Auckland to Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Day Tour

Highlights

• Be fascinated as the magical world of Hobbiton comes to life on a 2-hour tour
• Take photos in front of Hobbit Holes and around the Shire
• Enjoy a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at the Green Dragon Inn and taste a Kiwi-style cafe lunch at the Shire's Rest Cafe
• Be captivated by the thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the spellbinding tour of the iconic Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Description

Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand's most iconic and famous attractions, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set, in one easy small-group day trip. This tour begins in Auckland and drops you off in Rotorua. After picking you up with your luggage from your central Auckland accommodation, travel south over the Bombay Hills for panoramic views of the Waikato Region and the scenic Hauraki Plains. This route takes you on the scenic routes most of the day, rather than the motorways, to showcase the stunning landscape, fauna, and flora of this region. Arrive at the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Be in awe of the limestone formations, the stalactites, and stalagmites. Then glide silently by boat in the world-famous caves and be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms. Your guide on the 45-minute tour will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave, famous for its acoustics. Afterwards, travel to the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the home of the Hobbiton movie set. Enjoy a Kiwi-style lunch at The Shire's Rest. Then, your guide will help you skip the crowds so you can explore the movie set on an official 2-hour tour. Be escorted through the 10-acre site and learn fascinating details of how the Hobbiton movie set was created. See the 44 Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Mill. Savour a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at the Green Dragon Inn. The trip then takes you through some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside before arriving in Rotorua. The day concludes with a drop-off at all central Rotorua hotels, or a central Rotorua location for those staying outside the central business district.

Includes

Hotel pickup (downtown Auckland) and hotel drop-off (downtown Rotorua)
For those staying outside the Downtown areas, central pickup and drop-off places are available
Luggage transported
Transport
Local driver guide with fully descriptive commentary
Small-group tour
Entry and approximately 45-60 minutes guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Kiwi-style café lunch at the Shire's Rest Café
Entry and 2-hour guided tour of Hobbiton movie set
Complimentary ale, stout, cider or ginger beer at the Green Dragon at Hobbiton

Important Information

• Note that hotel pickups operate from downtown Auckland and drop-offs at downtown Rotorua hotels only
• For those staying outside downtown areas in either Auckland or Rotorua, central pickup and drop-off locations are available
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• The minimum age for the tour is 4 years
• A small amount of easy walking is involved, please wear comfortable footwear
• The tour operates in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately
• This is a small group activity with a maximum of 11 participants and requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund