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.
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.
WiFi on board
Picnic Lunch
Pick up from selected hotels - please call to book
Air-conditioned vehicle
Restroom on board
Transport by luxury coach
Duration: 12 hours Picnic Lunch Coach
839 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lorraine B,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
Coach was very comfortable. Tour guide explained things well and kept us on track. Boxed lunch of sandwich, salad and desert was delicious.
Mayumi K,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
The package is great!! I would highly recommend this tour! Guides are super nice! Just one thing lunch was a little disappointment, but this is All day tour from Auckland so, not much time so picknick style lunch but it was rainy so we have to eat in the bus😢
Leron T,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
I'll never forget this experience. The glow worm cave, in my opinion, is better than Hobbiton or WETA Unleashed.
Angela S,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
This trip was great! I liked that we didn’t have to worry about car rentals or driving on the left side of the road (which is nerve wracking for me). The attractions were far away from Auckland where we were staying. We loved the caves and loved hobbiton! The driver was very friendly and entertaining. We also were admitted to the attractions with very little wait. I highly recommend!
CJ F,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
This is a long day on a bus with 40+ people. The drive to the caves is at least 90 minutes. The driver tries to narrate most of it, but there is really nothing of note on the way. The caves are awesome! I am just wondering if there was an easier way to do this. The lunch is a chicken or veg sandwich with a cold side or two. Meh. Then we had another ~1 hour drive to Hobbiton for a ~2 hour tour. The tour is great, and a long time bucket list item. Again, just wondering if there would be a better way to do this.

Louis T,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
Two places to visit during a visit to NZ. Don't miss it! The driver/guide told us about his country with his heart, interesting story he told us on the way there. The guides to the cave was interesting. The Hobbit guide was also interesting and very familiar with the subject. However, it was very difficult for me to understand what he was telling us because of his Japanese accent and the size of the band.
John S,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
Driver was amazing with knowledge & experience. The glow worm caves were interesting & impressive. The Hobbiton guide was soft spoken & hard to understand & didn't keep the tour moving but we enjoyed what we were able to understand & what we saw.
Lynette R,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
What a great tour. Bus driver was really informative on the trip to the caves. Glow worm experience was exceptional. Well worth the visit
G1860VPjoer,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Everything was right on schedule and went very smoothly. Driver/guide was fun and informative. I would go with them again!
Jacques O,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
Awesome but a long day. But well worth the effort. Both the caves and Hobbiton are unique. Driver was entertaining!

-10% off
From NZ$393.30Was NZ$437.00
Operated by GreatSights