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Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland

Badge of ExcellenceAuckland Central, New Zealand
Likely to Sell Out

From US$214.86

Price varies by group size

Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Auckland Tours
All Auckland Tours
Audio Guides
Likely To Sell Out
Private and Luxury
Unique Experiences
  • 11 hours (approx.)
  • Hotel pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Visit a pair of New Zealand's must-see attractions with this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit Holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a Kiwi-style lunch. In the afternoon, explore Maori myths and history on a boat ride through mesmerizing caves lit by thousands of glowworms, and finish with a drive through some of the North Island’s most majestic scenery.
  • Full-day combo tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves from Auckland
  • Enjoy a Kiwi-style lunch
  • Includes round-trip transport from Auckland CBD hotels
  • Small group limited to 14 ensures personal service

What's Included

  • Small-group tour (maximum of 14)
  • Kiwi café-style lunch
  • Local driver/guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Auckland City
  • Local taxes
  • Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Food and drinks, unless specified

Meeting And Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

06:30 AM

Pickup details

All centrally Located Auckland hotels, BNBs, Backpacker Hotels in the Central Business District. Any of the following or others(not mentioned) in the Central Business District Adina Apartments Amora Ascotia off Queen Auckland City Hotel Auckland Harbour Oaks and Residences Backpackers-all CBD locations Barclay Suites City Life Copthorne Cordis Crowne Plaza De Bretts Dilworth Econolodge Empire Apartments Fable Hotel Grand Chancellor Grand Mercure Grand Millennium Haka Hotel & Suites, 2 Day Street (only) Haka Lodge Heritage Hilton Holiday Inn Express, CBD Ibis City (Wyndham) Jucy Snooze Kiwi International Mercure Auckland, 500 Queen St Metropolis (Avani Metropolis) MSocial President Hotel Princes Wharf Apartments Pullman Quadrant Hotel & Suites Quest (all CBD locations) Ramada Rydges Scenic Sebel (both Viaduct Harbour and Quay West) Sky City Grand Sky City Hotel Sofitel Stamford Plaza Star Park Apartments, 30B Swanson St Star Queen Apartments, 438 Queen Street Star Victoria Apartments, 64 Federal Street Swiss bel Suites Voco VR Auckland City VR Queen Waldorf (Nesuto) -all in the Downtown CBD area Waterloo Quadrant YHA Backpackers

What To Expect

Begin the memorable day with pickup at your hotel in Auckland’s Central Business District, and head south over the Bombay Hills and across the Hauraki Plains to a sheep farm in Matamata, better known to J.R.R. Tolkien fans as the Shire. On a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, see recognizable scenery created for the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' films and learn the secrets and stories behind the creation of Middle-earth. Take in stellar views of the Kaimai Ranges as you visit meticulously crafted sets including Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn, where you can even enjoy a specially brewed drink fit for a Baggins.

After the tour, trade Hobbit trivia with your fellow travelers over a Kiwi-style lunch.

Next, embark on an underground adventure at the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny worms illuminate caverns thanks to natural phosphorescent properties. Watch the mesmerizing natural light show while gliding through the cave on a boat, and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history from a guide—likely a descendant of the Maori chief who originally discovered the caves. You also explore on foot Cathedral Cove, known for its impressive acoustics.

On the return drive to Auckland, travel through some of the North Island’s most beautiful countryside, following the Waikato River (New Zealand’s longest), and passing both the Maori king’s home at Ngaruawahia and Taupiri, site of a sacred Maori burial ground. The full-day tour concludes with drop-off back at your hotel in the evening.

Auckland Scenic Tours (Pass By)

After leaving Auckland you will travel south over the Bombay Hills as you get elevated panoramic views of the Waikato Region and travel across the scenic Hauraki Plains to Matamata, the home of Hobbiton Movie Set.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Begin with a tour through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 10 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into the Shire from Middle-earth. Complimentary specially brewed beverages are available at the Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour Afterwards, enjoy a very “Kiwi” style lunch at the "Homestead" and get to share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travellers.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age is 4 years
  • A maximum of 14 people per booking (We can provide this tour to groups larger than 14 by discussions with Viator and ourselves)
  • A small amount of easy walking is involved
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

See more

Traveler Tips

While it is an early pick up, don't let it deter you from this tour!
Try and leave as early in the morning as you can to avoid the crowds.
Reviews
5.0
903 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 903 reviews
Great guides
Ian_R, Jan 2023
Both Hobbiton and the fireflies very good, guides very good and knowledgeable, all in a very good day out from Auckland
Cathartic!
Kami_H, Jan 2023
I loved Hobbiton so much! I even got to reenact Bilbo running and yelling “I’m going on an adventure!” That is my life motto. Such a neat environment and safe and exciting feeling!
Don’t miss!!!
Nadne_L, Jan 2023
The trip to see the movie set of the hobbit was a fantastic experience. We learned about movie making and were able to see the hobbit holes plus get a lovely drink at the green dragon.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
We agree " Don't miss it." This is a must do 1 Day return excursion from Auckland. Our tour (including lunch)enables you to see the 2 most famous and iconic attractions in New Zealand. And yes, included in our tour is a yummy complimentary ale, stout, cider or non-alcoholic ginger beer at the Green Dragon. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour
Book this tour!
Patricia_S, Jan 2023
What an amazing day! Our tour guide Mike really went out of his way to make our day special! The tour ran so smoothly and never felt rushed! The highlight was the caves, absolutely stunning and seeing hobbiton (non LOR fan) topped it off! You have to book this!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Love your headline "Book This Tour." Like you, I marvel at the natural beauty of the Caves. They are simply awe-inspiring. Is there any better place to be than in the boat on the river gliding silently through the caverns of the Caves and you look aloft and you see the thousands of glowworms shining down on you? We think not. It was a privilege and pleasure to host you. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour.
It was very interesting...
Rena_T, Jan 2023
It was very interesting when the guides brought us around the movie set, linking the places and hobbit holes to actual scenes in the movie. Avid fans would certainly enjoy the experience. The Waitomo caves were spectacular, only it was a pity that photography was only allowed in certain parts of the caves to protect the glowworms.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you for sharing these lovely comments about our tour. Like you I think the Caves are spectacular. You are right that the glowworms react negatively to both sound and light; so in that part of the Caves you cannot take photos as the glowworms will turn their lights off; so what you came to see , you won't see and it takes then about 2 hours for them to return to their full luminescence. So your best camera there, are your eyes, and in many ways this makes this experience even more awe-inspiring. It was a privilege hosting you. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour.
Perfect day trip from Auckland
Richard_D, Jan 2023
It was a great day, and Danny was an amazing driver. He was very personable, made sure everybody had what the needed, and went above and beyond. Hobbiton and the Glow Worm caves were amazing, everyone at both tours were personable, service oriented, and organized. It’s a long day, but the stops are well spaced so you don’t feel it. Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you. We want to ensure that from the moment we receive your booking to when we finally say goodbye that the communication, processes and the tour itself is seamless. We want you to sit back and let us take care of all the details and be in the care of one of our highly professional, knowledgeable and affable guides. Yes, we place safety and service as paramount on any of our 20 tours. You clearly experienced that which pleases ever so much. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour.
We loved it
Andrew_W, Jan 2023
We loved this tour, but especially Hobbiton. Neither of us are huge fans of LOTR movies, so we expected this to be kind of cheesy. We were blown away by the tour and the landscapes around it. It was fantastic. The only thing I would add is the glow worm caves portion of the trip was just OK. If we could have just done the Hobbiton portion and skipped the glow worms, it would have been better. Finally, our tour guide Danny was fantastic. He did a great job.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
You are right. You don' t have to be an LOTR fan. Half the visitors to Hobbiton have never watched any of the movies or read any of the Tolkein books. You don't have to have done either to marvel at this truly enchanting and well manicured landscape. Thank you also for the lovely comments about one of our tour guides. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour.
Danny was great! Really...
Tracey_M, Jan 2023
Danny was great! Really fun day! Very efficiently run but didn’t feel rushed. Both attractions were really cool.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you! Our tour guide clearly ensured that you would have a very, very special day. I can sense that from your comments. We appreciate also your comments on the way our Company has organized our tour. It was a privilege hosting tour. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour
Fantastic tours
Theresa_H, Jan 2023
The drivers & guides were outstanding, especially our driver who picked us up At the hotel & transported us throughout the day. The Hobitt location was larger than expected. We were glad they did not try & turn it into Disneyland. The glow worms were astonishing.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you. You experienced first hand why our tour guides are so renowned. We believe that every one of our tour guides in our team are the same. Highly knowledgeable, professional and affable. Our tour is as you mention :Fantastic tours" and is a must-do tour. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour.
Martin, our guide was...
Philip_A, Jan 2023
Martin, our guide was great. Very knowledgeable, friendly and kind. He offered awesome advice and suggestions for our travels.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
We really appreciated you commenting on one of our tour guides. We believe our tour guides add extraordinary value to the experience of our guests. You experienced that first hand. Best wishes for 2023 and for choosing our tour.
Uplifting to the soul and spirit
Mary_C, Jan 2023
This trip is so worth the time. And our guide Alex was the perfect match for the experience. He was full of local knowledge on many topics and gladly answered all our questions. Hobbiton was magical. Walking through was so peaceful. Even non Lord of the Rings lovers will enjoy it. Glow worm caves were amazing. When everyone in the boat is silent, just staring at the ceiling transports the spirit.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
I love your headline " Uplifting to the soul and spirit." Isn't our tour just so magical. I can just picture you in the boat on the river as you glide silently through the caverns of the Waitomo Caves, absolute silence, and you look aloft; yes, your spirit is transported; you are transfixed in awe; is there any other better spell-binding natural phenomenon? You are right about Hobbiton. Isn't this such an enchanting environment regardless of whether you are a LOTR fan or not; you don't have to be. We thank you also for your lovely comments about one of our tour guides. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour and best wishes for the rest of your stay in New Zealand. It was a privilege hosting you.
Everything at Hobbiton...
Barbara_G, Dec 2022
Everything at Hobbiton and the Glow worms caves. Wonderful experienced of both places. Couldn't faulty either place.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thank you for these lovely comments about our tour and your comment " Wonderful experienced of both places. Couldn't faulty either place." isn't our Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour (incl lunch) the perfect 1 Day return excursion form Auckland. In 1 day, you experienced the 2 most famous and iconic attractions in New Zealand. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour. Best wishes for Xmas and 2023.
Wonderful Experience
ChiTownToy, Dec 2022
Danny was an excellent tour guide. Very informative of the sites we saw along the way. I also liked that he explained what we should expect when we left him to go with the other tour guides, so there was never a moment of confusion. He provided commentary along the way and I felt it was the proper amount. Not too much talking and not too much silence for the long drive.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Love your head line "Wonderful experience," We pride ourselves on having the most professional, knowledgeable and affable guides. You experienced that first hand. We want you to just sit back in the comfort of one of our Mercedes and let our tour guides take care of all the little details as clearly happened on your tour. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour. Have a great Xmas and best wishes for 2023.
Magical
Himal_M, Dec 2022
Really well organised. The guide, Matt, was brilliant. Super knowledgeable and very friendly. Hobbiton has to be seen to be believed and there’s real passion behind it, you can tell from the people running the place. Similarly for the Waitamo caves. Magical. All round amazing day tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
You are right. Both of these attractions are "magical" and yes we agree that everyone is so passionate about want to share and showcase these attractions. We really appreciated the comments about one of our tour guides. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour. Have a great Xmas and best wishes for 2023.
Don't miss this one!
Sally_M, Dec 2022
Danny, our guide gave us a wonderful experience!! He is very knowledgeable of the area and offered a lot of information on the two sites we were going to as well as New Zealand in general. The two hour ride was very scenic and informative. I'm glad to have taken a tour which covered so much of the countryside. Danny is an excellent guide who is friendly, respectful and attentive. The van itself is clean, comfortable and accommodates a small group. (I'm sure other guides are also good but Danny was exceptional.) Viatour was wonderful to deal with. Easy to book and quickly responded to my email questions in a timely manner with concise information. The value was definitely there for cost!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
We agree that if you are in Auckland, our Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour (including lunch) is a Must Do Tour! From the moment we receive your booking till the time we say goodbye, we want to ensure that our communication and your arrangements are seamless, as you experienced. Add in one of our knowledgeable, professional guides and you will have, as you mention, a very good value-for-money tour. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour. Have a great Xmas and best wishes for 2023.
Worth it
Anne_O, Dec 2022
Glow worms Ale at green dragon Hobbit houses The drive there was very nice seeing the country side as well All the people were very nice
Response from Host, Dec 2022
We believe that every one of our 20 tours are excellent value-for-money and none more so than our Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves Combo Tour including lunch. We are so pleased to read that you loved the route that we have specially designed for our tour. As our name, Auckland Scenic Tours suggests, we have designed all our tours so that we always take the scenic routes. So many of our guests say that this is like another attraction in itself. For us, this is important as we get right off the motorways for most of the day and on to the quaint country and rural roads. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour.
Hobbiton & Caves
Christina_T, Dec 2022
Our guide was incredible! Great drive, funny, kind and was very good and taking photos for us and making sure we all stayed together.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
You experienced how and why a highly knowledgeable and experienced guide can totally enhance your experience to the 2 most famous and iconic attractions in New Zealand. You experienced that first hand. We believe every one of our guides are similarly. And yes, expert photographers! Thank you for choosing our tour.
Great experience and...
NICOLE_H, Dec 2022
Great experience and service! Danny was my guide and he was very professional and helpful! The car is clean and comfortable. Great value for money! Definitely would do it again!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Yes, we want you to sit back in the comfort of one of our Mercedes-Benz and let one of our knowledgeable tour guides take care of all the little details as you experienced. We agree that every one of our 20 tours is outstanding value-for-money. Add in one of our tour guides and our tour to the 2 most famous and iconic attractions in new Zealand is a "Must-Do" whilst you are in Auckland. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour.
Breathtaking, magical, and unforgettable
Rajat_K, Dec 2022
Easily one of the best experiences I’ve had in any of my travels. It didn’t even bother me that we had to wake up very early, because I was so interested in everything our tour guide Danny said, that I was wired awake. Hobbiton and the Glowworm Caves were both magical experiences. The pictures I took of Hobbiton cannot do it justice. You have to go and see it yourself. Unfortunately, there were no pictures allowed in the caves. However, this ended up being for the best. Because of the darkness in the cave, you need a really good camera to properly capture it. Plus, you risk making the Glowworms go inactive from the light on your phone. This also was a good thing because the experience of complete silence while staring at the glowworms is one you don’t want to miss or get distracted during. Highly recommend this experience to everyone, especially LotR fans. A big thanks to Danny for making this happen!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thank you so much for these lovely comments. Yes, it is an early start on our tour but you now realize why as not only do we beat the early morning peak hour traffic out of Auckland, but you miss the crowds at Hobbiton as you are booked on one of the first tours of the day before the thousands and thousand of visitors arrive; in essence you have the Movie Set to yourself. Thank you for your lovely comments also about one of our tour guides. We pride ourselves on having the most knowledgeable guides in our industry and you experienced that first hand. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour.
The tour was very good....
Sandra_P, Nov 2022
The tour was very good. It started and finished on time. The caves were amazing. Danny was very friendly and gave us good advices.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you for these lovely comments about our tour and one of our tour guides. Yes, you are right that our tour guides give our guests special guidance and advice that has a marked impact on their enjoyment. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour and best wishes.
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