Discover the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour through this subterranean marvel, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering glowworms.
Next, journey to a hidden gem near Matamata: the world-renowned Hobbiton Movie Set, famous from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Explore the Hobbit Holes and learn how this private farm was transformed into Middle-earth.
You'll even have the chance to step inside an authentic Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row.
Conclude your adventure with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
✓ Complimentary Wi-Fi on board the coach.✓ A delicious picnic lunch is provided.✓ Hotel pick-up is available from selected locations; please call to arrange.✓ Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.✓ Onboard restroom facilities for your convenience.✓ Transportation via a luxury coach.1 GreatSights
Meet at the GreatSights terminal.
This is where your tour begins and ends.
Duration: 15 minutes.
· 15 min
2 Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Experience the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Embark on a 45-minute guided tour through spectacular underground caverns.
Learn about the geological formation of stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone features over millions of years.
Your tour includes a serene boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, gliding silently under the light of countless twinkling glowworms.
Duration: 1 hour, entrance included.
· 1 h · Admission included
3 Hobbiton Movie Set
Travel south through picturesque rural landscapes to the Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled on private farmland near Matamata.
This meticulously crafted village of Hobbiton served as a key filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies.
During your guided tour, you will visit iconic sites such as Hobbit holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn.
Discover how this working farm was transformed into a vibrant, living piece of Middle-earth.
Duration: 2 hours, entrance included.
· 2 h · Admission included
Your booking confirmation can be presented as either a mobile or paper ticket.
The designated meeting point for all participants is the InterCity Bus Terminal.
The tour concludes at the InterCity Bus Terminal, which is also the return point.
Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time for check-in and boarding.
For any inquiries, including hotel pick-up arrangements or dietary needs, please contact us at +64 9 583 5790. Our operating hours are from 06:30 to 18:00.
Please note: Commentary in Mandarin, Spanish, German, and Japanese is accessible via the STQRY app on your mobile device. You will need to bring your own headphones as the audio cannot be played aloud. Alternatively, the commentary can be read directly from your screen. Free onboard Wi-Fi is available to facilitate app downloads. You can find the app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/greatsights-nz-tour-commentary/id6743737260 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stqry.proj2000000000063&pcampaignid=web_share
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals are permitted on the tour. Convenient public transportation options are located nearby. Infants must be seated on an adult's lap during the journey. This tour is not recommended for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular health conditions. The tour is suitable for participants of all physical fitness levels. Kindly inform us of any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking. Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Duration: 12 hours Includes a picnic lunch Travel by coach Book in advance, especially during peak season, as tours can sell out. Bring your own headphones for the audio commentary. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking. Allow ample time for check-in before departure. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 3910GS16H_GS11H
Activity offered by GreatSights via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Tourists Fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Nature lovers Families Travelers seeking unique experiences Explore the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings. Enjoy a complimentary picnic lunch. Comfortable travel in a luxury coach. Audio commentary available in multiple languages. Free onboard Wi-Fi.
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 total duration of the tour is 12 hours.
Is lunch included? + Yes, a picnic lunch is included in the tour package.
What languages are available for the commentary? + Audio commentary is available in Mandarin, Spanish, German, and Japanese via the STQRY app. English is provided by the guide.
Do I need to bring my own headphones? + Yes, you will need to bring your own headphones as the audio commentary cannot be played aloud.
Can I get picked up from my hotel? + Hotel pick-up is available from selected hotels. Please call the tour operator to book this service.
What is the cancellation policy? + You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Viator review
Waitomo caves
Denise_C, October 2026
Waitomo tour was cool and interesting. Wish the cave experience would have included a longer boat or cave walking experience.
★★★★★ Viator review
Both Waitomo and Hobbiton...
Amy_A, October 2026
Both Waitomo and Hobbiton are must see locations. Great sights had their system down to a T to get the group around and keep on a time schedule. Our driver, Nikki did a lovely job giving us tons of information during the drive between sites. She pointed out landmarks and points of interest, and had lots of information about native plants and animals. It made the bus ride enjoyable.
★★★★★ Viator review
A magical day
Leslie_H, September 2026
Waitomo cave is absolutely beautiful, and I learned a lot while I was there. The Hobbiton Movie Set was everything I ever dreamed it would be. The attention to detail is amazing, even down to the restrooms. And the tour guides at every turn were amazing. On the bus, our guide kept us entertained and informed and I learned so much about the history of New Zealand.
Response from the operator · Madeline R Kia Ora Leslie,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're pleased to hear you enjoyed both Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton. We're also glad your driver kept the drive engaging and gave you a deeper insight into New Zealand's history along the way. Thanks for travelling with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
★★★★★ Viator review
New Zealand's best
Ruben_R, September 2026
Love the tour. Amazing . The staff was very professional, everything was on time and just a must do!
Response from the operator · Madeline R Kia Ora Ruben,
Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed visiting Hobbiton and Waitomo. We appreciate your recommendation!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Worth the trip!
Jurist, August 2026
The bus operator was very engaging and provided a lot of insight during the drive (2 1/2 hours). She was particularly fastidious about ensuring everyone knew where and when to meet at each spot.
The waitomo caves were brilliant, but it is dark and you need to be sure-footed as it is a cave with some slippery and uneven surfaces...but the view was spectacular, and the fact that the guide was a lineage of the original indigenous families that discovered and developed the caves.
The Hobbiton tour was absolutely amazing (particularly if you're a Lord of the Rings fan!). The young guide gave us insight into 'behind the scenes' information and we were permitted to take lots of pictures, both outside and inside various homes.
Response from the operator · Madeline R Kia Ora Jurist,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a fantastic day and enjoyed both Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton. We really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed feedback and appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
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