From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch
About This Experience
After you pickup from your Downtown Auckland CBD accommodation (only), join this tour to visit two of New Zealand's most iconic and famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, on a day trip from Auckland. After pickup from your central Auckland hotel, travel south over the Bombay Hills for panoramic views of the Waikato Region and the scenic Hauraki Plains. You will then visit during your tour the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your guide will help you skip the crowds so you can explore the Movie Set on an official 2.5 hour tour including the fully themed Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row. Be escorted through the 10-acre site and learn fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill. Savor a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn. You will additionally visit the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the oldest attraction in New Zealand with the first guided tour undertaken in 1887. These 2 are the 2 most iconic and famous attractions in New Zealand. We also include a light kiwi-style lunch in the price of our tour. On the way, share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travelers. Glide silently by boat in the world-famous caves and be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms. Your guide will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored
Highlights
- Visit two of New Zealand's most iconic attractions in one day from Auckland
- Explore Hobbiton Movie Set — the actual filming location from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
- Float through Waitomo's famous Glowworm Grotto by boat under thousands of bioluminescent lights
- Enjoy a sit-down lunch between the two attractions in the scenic Waikato countryside
- Small-group tour (typically 8–12 guests) for a more personal experience
What's Included
- ✓ Round-trip transport from Auckland
- ✓ Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
- ✓ Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour
- ✓ Lunch
- ✓ Small-group experience
- ✓ Local guide throughout
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages at the Green Dragon Inn
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (Hobbiton involves walking across farm terrain)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (farm setting, can be wet)
- Sunscreen and hat for the outdoor Hobbiton tour
- Camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- Hobbiton allows no photography inside the Green Dragon Inn
- The day is long — around 12–13 hours door to door from Auckland
- Bring cash or card for optional drinks at the Green Dragon Inn
- Tour operates in all weather — Hobbiton is outdoors
Not Suitable For
- People with limited mobility (Hobbiton involves uneven walking paths)
- Very young children who may struggle with the full day
Meeting Point
Auckland city centre (various hotel pickup options — confirm exact point at booking)
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 2836 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
This was an exceptional trip! My aunt and I went on my birthday and it was a truly magical day! We had perfect weather at Hobbiton and our guide at the site (hi, Nathaniel) was great—he even got the tour group to sing me happy birthday at the party field! Our main guide and driver Tracey was knowledgable and full of fun facts about the area, and made sure that everyone was well looked after. The glow worm caves were quite beautiful and the guides there were also very knowledgeable. If you’re considering this trip, we would definitely recommend!!!
— , 2026-07
I was having the best time! As Lord of the rings fan, this is like a dream comes true. The whole trip was amazing. Our tour guide, Liam, took care of us really well. The itinerary and transportation were well-prepared. 10/10!
— , 2026-07
Going to Hobbiton was a dream come true for my partner and I. We had a wonderful day, the van was comfortable, and Danny was very knowledgeable about the areas we drove through.
— , 2026-07
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book both attractions separately?
No — this combo tour includes entry tickets, guides, and transport to both Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. Everything is arranged for you.
Can I start from Rotorua instead of Auckland?
Most tours depart from Auckland. Some operators offer Rotorua pickups — check individual listings. The tour ID 593737 specifically covers Auckland or Rotorua departure options.
What is the Hobbiton part like?
You spend roughly 2 hours walking the 44 hobbit holes with a guide who explains the film production history. It ends at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary drink. The setting is genuinely on a working farm and looks exactly like the films.
What order are the attractions visited?
Most itineraries visit Hobbiton in the morning and Waitomo Caves in the afternoon, then return to Auckland by evening. The exact order varies slightly by operator.
