
- Savor traditional New Zealand lunch
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
- Guided tour of Waitomo Caves
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
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: 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 several farm animals along the way.
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’.
This stunning lake is home to one of New Zealand’s first hydro dams and where some of New Zealand’s great rowers come from. With viewpoints that have amazing views across the lake and countryside we believe it a great place for a quick break and some photos.
Time to recharge with a tasty lunch, included as part of your tour. Choose from a fresh selection of savoury bites to keep you going for the afternoon. Relax and enjoy the local flavours before continuing your adventure.
Arriving at our second feature attraction 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 glowworm 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.
Sadly after Waitomo 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 English; ensure you understand the language.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult; check age restrictions if applicable.
- Availability may vary; confirm tour dates and times in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
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 the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
Traveler reviews
We can't recommend Cheeky Kiwi Travel Tours highly enough!
From the moment we booked, everything was exceptionally well organized. Communication was prompt, pick-up was exactly on time, and the entire day ran smoothly. Our guide and driver, Geoff, truly made the experience outstanding. He has an incredible knowledge of New Zealand's history, culture, and the areas we visited, and he shared fascinating stories throughout the day. He also used a headset while driving, so everyone in the van could clearly hear his commentary—a small detail that made a huge difference. He has a wonderful sense of humor and created a fun, relaxed atmosphere. He welcomed questions, happily answered them, and even sent links to many of the places and topics he discussed so we could learn more after the tour. He also took photos for guests along the way, making sure everyone came away with wonderful memories. One moment that really stood out was his kindness toward a guest from Chile who was having difficulty understanding English. Geoff helped her download a translation app that converted his commentary into Spanish in real time, allowing her to fully enjoy the tour. That level of care and inclusiveness says a great deal about the kind of guide he is and the company. The van was spotless, the ride was comfortable, and the included lunch at the restaurant was exceptional. We also enjoyed meeting fellow travelers from around the world, which made the day even more memorable. If you're considering a tour with Cheeky Kiwi, don't hesitate. We had a fantastic experience and will absolutely book with them again when we return to New Zealand in November. Thank you, Geoff, for making it such a memorable day!
Hobbiton is like a mini...
Hobbiton is like a mini Disneyland. Waitomo glow worm is one of a kind. Truly amazing. Highly recommended
Amazing experience
I had a wonderful experience with Cheeky Kiwi! Our tour was well organized, schedule was followed and lunch and snacks were provided. Dave, our tour guide was amazing! I highly recommend!
A Experience worth doing
Amazing experience very well organised and manged. Vicki our tour guide was amazing very knowledgeable and fun to spend the day with. The actual experiences Hobbiton and Waitomo caves are definitely a something you need to do if your visiting NZ
Had a great time
Had a great time, no issues whatsoever. Vicky explained things well and gave a comprehensive and entertaining background on Hobbiton, Auckland, some New Zealand and Maori history and played great music in the van. Also had a fun surprise stopver for ice cream on the way back to Auckland. Will definitely recommend her to others.