Embark on a full-day adventure from Auckland to explore two of New Zealand's most unique attractions: the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Discover the magical world of Middle-earth at Hobbiton, where charming hobbit holes and lush landscapes bring the beloved films to life. Then, journey underground into the mystical Waitomo Caves, illuminated by the natural wonder of thousands of glowworms, creating a starlit spectacle.
This tour is designed for convenience, including lunch and transportation, allowing you to experience these two distinct New Zealand marvels in a single day.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel prides itself on offering more than just spectacular destinations. We focus on creating memorable journeys through our small group sizes, engaging guides, and attention to detail.
Our passionate tour guides are dedicated to enriching your experience with captivating stories and local insights. Travel in comfort and safety aboard our modern minibuses, equipped with amenities for your well-being.
✓ Small group tour with a local driver/guide✓ Admission to Waitomo Glowworm Caves✓ Child safety/booster seats available for children aged 7 and under (please specify if you prefer to use your own)✓ Entry to Hobbiton Movie Set✓ Complimentary pick-up and drop-off service at select Auckland CBD hotels✓ A sit-down lunch with a choice from a set menu✓ Water and snacks provided during the tour✕ On-board restroom facilities✕ Photography is prohibited inside the Waitomo Caves due to the fragile ecosystem.1 Auckland Central
Your journey begins in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city.
As we depart, your guide will set the stage for the day's adventure and highlight key city landmarks.
· Non-stop passage
2 Waikato Region
Leaving Auckland, we travel south through the picturesque Waikato countryside, renowned as the world's most extensive farming region.
Enjoy scenic views, observe majestic rivers, capture memorable photos, and spot various farm animals along the way.
· Non-stop passage
3 Hobbiton Movie Set
Upon arrival at the Hobbiton Movie Set, you'll board a dedicated Hobbiton bus for a comprehensive 2.5-hour guided tour.
A professional Hobbiton guide will lead you through the 12-acre set, visiting 44 hobbit holes, admiring stunning gardens, and learning behind-the-scenes secrets.
Conclude your visit with a complimentary beverage at The Green Dragon Inn.
· 2 h 30 min · Admission included
4 Karapiro
Take a brief 10-minute break at Lake Karapiro, a beautiful lake known for one of New Zealand's earliest hydro dams and as a training ground for elite rowers.
Enjoy the scenic viewpoints offering splendid vistas of the lake and surrounding countryside.
· 10 min
5 Otorohanga
Enjoy a delicious lunch, included in your tour, in Otorohanga.
Choose from a selection of fresh, savory options to refuel for the afternoon's activities.
Relax and savor local flavors before continuing your exploration.
· 30 min
6 Waitomo Glowworm Caves
At the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, embark on a guided tour through ancient formations like stalactites and stalagmites.
Descend further to experience the magic of the glowworms. Board a boat for a serene cruise on the grotto river, surrounded by the sparkling glow of thousands of glowworms above.
This unique natural wonder, a New Zealand icon for over 120 years, is an unforgettable sight.
· 1 h · Admission included
7 Auckland
After the Waitomo experience, we begin our guided return journey to Auckland.
The trip back north includes special, unannounced stops, ensuring the adventure continues until you reach the city.
· 5 min
Your booking confirmation can be presented as a mobile or paper ticket.
If no pickup location is selected during booking, you will be assigned the default meeting point at SkyCity Hotel. This can be changed at any time. If your location is not listed, please select the closest available option and meet us there.
Pickups may commence up to 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, depending on your location. To ensure a timely start, please be ready outside 5 minutes before your confirmed pickup time.
Pickup locations are carefully organized for each tour and may vary daily. If your designated pickup spot changes, please notify us in advance.
Our guides may arrive within a 10-minute window due to multiple stops. We cannot accommodate late arrivals.
Please read the important pickup information that will be sent via email a few days before your tour.
Strollers and prams are welcome. Public transport access is available nearby. Specialized seating for infants is provided. This tour is not recommended for individuals with cardiovascular health concerns. Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness. Minimum participation numbers are required. Cancellations may occur if insufficient passengers book; you will be offered an alternative or a full refund. The tour operates regardless of weather conditions; please dress appropriately. The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18, and identification may be requested. Due to uneven terrain, steps, and moderate walking involved, this tour is not suitable for travelers with significant mobility challenges or wheelchair users. Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Experience Duration: 13 hours (estimated return to Auckland around 7:00 PM) Travel in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup service included Dress in layers as weather can change. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a camera for photo opportunities outside the caves. Be prepared for a full day of travel and exploration. Inform us of any dietary requirements when booking. Ensure you are ready at your pickup point on time. A full refund is available if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 56760P1
Activity offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Tourists interested in film locations Nature lovers Families Travelers seeking unique natural wonders Explore the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set Witness the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves Small group touring for a personalized experience Comfortable travel in a modern minibus Knowledgeable and passionate local guides Lunch included
Population 1,470,100 (2020)
Elevation 196 m
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 20° Jan 20° Feb 19° Mar 17° Apr 15° May 13° Jun 11° Jul 12° Aug 13° Sept 14° Oct 16° Nov 18° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour? + The tour lasts for 12 hours, with an estimated return to Auckland around 7:00 PM.
Is lunch included in the tour? + Yes, a sit-down lunch with a choice from a set menu is included.
Can I take photos inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves? + No, photography is not permitted inside the Waitomo Caves to protect the delicate ecosystem.
What is the maximum group size? + The maximum group size is 15 people.
Is pickup included from my hotel? + Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are available in select Auckland CBD locations.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to low numbers? + If minimum numbers are not met, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excellent Organisation and a Wonderful Experience
F92QR_, October 2026
Title: A Wonderful, Well-Organised Experience
We absolutely loved this tour! Everything was perfectly organised and punctual. Our guide and driver was fantastic, sharing interesting facts about the places we visited. The stops and schedule were very well planned, with almost no waiting or queues. Lunch was included, with very generous portions, and we were provided with snacks and water throughout the trip. A lovely surprise was getting the chance to meet and feed an ostrich! Highly recommended!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great adventure!
dongsengMac, October 2026
Hobbiton and Waitomo day trip was excellent! We were a mix of first-timers and return visitors and we all enjoyed the trip thoroughly. Ali (Alessandro) our guide was an excellent driver and he managed the group well, was entertaining, informative, fun and chill. The guides in Hobbiton and Waitomo were fun and knowledgeable as well. There were adequate rest stops for stretching legs, getting snacks, and restroom break. Snacks and water were provided as well. Only downside was the seats in the vehicle which were a bit narrow and has limited legroom for above-average size person. Overall, though, great tour
★★★★★ Viator review
Fantastic trip to Hobbiton and Glowworms!
Rudolph_B, October 2026
Great tour with a great driver who explained everything and was reliable.
The driver was on time and very knowledgeable bout the attractions.
★★★★★ Viator review
A Fun Day Trip
Gregory_R, October 2026
Hobbiton was amazing! And the giant stone trolls were the cherry on the sundae! Can't wait to get home and re-watch the trilogies! Mark was very informative and friendly! Important thing people should know about Waitomo....no photography of any sort in the caves!
★★★★★ Viator review
One Day: Two Once in a Lifetime Experiences
Hannah_B, October 2026
We had limited time in Auckland and this tour paired our love of LOTR with a snapshot of the beauty the North Island boasts. Our guide, Sam, was attentive, kind, and found the perfect balance between keeping us on schedule and allowing us to explore at our own pace.
The Hobbiton gives you a lush look at the sets and countryside that you truly have to see to believe and recently they opened a Hobbit Hole that you can walk in and explore!
The Glowworm cave is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! A little spooky and spiritual, but also an incredible way to take a slow moment to appreciate nature in all its glory.
If you are a jet lagged traveler who wants a thorough exploration of some iconic North Island countryside and a taste of adventure in woods without all the hassle of driving—this is the tour for you!
**Also, this tour group KNOWS what worries us anxious types and does an amazing job communicating timelines around bathroom breaks, drive times, shop times, and even lets you pre-pick your meals!
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