• Auckland Central - Departing from Auckland, the journey heads south over the Bombay Hills, offering elevated panoramic views of the Waikato Region. The route continues across the scenic Hauraki Plains to Matamata, home to the Hobbiton Movie Set.
• Hobbiton Movie Set - The tour begins on a picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with stunning views of the Kaimai Ranges. A guide will lead the way through the 10-acre site, sharing intriguing details about the creation of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Visitors can see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, and other structures, witnessing how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into the Shire from Middle-earth. Guests can explore inside the newly constructed, fully themed Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row. Complimentary specially brewed beverages are available at the Green Dragon Inn to conclude the tour. Afterwards, enjoy a classic light “Kiwi” style lunch at the “Homestead,” sharing stories from Hobbiton and engaging with fellow travelers.
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves - The journey continues to the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Be captivated by thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat through the world-famous caves. The 45-minute tour is often led by a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the caves, offering insights into the area’s remarkable history. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave, renowned for its acoustics.

The return trip to Auckland takes you through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside, following the majestic Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand, part of the way back to Auckland. The journey passes Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori King, and Taupiri, with its sacred Maori burial ground.

To conclude the day, guests will be returned to their hotel in the Auckland CBD.

• Small-group tour (11-16)
• Light Kiwi café-style lunch
• Local taxes
• Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Auckland City
• Local driver/guide

• Food and drinks, unless specified

Embark on this tour to explore two of New Zealand’s renowned attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, all in a convenient day trip from Auckland. Experience the newly extended Hobbiton Experience (now 2.5 hours), where you can step inside a fully themed Hobbit Hole. Discover the interior, complete with an entry hall, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, equipped bathroom, parlour, and a cozy fireplace. Be enchanted as the enchanting world of Hobbiton comes alive, and capture photos at iconic spots like the Hobbit Holes, the Shire, and the Green Dragon Inn. Next, visit the World Famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and be mesmerized by the thousands of glowing glowworms illuminating the Grottos, along with the stalactites and stalagmites, as you glide silently through the cave by boat. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way as we travel off the motorways into New Zealand’s true hinterland. All admission fees and a café lunch are included.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• A maximum of 14 people per booking (We can provide this tour to groups larger than 14 by discussions with Viator and ourselves)
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Not Wheel-Suitable Friendly as these are walking tours
• We can provide NZ Safety Approved Child Car Seats and Booster Seats. We do not provide strollers or infant back packs
• We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland; only the Downtown CBD and 1 location in South Auckland for those staying near the airport-The Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau
• There is no photography allowed in the area of the Caves where the glowworms are as the glowworms react negatively to flashlight and will turn their lights off and they then take 2 hours to return to their full luminescence.
• Tour leaves Auckland at 6:30am with everyone on board-the pickups occur across the CBD in the 25 minutes prior to that

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.