Auckland to Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo 1 Way Small Group Tour
Description
Explore the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves on this one-way small group tour from Auckland to Rotorua. Guided by knowledgeable locals, enjoy a day filled with picturesque landscapes, intriguing cave formations, and an immersive experience into the world of The Lord of the Rings. Capture photos of charming towns, witness the magical glowworms, and savor a complimentary beverage at the Hobbiton pub. Finish your adventure with a scenic drive through Rotorua's highlights before check-in at your accommodation. - Small group tour with passionate, expert guides - Visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves - Includes entry tickets, bottled water, and snacks - Duration: Approximately 13 hours, ending in Rotorua
Tour Options
Itinerary
Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. After learning about some local history we stop in the idyllic little town of Pirongia for a quick coffee break. Continuing our adventure we pass through Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi in this unique and charming town.
Arriving at our first feature attractions you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations, including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.
Arriving at our second feature attraction, Hobbiton, you will have time to buy lunch before boarding one of the big green Hobbiton buses. You then depart on a two and a half 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 step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.
Continuing our adventure we depart for Rotorua and pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
To complete the formal part of the tours first day we arrive in Rotorua and do a quick guided driving tour, seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. We then drop you off at your hotel to check in for the night (accommodation not included)
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point. You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each