3-Day Hobbiton, Rotorua, Whakarewarewa, and Waitomo Tour
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover some of the best attractions of the North Island on this 3-day trip from Auckland. Hobbiton, the movie set for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Home of Tolkien's beloved hobbits Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors around the world. Explore the picturesque lakeside setting of Rotorua and experience the amazing geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa.
Also included is Waitomo Caves, you'll be taken on a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Glowworm Caves, which were discovered in 1887 and are now one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. Wander through subterranean caverns and learn how the stalagmites, stalactites and other spectacular limestone rock formations were formed over millions of years. The tour includes travel the Glowworm Grotto a magical boat ride, surrounded by the twinkling lights of thousands of glowworms.
All this plus 4 Star Hotel Accommodation
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Independent Touring - this is not a Group Tour - we use local suppliers and you will have a different coach & driver each day
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
2 nights accommodation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All activities listed
Driver/guide
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities (Optional)
What To Expect
Auckland - Hobbiton - Rotorua
Accommodations
Millenium Hotel Rotorua or similar
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
Hobbiton Movie Set
From Auckland, your tour starts with a scenic drive through Auckland City on the Southern Motorway and through the lush Waikato farming district to Matamata. 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. Take a 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. Enjoy Lunch at Hobbiton, then transferred through to Rotorua
Rotorua District
Arriving Rotorua early afternoon and transferred to your central hotel accommodation. Remainder of the day and evening to explore the township and the many attractions the township has to offer.
Rotorua
Accommodations
Millenium Hotel Rotorua or similar
Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
This morning collected from your accommodation and transferred to Whakarewarewa geothermal reserve and Maori Living Village. Here you will enjoy a guided tour and Maori Cultural performance.
Rotorua
Early afternoon transferred back to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore Rotorua, this thermal wonderland on your own. You may like to visit the Government Gardens, wander along the lake front, do some shopping in the central township or visit one of the many attractions the city has to offer, such as the Skyline Gondola, Agrodome or Canopy Ziplining.
Auckland - Waitomo - Auckland
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Leaving the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua early afternoon, we travel through lush farmland into the King Country region. Enjoy spectacular sights like Fitzgerald Glade, where the trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery. After arriving in the small town of Waitomo, you'll be taken on a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Glowworm Caves, which were discovered in 1887 and are now one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. Wander through subterranean caverns and learn how the stalagmites, stalactites and other spectacular limestone rock formations were formed over millions of years. To end your tour, travel through the Glowworm Grotto on a magical boat ride, surrounded by the twinkling lights of thousands of glowworms
Auckland Central
Tour concludes at drop off to central Hotel
Options
Triple Share
3-Day Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Taupo Trip from Auckland in triple share accommodation
Pickup included
Single Room
3-Day Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Taupo Trip from Auckland in a single room
Pickup included
Twin Room
3-Day Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Taupo Trip from Auckland in twin share accommodation
Pickup included
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
3-Day Hobbiton, Rotorua, Whakarewarewa, and Waitomo Tour
Jeannine M,
Mar 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a flawless 3day trip and saw everything we wanted to see. Our guide Chris on the way there was so knowledgeable and funny telling us everything we would be doing on the way. At Hobiton it was just a marvelous tour, Ty made the beautiful gardens and Hobit set come to life as he told what happened in key points around the hills while walking. We then went on into Rotorua for lake viewing and Whakarewarewa where we had a good buffet lunch and geyser tour that took us right next to the geyser. We also saw a habitat of Kiwis (birds) that were under care there. The cultural tour shared the appreciation for the Māori people and their skills for wood carving, baskets and clothing. We arrived at our princess gate hotel, which in itself had a lot of history and several hot pools. The next day was a free day for us and we walked around with plenty to see and shop we booked a spa treatment at the Polynesian hot springs spa which was amazing place to visit. However I do feel it kind of zapped our energy for the evening. The next day Sandra picked us up at our hotel at 12 noon and drove us to a cute spot where we picked up a bite to eat and then to the Waitoma glow worm tour which was very cool and interesting. We then headed back from to Auckland with Louise, a great driver and we arrived about 6:30 pm. All in all it was just a great time, seamless without any problems at all. Five stars!
Have only clicked one star because...
Valerie H,
Mar 29, 2012
- Viator
1.00Have only clicked one star because will not accept comment without a rating but this tour was not worth even one star,
Three day tour was supposed to be finale to our holiday - having booked on half a dozen other viator tours we expected better - a real disappointment.
It was not a tour - involved 9 different buses - many were service buses and there was no commentary and didn't enjoy backpackers music. Only 2 half day tours one excellent- Lake Taupo the other a quick glimpse of geysers - Sheep show etc and then deposited at hotels by 2pm with nothing to do.No meals included. Had feeling of having been 'ripped of'f' ' as knew we could have put together a better itinerary for half the price we were charged.Totally unsuitable for two mature ladies with large suitcases! Would not suit any self respecting backpacker even if they had money to throw away.We really enjoyed this tour. The...
Kelley,
Apr 17, 2011
- Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this tour. The sites were interesting and the hotels were within walking distance to the shops and restaurants as well as picturesque walking paths.
Excellent tour and so much fun we...
Dianne R,
Jan 18, 2011
- Viator
4.00Excellent tour and so much fun we had. The bus drivers are great. Lake Taupo is an amazing place.
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