Available languages
48 hours
Mobile ticket
Immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of New Zealand’s North Island on a two-day escape from Auckland. From Rotorua’s famous geysers and the glowing Waitomo Caves to the re-creation of Middle-earth at Hobbiton, you’ll discover scenic beauty and natural wonders, ancient Maori traditions and movie-making magic on this fascinating two-day tour.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Te Puia geothermal experience
Commentary or guide during tours
Lunch
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Maori Evening Experience
Hobbiton Movie Set tour
Overnight accommodation in Rotorua
Gratuities
Meals unless specified
Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours
You have the choice of a 3-star or 4-star hotel
DINNER
Dinner
A traditional Maori 'hangi' feast.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
On this tour, you will be picked up from the hotel in a comfortable mini-bus and driven through the stunning Waikato countryside on a fully guided journey to Waitomo Caves and Te Puia Geothermal Park. Once in Waitomo, you will explore the ancient and amazing caves, with their many different cave formations including Stalactites, Stalagmites, and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your glowworm experience. Board your glowworm boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of glowworms glittering above your head. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see for any traveller.
Te Puia
Arriving at your second feature destination, Te Puia, you will receive a fully guided tour to best experience the geothermal and cultural wonders including Pōhutu Geyser, Māori Architecture, The National Māori Arts School, geothermal craters, geothermal events, and even the chance to view a Kiwi bird in the Kiwi viewing house.
Rotorua
Continue your adventure with another fully guided journey south to Rotorua, with many more attractions to see along the way, including hydro dams, rivers, and lots more animals. Once in Rotorua, you will be guided past many of its famous and historical sites, including Lake Rotorua, The Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Thermal Springs, and Polynesian Spa. This evening feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. The Village shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Hobbiton Movie Set
Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set tour starts with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to Matamata, a small town in the Waikato region known for its thoroughbred industry and dairy farming. Along the way your local driver guide will provide informative commentary and share stories about the region and its history. Just outside of Matamata is the private working farm that was transformed into The Shire for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. The home of Tolkien's beloved hobbits Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors from around the world. Take a two-hour guided tour of the movie set and learn how this picturesque farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. Your guide will show you Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill and many other structures from the movies.
Auckland
Following the Hobbiton tour, enjoy lunch at either Shire's Rest or in the marquee beside the Green Dragon Inn. After lunch, there is time for some shopping before you leave to drive north through lush Waikato dairy farms and over the Bombay Hills arriving in Auckland where you will be transferred to your inner-city accommodation.
3-Star Hotel
4-Star Hotel
57 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Donna H,
Jul 25, 2025
- Viator
Really worth staying overnight in Rotorua after a full day and the evening dinner Māori experience! Hobbiton on day two with an included lunch on site was a thrill.
Mark K,
Feb 22, 2020
- Viator
Our bus drivers were very entertaining and informative. The tours were arranged well, and all the sites were worth visiting. The multiple changes from one bus to another between tours was a little unexpected, but for the most part the drivers did well explaining where to be for the next pickup. Had a great time and enjoyed it all.
Victoria H,
Jul 9, 2019
- Viator
This tour was fantastic in the sights it went to and in its guides. It is a very full on tour with very little down time except for waiting for fellow travellers who do not respect that the tour has to be at specific places at specific times. However the drivers did do all they could to move those guests along. The other issues were the last bus driver who returned us to Auckland and seemed very tired and the uncertainty of knowing what was happening next as different tours had combined and we all had different itineraries. But all iin all an excellent value for money tour. Thank you
Michelle F,
Apr 2, 2018
- Viator
Overall the trip was excellent. We saw a lot, learned a lot and had a great two days! My only comment is about the buses- going to the dinner and the return to Auckland part. Going back to Auckland- we were left at a bus station for about an hour and a half waiting for the bus after leaving MataMata. We had no idea what was going on. Going to the dinner we had one time in our itinerary for the bus - but when we went to get on they said we were on the next one, they didnt have our names. We were grateful for the extra time since the day was rushed and we wanted to change but it was a bit of a confused scramble. There are many drivers and routes and tours taking place on any given day so we were always questioning a little what bus we were supposed to be on. Also- the buses at the end of the day were very crowded that we had to sit at opposite ends of the bus if we wanted seats.
Viney K,
Jan 3, 2018
- Viator
Excellent tour -fully recommend to future travelers!
Operated by Discover New Zealand