What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• A must-do adventure

  Meghan B,Mar 22, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  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!

• Magical!

  Beth M,Mar 20, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  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.

• Hobbit in to Glow worms

  Gina N,Mar 18, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  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

• Exciting interesting and fun

  Theresa S,Mar 18, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Great and enjoyable so much to see and learn about the movies but also the area and history the little coffee stop was perfect and the tour of the movie set great and going to the Glowwarm Caves was interesting our driver was outstanding and knowledgeable and friendly thanks Damon I believe (sorry if wrong) but just outstanding don’t have to know the movie to enjoy this tour

• Very enjoyable experience.

  Victoria D,Mar 17, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  It was a long day but we enjoyed every minute of it! We got picked up from our hotel on time. The tour guide/driver Kelly was knowledgeable and a safe driver. The lunch was yummy and a great verity of choices. Both sites are super cool. I would highly recommend the tour!

• Great day! Hobbiton...

  Amanda M,Mar 13, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Great day! Hobbiton didn't disappoint. I didn't know that there were hobbit holes now to explore. The buffet lunch was tasty.

• Hobbiton with Bush and Beach

  dmtbBostonMa,Mar 10, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Our trip with Damien was wonderful. He provided non stop information about New Zealand culture and Māori history that provided a full understanding of this beautiful country. In addition he added interesting facts about Hobbiton and the glow worm caves that made visiting these stops even more exciting. Along the way he pointed out interesting features like Māori greeting poles, sanctuaries for the endangered bird life, how the land is used for sheep and dairy industry. It was one our favorite tours of many we took in New Zealand because of our guide I would highly recommend any tour with Bush and Beach and Damien. Bush and Beach were very helpful in ensuring correct pick up time and place and were able to easy change pick up location to accommodate our hotel. Personally we felt the glow worm caves were interesting but not worth a trip if not already going to Hobbiton or other stops or in the area already.

• Amazing guides and caretaking!

  guacamollie2427,Mar 9, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This tour was amazing! Our guide Damien was knowledgeable and engaging. He grounded us in New Zealand culture, politics, and history during our drives. I feel so much more connected to New Zealand now because of how well he taught us. That was on top of a very well run operation to hobbiton and the caves, which are already exceptionally memorable experiences. I came out feeling well taken care of and so happy we had such an amazing day! I’d definitely take this tour again.

• The first and best experience of our trip!

  Randy K,Mar 4, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  The drive to Hobbiton was interesting. Wayne is an interesting guy, with many of his own life stories to throw into the mix. Still cant figure how he could tke a poll to skip the rest stop on the way in yet said no way in the world would he put people on the spot with a poll on the way out. Hm. But the group guide at Hobbiton was a truly hilarious fellow that knew everything to know about LOTR. It was a fantastic experience...certainly the highlight of our 3 week stay in NZ. Great! Note: Thoughtful drivers also carry water.

• A great day of fantasy and reality

  Peter G,Mar 2, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  I'm a big Lord of the Rings fan, and I knew that this would be a fun experience, but I was unprepared for how amazing it would be. As we entered the "Shire" and Howard Shore's opening theme filled the bus along with Peter Jackson's welcome, I found myself in tears. That was quickly replaced with awe at the incredible work done by the gardeners and all the others who keep this entire Hobbiton village looking and feeling like it's being lived in at this moment. Even getting to enter and experience a complete interior of a Hobbit home! The stout is highly recommended, and lunch was delightful. Waitomo Caves was an entirely different experience, yet beautiful, and a powerful sense of geological age and nature. Chris was a wonderful host and guide, giving us tons of entertaining and educational information on the drives to and from Auckland. A long, but wonderful day.

  

  

  

  

  
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