HOBBITON & WAITOMO CAVES TOUR
TOUR DETAILS
One day tour from Auckland to the famous and magical Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set and breathtaking Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
On this tour you will be picked up from the hotel in our comfortable 12-seater mini-bus and driven through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, on a fully guided journey to Hobbiton. During the trip south you will encounter stunning scenery, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several different farm animals.
After our drive we will arrive at the Alexander family sheep farm and Shire's Rest, the entrance to Hobbiton, where you can see thousands of sheep, grab a bite to eat, get your coffee fix or enjoy an ice cream while we collect your tickets to the movie set.
Next, you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses to depart on your 2 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 you will step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the stories about the making of the movies and finishing your experience at the famous Green Dragon Inn for a cold beverage.
After your Lord of The Rings experience we continue west towards the stunning Waitomo region. There is a lot to see on the guided journey to Waitomo including hydro dams, beautiful farmland, race horses and the Kiwiana capital of New Zealand.
Before we get to the caves we will stop at the Waitomo homestead for lunch and a little surprise which we won't give away now.
Once in Waitomo you will explore the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns before descending even further underground for your glow-worm experience. Board your glow-worm boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of glow-worms unique for New Zealand for over 120 years above your head. Waitomo Glow-worm Caves are a must see for any traveller.
On the guided trip back to Auckland the sites continue with New Zealand's longest river Waikato, Huntly power station and the Maori Queens burial site.
HOBBITON MOVIE SET
Hobbiton Movie Set is an experience to tantalise the senses of visitors from all across the globe, as guests find themselves engulfed in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of The Shire, at the home of the Hobbits, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.
The extraordinary following that the movies have amassed has led to our tours becoming a must see while travellers are in New Zealand. The Hobbiton Movie Set is the only set that remains intact from the trilogies, and that allows our visitors to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of The Shire.
Visitors are given the once in a lifetime opportunity to see an iconic movie set in its full glory; from wandering the rambling paths of The Shire, to seeing the submerged Hobbit Holes that litter the rolling hillsides.
Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.
You will be taken around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you can sample our exclusive, specially brewed beverages to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.
WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES
World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.
The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. ousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.
THE GLOWWORM GROTTO BOAT RIDE
Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
Tour includes:
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Refreshments and snacks
- Beautiful scenic drive through the New Zealand countryside
- Professionally guided tour about New Zealand and the culture.
- Movie or entertainment during drive
- Entry tickets and guided tour of Hobbiton including a Beverage in the Green Dragon
- Entry tickets and guided tour of Waitomo Caves including a Glowworm Grotto boat ride
- Multiple stops to purchase food, buy souvenirs or take photos
- Guided tour back to the Hotel
- Free WiFi on transport :-)
Tour timings:
- Pick up: 6am
- Drop off: 6:30pm depending on traffic
- 12 - 13 hour tour
Payments accepted:
- Cash NZ Dollars
- US Dollars
- Debit card
- Credit card
- PayPal
Book Now!
Price is based on a minimum of 4 people per tour.
Discounts for larger groups or surcharges for smaller groups may apply contact us for more information.
If you want to go on a tour in less than 12 hours please call or message us.