Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, in one easy day trip from Auckland. Our tour from 1 December 2023 will be the extended Hobbiton Experience (now 2.5 hours) where you can venture beyond the door to a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. Immerse yourself in the interior with entry hall, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, equipped bathroom, parlour and crackling fireplace. Be fascinated as the magical world of Hobbiton comes to life and take photos in front of your favourite places like the Hobbit Holes, the Shire and the Green Dragon Inn. Then journey to the World Famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and be captivated by the thousands of magical glowworms twinkling in the Grottos, the stalactites and stalagmites as you glide silently through the cave by boat. Marvel at the stunning scenery en route as we journey off the motorways into the real hinterland of New Zealand. All admission fees and cafe lunch included.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 4 years
A maximum of 14 people per booking (We can provide this tour to groups larger than 14 by discussions with Viator and ourselves)
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not Wheel-Suitable Friendly as these are walking tours
We can provide NZ Safety Approved Child Car Seats and Booster Seats. We do not provide strollers or infant back packs
We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland; only the Downtown CBD and 1 location in South Auckland for those staying near the airport-The Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau
There is no photography allowed in the area of the Caves where the glowworms are as the glowworms react negatively to flashlight and will turn their lights off and they then take 2 hours to return to their full luminescence.
Tour leaves Auckland at 6:30am with everyone on board-the pickups occur across the CBD in the 25 minutes prior to that
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Small-group tour (11-16)
Light Kiwi café-style lunch
Local taxes
Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Auckland City
Local driver/guide
Food and drinks, unless specified
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Auckland Central
After leaving Auckland you will travel south over the Bombay Hills as you get elevated panoramic views of the Waikato Region and travel across the scenic Hauraki Plains to Matamata, the home of Hobbiton Movie Set.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Begin with a tour through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 10 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into the Shire from Middle-earth. Complimentary specially brewed beverages are available at the Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour Afterwards, enjoy a very “Kiwi” style lunch at the "Homestead" and get to share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travellers.
Options
Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Trip from Auckland
Pickup included
Hobbiton New Experience
Venture Beyond the Hobbit Door: Experience a fully themed Hobbit Hole Interior
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: Enjoy an extended Hobbiton Movie Set experience with our increased tour length time to a 2.5 hour tour.
Complimentary Drink: Included in our tour will be a complimentary ale, stout, apple cider or non-alcoholic ginger beer.
Start Time: The start time of the tour with everyone picked up across the CBD is at 6:30am. The pickups occur in the preceding 25 minutes
Pickup included
Reviews
2,418 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mike is cool.
Thuy H,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Mike is a cool tour guide. Hè is also the best tour guide I’ve had so far. Mike is also funny, and full of humor.
Amazing experience with our outstanding Danny tour guide.
Nana T,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00We all love Danny. He is such a friendly and caring tour guide who made my parents feel welcomed and at home. The tour is wonderful with a good mix between walking and boat time. Highly recommend the company as well as Danny.
Book this to have a great tour of the shire
Jesse E,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00The staff was great. Shelly, our driver, was knowledgeable and personable. She talked the right amount of time and her years of experience made her the perfect guide. The shire tour was amazing. I heard visiting a hobbiton tour was a must and as someone that’s watched the lotr movies once and was accompanied by two others that have never seen the movies we still had an amazing time. The caves were an added bonus but I’m very glad we went. I had no idea those little guys exited and it was neat exploring that cave with real First Nation folks (cup of tea, our guide, was great). Highly recommend this trip!
Wow experience ...
Pinder P,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wow experience Great team of proffesional staff made the whole trip safe and beautiful views Will come back
Can't miss Hobbiton!
Heidi H,
Sep 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely magical day. Hobbiton is a treasure. Our guide was knowledgeable and considerate. I would highly recommend!
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Operated by Auckland Scenic Tours