Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckland
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Enjoy a full-day small group adventure to both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Departing from Auckland, sit back in a comfortable minibus as your guide brings the Waikato countryside to life with stories and local insights. Your first destination is the Hobbiton movie set, where a two-hour and 30-minute guided tour through the rolling hills of the Shire awaits. Stroll among 44 hobbit holes and discover filming secrets before enjoying a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
After a stop at Lake Karapiro and a tasty lunch at a local cafe, the adventure continues towards Waitomo. Pass through Otorohanga, New Zealand’s “Kiwiana Capital,” and take photos with farm animals at the Big Bird stop. On arrival at the Waitomo Caves, you will see ancient limestone formations and board a boat to cruise beneath thousands of glowworms. This relaxed tour is the perfect way to experience world-famous attractions and stunning nature in one unforgettable day.
Location
What you need to know
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations
- Guided tour through the Waikato countryside
- Expert guides and commentary
- Hobbiton movie set entry tickets
- Two-hour and 30-minute guided tour of Hobbiton
- One drink at Green Dragon Inn
- Complimentary bottled water and snacks
- Delicious lunch in a local cafe
- Waitomo Caves tour and grotto river cruise
- Surprise stops on return
- Hotel pickups start at 5.40am
- Please be ready at your selected pickup location 10 minutes prior to departure
- This experience is approximately nine hours in duration.
- This experience includes return transfers from selected Auckland Central hotels. Please advise your address at the time of booking.
- Park Hyatt 5.40am
- Swiss Belsuites Victoria Park 5.40am
- Sofitel Viaduct Harbour 5.40am
- Hilton Hotel 5.45am
- M Social 5.45am
- Movenpick Hotel 5.45am
- Adina Apartment Hotel 5.45am
- Copthorne Auckland City 5.45am
- Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments 5.45am
- Pullman Auckland 5.45am
- SO/Auckland 5.45am
- JW Marriott Auckland City 5.50am
- Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland 5.50am
- Ibis Budget Auckland Central 5.50am
- Rydges Hotel 5.50am
- Crowne Plaza 5.55am
- The Grand By SkyCity 5.55am
- SkyCity Hotel 5.55am
- Four Points by Sheraton 5.55am
- Grand Millennium Auckland 6am
- Kiwi International Hotel 6am
- Mercure Queen St 6am
- VR Auckland City, 188 Hobson Street 6am
- Cordis Auckland 6.05am
- Sebel Manukau 6.15am
- Closed in footwear
- Water bottle
- Rain jacket
- Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside the caves
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties; a moderate amount of walking is involved
- Minimum numbers apply with a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if not met; you will be offered an alternative date or full refund
- If you are visiting from a cruise ship, please be aware that return times cannot be guaranteed to be back in time for a 6.30/7.00/7.30pm cruise departure
- 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
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
