Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour

North Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

NZ$370

per adult

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Hobbit house with a yellow round door, rustic garden, and wooden picket fence at the Hobbiton Movie Set

Experiences

Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton

Caving & Underground Adventures

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Auckland

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 12 hours

Details

Exploring Middle-earth and Underground Wonders

The Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour is a small-group experience designed to showcase two of the North Island’s most loved destinations. With expert guides leading the way, travellers can enjoy a relaxed and informative day out without feeling rushed. The tour includes comfortable minibuses, scenic views, and plenty of opportunities to capture unforgettable moments.

Highlights include exploring the magical Hobbiton Movie Set and discovering the underground glow of the Waitomo Caves. Along the way, guests can stop at Lake Karapiro, visit a petting farm, and enjoy secret scenic spots that add charm to the journey. Although meals aren’t provided, there are several chances to purchase food during the day.

The Story Behind the Hobbiton Film Set

Wander through the lush pastures of Matamata and step into the world of Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set. From colourful hobbit holes to The Green Dragon Inn, every corner is filled with detail that brings the Shire to life. Guided stories make the experience even more enchanting, whether you’re a film fan or simply love beautiful scenery.

Geological Wonders of Waitomo

The Waitomo Caves offer a magical underground journey lit by thousands of glowworms. Travelling by boat through the cavern’s still waters, visitors are surrounded by a starry ceiling of bioluminescence. This natural wonder is a peaceful, awe-inspiring contrast to the rolling hills of Hobbiton above.

Green rolling hills with sheep and scattered trees near Hobbiton in Waikato, New Zealand

Sunset behind the iconic water mill and stone bridge at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand

A blue round-door Hobbit hole nestled among lush flowers and greenery at Hobbiton Movie Set

Sunlight peeking through trees onto a yellow-door Hobbit hole surrounded by a lush garden at Hobbiton Movie Set

Hobbit holes on a grassy hillside path bathed in soft sunset light at the Hobbiton Movie Set in Waikato

Arched wooden hallway inside a Bagshot Row Hobbit hole at Hobbiton Movie Set

Steps leading up to Bag End, the hobbit home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, surrounded by lush gardens at Hobbiton Movie Set

Rustic wooden jetty beside the lake at Hobbiton Movie Set with the watermill and green hills in the background

Warm fireplace and rustic seating inside the Green Dragon Inn at the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, New Zealand

Close-up view of glowing Arachnocampa luminosa (New Zealand glow worms) in the dark at Waitomo Caves

Visitors on a guided boat ride through the glowworm-lit cave at Waitomo, New Zealand

Waitomo guide explaining cave formations to a group of visitors wearing helmets inside an illuminated limestone cave

Large painted kiwi bird sculpture near the welcome sign in Otorohanga, New Zealand

Family group admiring limestone formations inside Waitomo Caves during a guided walking tour

Group admiring limestone stalactites inside the illuminated chambers of Waitomo Caves

Inclusions

Small Group Tour
Fully Guided
Entry Tickets
Lunch

Age Information

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 4-14 years
Infants: Under 4 years

Cancellations & Refunds

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

1. Auckland – Begin your journey in New Zealand’s largest city. As we depart, your guide will introduce the day's adventure and highlight some of Auckland’s top attractions as you drive through the city.

2. Waikato – Heading south, we pass through the beautiful Waikato region, renowned for its vast farmlands. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning scenery, majestic rivers, mountain views, and glimpses of local farm animals.

3. Hobbiton Movie Set – Your first major stop is the famous 'Hobbiton' movie set. Hop on the iconic green Hobbiton bus for a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the 12-acre set. Explore 44 hobbit holes, lush gardens, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the films. The tour concludes with a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn.

4. Lake Karapiro – After Hobbiton, we continue towards Waitomo, pausing at Lake Karapiro. This picturesque lake, home to one of New Zealand’s early hydro dams, also serves as a training ground for the country’s top rowers. It’s a perfect spot for a short break and a few photos of the scenic surroundings.

5. Otorohanga – As we journey on, you’ll see more captivating landscapes, including horse-breeding farms and rivers, before arriving in Otorohanga, the “Kiwiana capital of New Zealand.” Pass through this charming town and soak in its unique Kiwi culture.

6. Big Bird – Before reaching our second main destination, we stop outside the Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm. Though we won’t have time to enter, the friendly animals often come to the fence for a close-up, providing great photo opportunities.

7. Waitomo Caves – Arriving at the Waitomo Caves, you’ll embark on a guided tour of these ancient caves, marvelling at the formations of Stalactites, Stalagmites, and Lime Columns. The highlight is a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms light up the cave. A magical experience, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are an iconic New Zealand attraction.

8. Return to Auckland – After exploring Waitomo, we begin our journey back north to Auckland. Your guide will make the return trip engaging with commentary and surprise stops along the way, ensuring the day ends on a high note.