Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch
Overview
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Picnic Lunch
Pick up from selected hotels - please call to book
Air-conditioned vehicle
Restroom on board
Transport by luxury coach
Options
Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton
Duration: 12 hours
Picnic Lunch
Coach
Reviews
834 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Overall a good day but disappointed in the Hobbiton guide
John S,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Driver 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.
What a great tour. Bus...
Lynette R,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great tour. Bus driver was really informative on the trip to the caves. Glow worm experience was exceptional. Well worth the visit
Great day trip from Auckland!
G1860VPjoer,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was right on schedule and went very smoothly. Driver/guide was fun and informative. I would go with them again!
Awesome but a long day....
Jacques O,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome but a long day. But well worth the effort. Both the caves and Hobbiton are unique. Driver was entertaining!
My two kids (16 & 23) and...
Monique C,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My two kids (16 & 23) and I had a great time! The itinerary was organized well, giving us plenty of time to enjoy both sites without feeling too rushed. Having specialized guides for each location was a huge plus—they were incredibly knowledgeable and made the tours more interesting Additionally, our driver/guide was great—not only knowledgeable and funny but an incredible driver who handled the traffic with ease, keeping the ride smooth and comfortable. The box lunch was just enough and satisfying. Overall, a fun experience.
Impressive geological structures
Sophie C,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Caves were very large once you got inside the “cathedral”. Cool inside and the ceilings in some areas are low. The actual boat ride is not very long, the whole experience takes about an hour. But feels magical
Auckland Day Trip
Heather B,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful day with 2 varied but amazing tours. Our bus driver Kenny was knowledgeable and took good care of his passengers. The bus trip is a few hours but it was nice to sit back and watch the scenery!
Lovely Tour!
Anisha W,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rachel was a lovely driver! She was very informative and was sharing fun facts and stories the entire way to the Glow Worm Cave and to Hobbiton! My husband and I enjoyed both the Glow Worm Cave and Hobbiton! When you book through Great Sites, you go straight through Hobbiton with them! No need to get on a separate bus!
Cancelled WHY????
Susan G,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00I booked a tour for two over three months ago. A day before the tour I asked if I could add two more people. They said no, as the tour was full. Then they cancelled my original reservation, without my knowledge. We got to the meeting place to find out it was cancelled. Viator said the tour company cancelled it, and the tour company said Viator cancelled it. We are from the United States and visiting New Zealand with no tour. I asked if they could book us a the tour the next day, only to be told no as it was sold out. This has been nothing but a blame game. I am so upset and so disappointed. Now I have to see if I receive a refund, as both companies are pointing at the other one as to who will issue the refund. I rat them 2 thumbs down 👎👎👎👎
Hobbitton and Waitomo Caves - WORTH IT
Caitlyn H,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was really incredible. The bus to get to the caves and Hobbitton was clean and comfortable. The bus driver was lovely. The Waitomo caves are unlike anything I have ever seen before. If it wasn’t so beautiful, I would be totally freaked out by being on a tiny boat in pitch black. After the caves we went to Hobbitton. The tour guide we had was so good. Everything was super well organized. My ONE complaint is that I requested a vegan option for lunch and it was lettuce and tomato on a soggy bun and it was inedible. If you’re vegan, bring your own food.
From NZ$437.00
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Operated by GreatSights