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 uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
- 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).
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
Traveler reviews
Best tour!
An excellently organized tour from Scenic Tour Aukland! Our driver and guide, Matt, picked us up right on time and kept us informed and entertained with his stories and explanations throughout the drive.Just a heads-up for anyone visiting the Waitomo Caves: it gets quite chilly inside, so plan your outfit accordingly.The tour included lunch. I had read some reviews here claiming the lunch was meager, but that is absolutely not true! You get to choose two items (options include hot pies, sandwiches, salad, and dessert) plus a drink—making it a full, satisfying meal.The vehicles were very comfortable, and the overall organization was top-notch. I highly recommend this tour to everyone! Очень хорошо организованный тур от Scenic Tour Auckland! Наш водитель-гид Матт, вовремя забрал нас, по дороге все рассказывал и объяснял, При посещении пещер Вайтомо нужно учитывать, что в пещерах прохладно.В тур был включен ланч, видела здесь отзывы, что ланч скудный, но это не так! Два блюда на выбор (горячее-пироги, сендвичи, салат и десерт, что-то 2 на выбор из перечисленного) плюс напиток, - полноценный ланч), машины вполне комфортные, организация тура отличная! Всем буду рекомендовать
An unforgettable day
It’s an impressive and amazing journey. Timmy is an experienced and passionate tour guide. His arrangements are very well and easy to follow.
Awesome trip to Hobbiton.
It’s a very wonderful experience. I haven’t read the book nor watch the movie but because of this experience I would like to watch it now. It’s such a beautiful place. Our guide, Hanoz is awesome.
Terrific day tour not to be missed
Loved the experience at hobbiton and waitomo caves. It was great to see the movie set come alive in person at hobbiton and totally a different experience at the caves. Our driver guide Geoff was great in assisting with details.
Highly recommend
I really enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to anyone. Matt made sure we had everything we needed for a wonderful day and even gave sound advice for the rest of my vacation.