Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland
Description
One day. Two worlds you won't find anywhere else. Above ground, step into the storybook setting of Hobbiton Movie Set, where rolling green hills and tiny Hobbit holes bring Middle-earth to life. Then head underground into the darkness of Waitomo, where thousands of glowworms turn the caves into a natural night sky. With lunch included and the journey taken care of, this is an easy way to fit two very different New Zealand experiences into one day from Auckland. While the destinations you will be visiting are spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life, sharing their stories and background knowledge, and run in modern minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and several farm animals along the way.
Arriving at the first feature attraction ‘Hobbiton’ you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses and depart on a two & 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’.
This stunning lake is home to one of New Zealand’s first hydro dams and where some of New Zealand’s great rowers come from. With viewpoints that have amazing views across the lake and countryside we believe it a great place for a quick break and some photos.
Time to recharge with a tasty lunch, included as part of your tour. Choose from a fresh selection of savoury bites to keep you going for the afternoon. Relax and enjoy the local flavours before continuing your adventure.
Arriving at our second feature attraction 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 glowworm 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.
Sadly after Waitomo we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland including secret stops along the way.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (SkyCity Hotel). 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 minutes 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 poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
- Due to uneven surfaces. steps & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users
Reviews(1,267)
The guides are very knowledgeable and provide an extremely enjoyable experience. You actually feel like you were visiting the Shire! I didn’t want to leave and go back to reality! 😂 10 out of 10 would recommend!
Booking a tour was well worth the time and stress it saved when I had only a short time to spend in New Zealand - didn't have to worry about any logistics and got to focus fully on enjoying the experience. Both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves were incredible, and our tour guide Dave really enhanced the experience by providing us lots of extra information about the area and letting us know what to expect during the day. It was also a nice opportunity as a solo traveler to get to meet some other friendly folks.
We had such a magical time at both place. Our guide Vikki was informative fun pleasant and personable! Wonderful person!
We had an absolutely wonderful day on the Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour from Auckland, including lunch. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves were amazing experiences and well worth visiting. A special mention goes to our driver and guide, Henoc, who made the whole trip even more enjoyable. He was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and very helpful throughout the day. Henoc provided interesting information along the way and made sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time. The tour was very well organised, the lunch was enjoyable, and the combination of Hobbiton and the Glowworm Caves made for a perfect day trip from Auckland. Highly recommended! If you are visiting Auckland and want to experience two of New Zealand’s must-see attractions, this is a fantastic tour. And if you are lucky enough to have Henoc as your guide, you’re in for an even better experience!
It was Awesome the drive is very scenic. Henoc who was our guide and driver was excellent. We will do this again.
Highly recommend. Bus is comfortable, takes you to hobbiton, lunch, and glow worm caves. Driver Ara was extremely knowledgeable and beyond friendly. Breaking down the cost of the tickets lunch and travel, it’s a steal. Both Hobbiton and glowworm caves were must see in Auckland
Excellent tour..hope u continue and be blessed
It was a great experience for someone going on a solo trip for the 1st time. The guide,Grant, was amazing and very knowledgeable. Besides the tour, the lunch selection was very good. Would definitely book with them again next time I come back.
Best day trip I’ve had in ages! Loved it. Hobbiton is amazing, and being able to explore a hobbit hole just adds to the whole thing. The glow worms put on a great show for us in Waitomo too. Hanoz was brilliant - an excellent driver, informative and great company. Lots of little extras too.
It was so much fun! Being there in person makes you wanna cry!
