Small-Group Tour: Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Exploration with Lunch from Auckland

263 Ratings

Auckland

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Embark on a small-group tour from Auckland to explore two iconic North Island destinations: Hobbiton and Waitomo. Discover the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves on this day exploration with lunch included.

Duration: 12 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Taupiri - Make a brief stop on your way to Hobbiton to enjoy a coffee and use the restroom if necessary (the cafe may vary depending on the day).
Hobbiton Movie Set - Participate in a group tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, followed by a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon. Afterwards, savor a delightful buffet lunch at the Party Marquee and…

What's Included

Admission to Hobbiton Movie Set & tour
Admission to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Buffet Lunch in Green Dragon Marquee
Inner City Auckland Hotel Pickup + Drop-Off
Shopping voucher at Hobbiton Gift Shop
In-vehicle air conditioning
GST (Goods and Services Tax)

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Additional Information

Discover two iconic destinations of the North Island on a day tour from Auckland.
Journey south from Auckland to Hobbiton. Upon reaching Shire’s Rest, embark on a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Explore 44 hobbit holes, the Mill, the double arch bridge, and the Party Tree. Capture a memorable photo at the gate of Bilbo’s house, “Bag End.” Conclude with a…

Location

SkyCity Auckland

Federal Street

If you have not confirmed an inner city hotel pick up time with us then our central meeting point is SkyCity Hotel entrance. Pick up from here is at 6.40am - If you are meeting here this will need to be confirmed with us. Please call to confirm the night prior - 0800 423 224

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

5.0

(263 Ratings)

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Leigh_r

Apr 8, 2026

Magical Day - We looked at 2 tours, but decided to do the small group with lunch, so glad we did! The lunch was excellent.

Review provided by Viator

Tania_o

Mar 30, 2026

Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves - 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.

Review provided by Viator

Carrie

Mar 30, 2026

Fun. Informative. Well organized. - As a LOTR fan, it was fun visiting the Shire. The glow worm caves really delighted us.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Carolina

Mar 30, 2026

It was a magical day - It was a wonderful day❤️, our tour guide Damian was the best. Great food, one of the best buffets I've tasted!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Meghan_b

Mar 22, 2026

A must-do adventure - 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!

Review provided by Viator

Beth_m

Mar 20, 2026

Magical! - 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.

Review provided by Viator

Gina_n

Mar 18, 2026

Hobbit in to Glow worms - 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

Review provided by Viator

Theresa_s

Mar 18, 2026

Exciting interesting and fun - 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

Review provided by Viator

Victoria_d

Mar 17, 2026

Very enjoyable experience. - 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!

Review provided by Viator

Amanda_m

Mar 13, 2026

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

Review provided by Viator

Check Availability

From $297

up to 10 guests

1 - Adult