Day trip · Auckland itinerary
Hobbiton, Waitomo & Rotorua: Best Day Trips from Auckland
Three of New Zealand's most iconic sights sit within easy reach of Auckland — the Shire of Hobbiton, the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves and the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Here is how to plan the ultimate day trip from Auckland, with the best-rated guided tours to Middle-earth, the caves and Maori country.
At a glance
- 1Guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set
- 2Boat ride under the Waitomo glowworms
- 3Rotorua geysers & Maori culture
- 4Scenic drive back to Auckland
Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set
About two hours south of Auckland, the Hobbiton Movie Set is the real filming location from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, nestled in the rolling green farmland of the Waikato. Guided walking tours lead you past the 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and the Party Tree, with plenty of stories from the productions. Small-group day tours from Auckland include round-trip transport and often a lunch on site.
