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Overview

Your self drive journey to Hobbiton begins with a night in Hamilton. Spend the first night here exploring the city before travelling on to Matamata, with a tour of Hobbiton Movie Set. In the afternoon drive on to Waitomo Caves for a night in a Hobbit Motel Unit. In the morning take a tour of the magnificent Waitomo Glowworm Caves before driving on to Auckland, the City of Sails for your last night. 

Itineraries

All itineraries can be amended or combined with other itineraries. Flights can be included from Australia if required. Please advise amendments when requesting a quote.

Auckland - Hamilton - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Auckland

Map of 4 Day Waikato Explorer Self Drive
View itinerary for day 1
View itinerary for day 2
View itinerary for day 3
View itinerary for day 4
Auckland to Hamilton
Hamilton - Waitomo via Matamata
Waitomo to Auckland
Depart Auckland

Day 1

Auckland to Hamilton

Travel Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Distance: 112 kms

Day 2

Hamilton - Waitomo via Matamata

Travel Time: 2 hrs 10 min

Distance: 166 kms

Day 3

Waitomo to Auckland

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30mins

Distance: 194 kms

Day 4

Depart Auckland

On your arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation. Travel south through lush Waikato farmland before arriving in Hamilton, a city carved in two by the mighty Waikato River. The day is at leisure for you to explore the city - we recommend a visit to the Hamilton Gardens & and a meal at one of the city's many cafes & restaurants.

Overnight accommodation:
Standard - Sudima Hamilton
Superior -  Quest on Ward

Drive to the town of Matamata today to join a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your tour will take you around the movie set, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating a special insight into rural life. Stop at The Shires Rest Cafe at the end of your tour for refreshments or that "Second Breakfast". Check out the boutique galleries & corrugated iron creations in Tirau & discover the forestry heritage of Tokoroa before arriving in Te Kuiti, the 'sheep shearing capital of the world'. From here, it is a short drive north to Otorohanga & the Waitomo Caves, where you will spend the night.   Spend one night in a Hobbit Unit at Woodlyn Park Motels.

One night accommodation:
Standard & Superior -  Woodlyn Park Motel Hobbit Unit

Option:

Instead of going straight back to Waitomo, an option is to spend one night in Hamilton followed by 1, 2 or 3 nights in Rotorua. This allows you to explore the Geothermal wonders of Rotorua whilst visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton.

Take a guided tour through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery at Waitomo commencing with the impressive Cathedral. See the glowworms as you take a short boat ride in the Glowworm Grotto.

Then drive north to Auckland through Huntly and Pukekohe.

Overnight accommodation:
Standard - Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
Superior - The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour 

The morning is at leisure for you to explore the City of Sails - we recommend a visit to the shopping district of Queen Street, and a meal at one of the many cafes & restaurants at Viaduct Harbour; before dropping off your car at Auckland Airport and catching your flight home.

Day 1, Auckland to Hamilton

Auckland to Hamilton

Travel Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Distance: 112 kms

On your arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation. Travel south through lush Waikato farmland before arriving in Hamilton, a city carved in two by the mighty Waikato River. The day is at leisure for you to explore the city - we recommend a visit to the Hamilton Gardens & and a meal at one of the city's many cafes & restaurants.

Overnight accommodation:
Standard - Sudima Hamilton
Superior -  Quest on Ward

Day 2, Hamilton - Waitomo via Matamata

Hamilton - Waitomo via Matamata

Travel Time: 2 hrs 10 min

Distance: 166 kms

Drive to the town of Matamata today to join a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your tour will take you around the movie set, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating a special insight into rural life. Stop at The Shires Rest Cafe at the end of your tour for refreshments or that "Second Breakfast". Check out the boutique galleries & corrugated iron creations in Tirau & discover the forestry heritage of Tokoroa before arriving in Te Kuiti, the 'sheep shearing capital of the world'. From here, it is a short drive north to Otorohanga & the Waitomo Caves, where you will spend the night.   Spend one night in a Hobbit Unit at Woodlyn Park Motels.

One night accommodation:
Standard & Superior -  Woodlyn Park Motel Hobbit Unit

Option:

Instead of going straight back to Waitomo, an option is to spend one night in Hamilton followed by 1, 2 or 3 nights in Rotorua. This allows you to explore the Geothermal wonders of Rotorua whilst visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton.

Day 3, Waitomo to Auckland

Waitomo to Auckland

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30mins

Distance: 194 kms

Take a guided tour through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery at Waitomo commencing with the impressive Cathedral. See the glowworms as you take a short boat ride in the Glowworm Grotto.

Then drive north to Auckland through Huntly and Pukekohe.

Overnight accommodation:
Standard - Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
Superior - The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour 

Day 4, Depart Auckland

Depart Auckland

The morning is at leisure for you to explore the City of Sails - we recommend a visit to the shopping district of Queen Street, and a meal at one of the many cafes & restaurants at Viaduct Harbour; before dropping off your car at Auckland Airport and catching your flight home.

Additional Information

Pricing

Cost per person

May to September 2019

 Twin/Double
Standard 3-3.5 Star Accommodation From AU$1,313* per person

* PLEASE NOTE

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Car Rental

  • Car hire excess fees of up to NZ$3500 + GST applies. This will be imprinted on a credit card upon collecting the vehicle. Excess reduction options are available at an additional cost per day. 
  • Airport/Ferry pick up fee applies in some locations. This must be paid direct in New Zealand. 
  • Car parking fees may apply in some locations.

Payment

  • Deposit: $200 per person within 7 days of booking
  • Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

  • Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking.
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Includes

Includes:

3 nights accommodation

  • 1 Night Hamilton
  • 1 Night Waitomo
  • 1 Night Auckland

3 days car rental hire (CDAR Compact Auto: Toyota Corolla or similar)

Tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Options

Airfares

International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.

Highlights

Auckland - Hamilton - Hobbiton - Waitomo - Auckland

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Discover a truly amazing underground labyrinth of ancient limestone caverns & formations and marvel at a galaxy of tiny living lights in the famed Glowworm Grotto. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip with your way lit by a myriad of tiny glowworm lights.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

On beautiful private farmland, you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit film trilogies in a fascinating guided tour. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn and other structures & gardens built for the films.

Book now, pay later No credit card required

4 Day Waikato Explorer Self Drive

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