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
777 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Rachel the tour guide was...
Rachel P,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Rachel the tour guide was very knowledgeable about NZ and talked the entire way to the glow caves (about 3 hours) and to Hobbiton (another 1.5 hour drive). However, did not talk on the way back. The tour is a long day and would not recommend people with small children to do this long tour. We had several children on our tour who had a difficult time with the long day which made for a difficult bus ride. When we did the glow worm cave, one family was asked to leave (thankfully) because the tour requires complete silence and their 2 year old would not stop screaming. The lunch provided was nothing great (1/2 sandwhich, cold potatoes, and a dessert). Hobbiton was amazing to see-only downside was the large group we were in (about 43 people). There is definitely plenty of time on the grounds to see things. The bar area was great and had good drink and food (to purchase) options available. Our tour guide Em was amazing!
David was our tour guide!...
Elizabeth G,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00David was our tour guide! Very kind, informative, and funny! The caves were stunning, and I had a blast at Hobbiton! I would definitely recommend this trip!
It definitely focuses...
Catherine S,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This excursion focuses more on Hobbiton. There is less time to explore the Waitomo Caves. But both stops were absolutely amazing! Bus was clean and comfortable. Driver was entertaining and knowledgeable.
Really enjoy the program...
chingwen T,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really enjoy the program Driving is kind of long but driver David always try to cheer us up, David good job !
Great trip
Kendell S,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The driver is humorous and knowledgeable about kiwi culture. The caves were interesting and quite unexpected. Alex our guide was knowledgeable (n.z. Robert Irwin ) and again had a great sense of humour. Our tour guide at hobbiton was great too. She was really knowledgeable and interesting to listen to.
Once in a lifetime adventure!
Dennis W,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The Waitomo caves were great! But the Hobbinton experience was out of this world! Although I didn’t see any Hobbits I kept my eyes peeled!
Fun tour in Southern NZ
Dana G,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun tours in southern NZ. Our lady driver was really great - kept us entertained the whole time with fascinating facts about NZ. Lunch was good and I enjoyed the drink at the pub! Wish wifi was a bit stronger on the bus, but that’s just first world problems ;). Would recommend this tour.
Bilbo Baggins visit
Virginia K,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Not a lot of shade. Walking not that difficult, but some up hill. Surprisingly amazing. Get the free drink at the Green Dragon.
Exceptional
Carolina P,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience hobitton was more than I expected this experience will live forever. Our guide was great energetic and knowledgeable. Highly recommended this tour.
Poor Communication About Departure Time
Arup D,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00I’m really disappointed with this tour’s communication and timing policies. The Viator app repeatedly reminded me that the departure time was 7:45 AM, so I arrived at 7:45 only to watch the bus pull away at that exact moment. In the additional details, it mentions arriving 15 minutes early, but if the company is this strict about timing, the instructions should clearly say “Arrive by 7:30 AM” everywhere, not just buried in the fine print. The messaging was inconsistent, and the app reminders were misleading. My entire day was almost ruined because of this. Fortunately, I was able to rent a car at the last minute and drive myself to Hobbiton, but not everyone would be able to do that. Great experience at Hobbiton no thanks to Viator, and extremely poor communication from the tour operator.
From NZ$437.00
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Operated by GreatSights