Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience two North Island icons on a day tour from Auckland.
Travel south from Auckland to Hobbiton. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the Party Tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”. Finish with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink.
Following your drink, you will be treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch in the marquee & some time to shop before continuing on to Waitomo.
On arrival in Waitomo, join a 45 minute guided tour of the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves. Enjoy the delicate cave formations and be wowed in the Cathedral, before taking the iconic boat rode through the glow worm grotto (subject to water levels). Marvel in silence at thousands of magical glow worms.
Return to Auckland in the early evening.
*tours at both Hobbiton and Waitomo join larger groups*
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and suitable outdoor clothing
Pick up and drop off from inner city Auckland accommodation included
Please reconfirm your pick up time 24 hours before the tours departure
Please note the tours at Hobbiton and Waitomo are walks - including stairs
Tour available for ages 5+ - not suitable for infants
Not recommended for travellers with walking difficulties
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Taupiri
Enjoy a quick stop on your journey to Hobbiton to grab a coffee and use the toilets if needed (cafe may differ depending on day)
Hobbiton Movie Set
Enjoy a group tour of Hobbiton Movie Set before a drink in the Green Dragon. You will then enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Party Marquee and time for shopping. (Tour around the set at Hobbiton is 2 hours before time in the Green Dragon & lunch).
Shopping voucher at Hobbiton Gift Shop
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Inner City Auckland Hotel Pickup + Drop-Off
Admission to Hobbiton Movie Set & tour
Air-conditioned vehicle
Admission to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Buffet Lunch in Green Dragon Marquee
Gratuities
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
265 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Onomade,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour combines the visit to the legendary Hobbiton movie set, and to the Waitomo glowworm caves. Both are key tourist attractions if you are in this part of the world, and combining them in this way makes a lot of sense (seems a much better idea than going to Waitomo from Rotorua, as there are other things to see over there). The Hobbiton movie set has been expanded over the years, and by now also includes Hobbit house interiors (the photo op-s…); also, the tour includes a lunch at the Green Dragon Inn, which is a lot of fun (notify the organiser about dietary requirements, it will not be a problem at all). The Waitomo caves include a boat trip inside a cave all lit by glowing worms, it’s quite surreal. Do note: Tickets to Hobbiton sell weeks in advance, and it is in a remote location - so, if you miss your tour time, it’s practically impossible to find another slot. This is why going on a organised tour has significant advantages - and this one is very well organised. With a small group, things go really smoothly. Highly recommended!





Sam T,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
Excellent experience from start to finish. Kelly, our guide, was affable, knowledgeable, and had a prodigious continuous banter that helped while away the drive - teaching us about the history of New Zealand and what to expect at each stop. I would absolutely ask for him again!
G C,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
Excellent engaging guide with a first class experience. Good buffet was pleasant way to end the tour
Leigh R,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
We looked at 2 tours, but decided to do the small group with lunch, so glad we did! The lunch was excellent.

Tania O,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
Everything about this tour, from pick up to drop off, was smooth and relaxed. The tour itself was amazing and combining it with Waitomo Caves made for a really special day. Hobbiton was everything and more than could have been hoped for. Buffet lunch was fantastic and enough variety to cater for most preferences. Would highly recommend.
Carrie B,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
As a LOTR fan, it was fun visiting the Shire. The glow worm caves really delighted us.
Carolina M,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a wonderful day❤️, our tour guide Damian was the best. Great food, one of the best buffets I've tasted!



Meghan B,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
We had an unforgettable experience visiting Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves and while it's definitely a long day, the structure and pacing make it feel totally manageable. We avoided lots of crowds at the movie set by arriving early and were able to really enjoy the grounds before a very good buffet lunch. The bus ride to the caves was a great opportunity to recharge before the last leg of the tour, and we arrived back to Auckland right on time. Our guide Wayne provided lots of commentary and insights into New Zealand that were very appreciated as well. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to efficiently see these two amazing sites!
Beth M,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
It was amazing. Even if you aren't a fan of "The Hobbit" or "The Lord of the Rings," the amount of work and detail that went in to the making and building of the Hobbits' abodes, is incredibly impressive. If you *are* a fan, as I am, being in Hobbiton was like my childhood dream come true. The Waitomo Caves were magical, quietly floating below the ethereal blue glow emanating from the ceiling above. I kind of wish we'd had a bit more time in the cave but also have to say that 4 people on a bench in the boat was a bit snug. The ride there and back was made enjoyable by our driver, Murray. He informed us with facts and entertained us with casual chatter. I appreciated his knowledge and his sense of humor. And his patience, as I imagine driving a van with a group of strangers is much like herding cats. Thanks to Bush and Beach for a well-run tour.
Gina N,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
Of course the ride there and back is long… you and the other passengers have to understand the schedule the drivers are on. So when they saw get a quick bite and bring it back, it doesn’t mean “dilly dally” around so driver has to chase you down. The Town was cool, the grow worms cave was super cold, but fun. I recommend bringing a jacket. If you’re a LOTR nerd…you will be ALL EXCITED with trivia, questions about The Shire and the movies…all the movies, tv shows… etc. The food was a surprise but enough variety for everyone. We had a hardcore Vegan / vegetarian and she was able to clean her plate. I couldn’t because I just wasn’t a fan of the flavor
Operated by Bush and Beach