Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a guided 45-minute tour through this underground wonder, seeing stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling glowworms. Then head to a hidden gem near the township of Matamata, the Hobbiton Movie Set which is a world-famous film location for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. See the Hobbit Holes and learn how this private farm became Middle Earth. You will also be able to venture beyond the door into an authentic Hobbit Hole on Bagshot row. At the end of this tour you will be able to enjoy a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
WiFi on board
Picnic Lunch
Pick up from selected hotels - please call to book
Air-conditioned vehicle
Restroom on board
Transport by luxury coach
GreatSights
This is the arrival and departure point for this tour
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
At the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead.
Duration: 12 hours
Picnic Lunch
Coach
762 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Susan K,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
A long drive, but our driver Nicky kept us entertained with her commentary on what we were seeing along the way. The caves and Hobbiton were wonderful.
Benedicto J,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
Long trip but much Better than expected. Our guide Nicky was great, very knowledgable, helpful and friendly









George F,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
Very busy, fast moving, but you do get to see everything. They are very organized, professional and excellent hosts.
P K,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
A great experience if you’re trying to make the most out of your day in Aotearoa. Our driver, David, was friendly, knowledgeable, and kept us safe/timely. Waitomo and Hobbiton were both great. The value of this tour was fair and we found it extremely worthwhile. Note: There was no WiFi on the bus, but it was advertised. We spent about 7 of the 12 hour excursion on the bus, so it would be an appreciated amenity. We also would not recommend this tour for young children as there was quite a bit of walking involved.
swps8n7bjb,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Tour group was too large at both stops. About 50 people in the group, was noticeably too large for the caves some people had a hard time hearing and some people were loud . Would have been better if the bus was split into two groups once at each stop. Bus driver was fantastic though both at driving and knowledge.
Linda A,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was a fantastic experience! The tour of the Waitoma Caves was informative, interesting, and very impressive. Hobbiton is just like the movies with amazing attention to detail. Guide Mackenzie was knowledgeable and friendly.
Janet H,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Positive, enjoyable, varied (Just a long day) Driver energetic, knowledgeable, personable Efficient management of large group
Elena H,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
The glow worm caves and Hobbiton was absolutely amazing, but the tour guide was talking way too much. It was so hard figuring out when he was saying something important because he never stopped talking.
Randall A,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
The guide was well versed on where we were visiting. The travel from Auckland was a bit longer than expected but worth the time.
Nancy D,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
We had a great time! We thoroughly enjoyed the tours and the guide. It was quite an entertaining day!
Operated by GreatSights