Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Tour from Auckland
Overview
Available languages
2 days
Mobile ticket
Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls & Taupo! This is all of the most popular North Island attractions in an epic two day tour.
Highlights:
• Hobbiton Movie Set
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Rotorua Highlights & Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
• Taupo Highlights & Huka Falls
• Hamilton Gardens
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Luxury vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
This tour gives you the time and options to add extra activities if you choose and is led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Solo travellers will be required to pay a Solo Surcharge for Accommodation (+$150 NZD)
A moderate amount of walking is involved. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Explore Waitomo & Hobbiton
Accommodations
1 night 3* double or twin share accom included in tour price. Option to upgrade at extra cost to single share
Auckland Central
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Waikato Region
Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. After learning about some local history we stop in the idyllic little town of Pirongia for a quick coffee break. Continuing our adventure we pass through Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi in this unique and charming town.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Arriving at our first feature attractions you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations, including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.
Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm
On our way to our next destination, Hobbiton Movie Set, we stop outside Big Bird to see and meet some of our local friendly animals. These guys know our guides well and even though we do not have time to go inside the park, the friendly animal will often come to the fences for a photo or two, thrilling guests.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Arriving at our second feature attraction, Hobbiton, you will have time to buy lunch before boarding one of the big green Hobbiton buses. You then depart on a two hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide, to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.
Tirau
Continuing our adventure we depart for Rotorua and pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
Rotorua
To complete the formal part of the tours first day we arrive in Rotorua and do a quick guided driving tour, seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. If there is time, we may even visit a special souvenir shop for some discounted shopping and to try Manuka Honey. We then drop you off at your hotels to check in for the night however your day does not have to finish there. We recommend adding the optional extra Maori cultural evening experience and Traditional Hangi Buffet Dinner to enjoy the complete Rotorua experience.
Rotorua & Taupo
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Starting day two of with a bang, we head straight to Wai-O-Tapu to view the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser before experiencing a fully guided tour of Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. Considered one of the most surreal places on earth, here you will see the famous Champagne Lake, Devil's Bath, local mud-pools, geothermal craters and other geothermal wonders. The colours and activity will take your breath away.
Taupo
Our journey south continues towards Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake that is not really a lake but a giant volcanic crater responsible for one of the largest eruptions ever recorded. Here you will have time to buy some lunch before receiving a Taupo highlights tour and learn local interesting facts.
Huka Falls
Beginning our journey north again we will stop at Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s most popular and beautiful waterfalls.
Hamilton Gardens
Experience an afternoon of unexpected delights at Hamilton Gardens, where 18 Enclosed Gardens transport you through diverse cultures and times. Unlike any botanical garden, this unique attraction is rated among the top 3 things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on Trip Advisor.
Auckland
Sadly we must continue north towards your tour end point, but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
What‘s Included
Bottled Water
Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
Accommodation
Snacks
Entry Tickets - stated activities only
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Standard Tour - Solo Upgrade
Single Share Upgrade: Required for guests travelling solo
Duration: 2 days: Overnight in Rotorua
Tour & Activities: Fully guided 2-day tour including all stated activities and entry fees.
Pickup included
Standard Tour + Accommodation
Accommodation: 1 night 3* double or twin share accommodation included in tour price. Select this if 2 or more people are travelling
Duration: 2 days: Overnight in Rotorua
Tour & Activities: Fully guided 2-day tour including all stated activities and entry fees.
Pickup included
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour! One annoying, distracting passenger.
dennishV3895VD,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great, the driver/guide was excellent. The only problem was one passenger sat in the front passenger seat and kept interrupting the guide with unrelated questions and talking over him. She should have been told to stop or been told to move out of the seat beside the driver. She also put her bare feet on the dash. Not only dangerous to her, but also gross to the rest of the passengers.
Jeoff Was The Highlight of Our NZ trip!
EllaOffrell,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jeoff was an outstanding tour guide over the past two days. He struck the perfect balance of professionalism, knowledge, and entertainment, making the entire experience seamless from start to finish. He kept the group organized, on schedule, and fully engaged throughout. The Cheeky Kiwi tour itself was jam-packed with activities, but it was very well paced. We never felt rushed, and there was always enough time to actually enjoy each stop without it feeling chaotic. What really stood out was how much pride Jeoff clearly takes in his work. By day two, the group had dwindled and it ended up being just me and my friend but he didn’t miss a beat. If anything, he elevated the experience, turning it into a more personal and tailored tour. He walked us through each excursion, answered every question, and made sure we got the most out of everything. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, quick with a joke, and genuinely passionate about what he does. It shows in every interaction. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better guide Jeoff made the entire trip memorable. Quick tip for future travelers: if you’re booking with a friend you don’t want to share a bed with, make sure to clarify room arrangements in advance. I was told that should’ve been handled earlier. I was able to sort it out myself, but definitely something to keep in mind 😂
A Two-Day North Island Adventure Done Right ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tourist67831633817,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just completed the two-day Auckland to Rotorua tour with Cheeky Kiwi and I can't recommend it enough. The itinerary was packed — Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Wai-O-Tapu, Huka Falls, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens — and yet it never felt rushed. Everything was perfectly paced. The vehicle was modern and comfortable throughout, making the long stretches between stops genuinely enjoyable rather than something to endure. Ben, our guide, deserves a special mention. His knowledge of the history, landscapes, flora, and Māori culture of the region was impressive, and he delivered it all with warmth and a great sense of humour. His dad jokes were an absolute highlight — the kind that make you groan and grin at the same time. He also kept us fuelled with snacks and water along the way, which was a lovely touch that made the journey feel even more looked-after. And the music playlist he curated for the drive - Absolutely on point. The surprise of the tour was an unplanned stop at a dam that served as a filming location for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug — something you'd never find on your own without a knowledgeable local guide. For any Tolkien fan, this was pure gold. What made the trip extra special was the group itself. Mostly solo travellers with a few pairs and small groups, we arrived as strangers and left as friends. By the end of the trip, the vibe was so relaxed and warm that one fellow traveller spontaneously broke into song when her track came on — and honestly, it felt completely natural. That kind of easy camaraderie doesn't just happen; it's a credit to Ben for creating an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable from the very start. If you're considering this tour, just book it. Cheeky Kiwi delivers on every front.
Great experience visiting North Island highlights!
Memorykeeper103,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was a truly enjoyable experience that gave me a great introduction and education about several North Island highlights in 2 short but full days. Our driver and guide, Ben was extremely knowledgeable and he always had interesting information to share even as we drove from one spot to the next. If he wasn’t sure of one or the other piece of information, he made sure to find out and follow up later. He managed all the group’s needs well and was extremely helpful and accommodating. He kept us moving without making things seem rushed. He was also very personable, friendly, and funny and he showed a keen interest in our group! I liked the small group size and the choices for places visited. Thank you, Cheeky Kiwi and Ben!
Happy for visiting all those awesome places and expecting for more adventures in New Zealand
Elena F,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was in "2-days" excursion of Kiwi Cheeky and it was amazing! The program was really nice and full of local places like Waitomo, Hobbiton, Huka falls, Waikato river, Wai-o-Tapu thermal park. The guid was a nice guy responding all the questions, talking about all those places and such excellent as a driver. My accommodation for a night (including into the tour) was also pretty. I knew that it was possible to do some "custom upgrade" like visiting only certain places, staying more days in certain places etc so I felt more sympathy to that company. Maybe I'd like to stay more days in such cities as Rotorua but equally the program is nice for restricted-time travel as mine. Also I wish we were visiting some local restaurant for lunch (some "the best lamb/local food in Rotorua" for example just for diving into the kiwi's culture). But I'm still happy choosing the Cheeky travel company expecting other experiences.
Good Tour
reginatU3735TZ,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dave was good and had a solid knowledge base; he gave excellent tips
A holiday highlight!
729allegraf,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time with the guide Matt - the trip was wonderful, and everything was definitely worth a visit. I loved the glowworm caves and Hobbiton, and the geothermal areas were great to see too!
Highly recommended! Thank you, Liam, for making this trip so enjoyable and unforgettable.
Resort32863889468,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent experience on the Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo & Hamilton Gardens 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland, total 10 people, and our guide Liam made the trip truly memorable. Liam was incredibly professional, punctual, and well organized. The itinerary was perfectly arranged, so we could visit many amazing places while still enjoying a relaxed and comfortable pace. He was friendly, kind, and very considerate throughout the journey. His explanations were clear, engaging, and full of interesting insights about New Zealand’s culture, nature, and local stories. Thanks to Liam’s thoughtful planning and guidance, our two days felt smooth, enjoyable, and very rewarding. We were able to experience Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Taupo, and Hamilton Gardens without feeling rushed. Highly recommended! Thank you, Liam, for making this trip so enjoyable and unforgettable.
Lovely guide ( Liam ), lovely tour!
thilar2026,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my first time taking a tour, and it was such a fantastic experience! Our guide Liam was so helpful , funny, friendly and knowledgeable. Travelling together with him and the people on the bus was such a joy. The entire experience was amazing, it was a bonus in not having to drive or find parking etc. Liam was super organised, parked, got us all our tix.. made sure none of us were lost and that all of us had a fabulous time. He made the trip so much more fun. It was the highlight of my trip in AKL! Highly recommend:)
Long days but full of things to see
OlliK380,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with experienced driver. Hobbiton was great. I would highly recommend the redwoods while staying at the Rotarua
From NZ$849.00
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