Top Auckland Underground Tours

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton™ and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves rank among New Zealand’s top attractions. Visit both sites in one day on a small-group tour that includes hotel pickup, a delicious lunch, and personal attention from your guide. Avoid the hassle of self-driving from Auckland and admire scenic views en route. A must-do tour for nature and movie lovers short on time in the North Island.

Ideal for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” this tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves starts with a scenic drive through the Waikato countryside. Take an underground boat ride on the Waitomo River, then learn about movie-making history at Hobbiton. A picnic lunch and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn are included for your convenience.

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and Māori culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous small-group tour takes in both places in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport and hotel pickup from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites and glowworms at Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua’s attractions, including Te Puia Geothermal Park.

This convenient day trip visits two of the North Island’s most popular attractions from Auckland in a single day, which would be difficult if traveling independently. The small-group, fully guided mini-bus tour takes you to several natural wonders, such as rivers, natural geothermal pools, and glow-worm caves. Your guide will tell you all about the natural and cultural history, to help you better understand what you’re seeing.

Experience two of the North Island’s highlights on a small-group day tour from Auckland with hotel pickup. Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set for a guided tour of filming locations, ideal for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Then head to the Waitomo Caves and go underground to observe the resident glowworms. Enjoy a relaxed pace without the stress of self-driving from Auckland.

Explore the Waitakere Ranges and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views of the ocean and distant city. Learn about Māori history, stroll on the black-sand beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rainforest while you experience one of Auckland's largest regional parks.

Take in the highlights of New Zealand’s largest city on this half-day tour of Auckland and benefit from your guide’s commentary. Admire views of Auckland Harbour and drive over the Harbour Bridge; gaze out over the city from the top of Mt. Eden; and see spectacular views of the Mission Bay beaches—all in just half a day, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Spend an afternoon on a food and walking tour of Auckland, discovering parts of the city that most first-time visitors miss out on. Stroll past city architecture while nibbling on sweet and savory treats along the way with a guide who takes care of navigating. Visit local producers of artisan wine, beer, ice cream, and other world-class offerings from Auckland's finest food purveyors and learn more about Auckland’s culinary culture as you go.

Enjoy cycling around Auckland without the effort on an e-bike tour that helps you zoom up hills and travel smoothly on flat ground. Ride through the Auckland Domain, summit Mt. Eden, enjoy harbor views, and more. Travelers with varying fitness and cycling experience can ride together, making this a great family trip. Get fitted with a headset to listen to your guide’s commentary as you cycle.

Make the most of your time in Auckland on a small-group tour that crams all the city’s best bits into just one day. Cover more sights in less time as you're transported by air-conditioned vehicle, rather than focusing on the road as you drive yourself. Gaze over the coastal scenery from Achilles Point; see Auckland historic Mt. Eden, the highest volcano on the isthmus; and enjoy lunch in historic Riverhead.

Don’t risk a mediocre meal in Auckland with a local guide taking you to some of the multicultural city’s best eating spots. Sample the region’s freshest seafood, baked goods, and other tasty treats. Enjoy morning tea, a light lunch, and wine tasting; visit the Auckland Fish Market or a farmers’ market; and travel by minivan to key landmarks. Hotel transfers are included for added convenience.

See Auckland’s major sights and attractions with a hop-on hop-off city bus tour featuring informative audio commentary. Perfect for first-time visitors, it’s a great way to explore the city. The bus tour takes about an hour to complete. Enjoy the flexibility of a 1-day or 2-day pass, hop off at key points including Parnell Village, the Auckland Museum, or the Sky Tower, and stay connected with Wi-Fi on board.

Experience the best of New Zealand on full-day tour that combines two incredible destinations in one comprehensive tour. From Auckland, enjoy a scenic drive to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Once arrived, hop aboard one of the official Hobbiton buses and immerse yourself in the magic of Middle-earth. Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of the movie set, with fascinating insights and little-known facts provided by your guide. Explore the charming Hobbit Holes, admire The Mill and The Double Arched Bridge, and enjoy a complimentary drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) at the Green Dragon Inn. Next up, journey to Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Embark on a guided tour inside the Famous Waitomo Grotto—including a boat ride along the underground Waitomo River.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's "Middle-earth," where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films came to life. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transportation from selected locations in Auckland for your convenience.

Discover the picturesque countryside and farmland of Waikato on this all-day tour from Auckland. Visit the Waitomo Caves, which are known for limestone and glow worms. Following lunch, stop at Marokopa Falls and the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. You’ll also have the chance to go cave tubing and stop at the Otorohanga Kiwi House to see the native kiwi bird and tuatara reptiles.

Enjoy two North Island highlights on an easy day trip from Auckland. Avoid the hassle of self driving or taking public transport when you join a guided tour. Tickets to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves are included. Participate in guided tours of both attractions so you can learn more about the cultural and natural significance of these memorable places.

Experience the highlights of both of New Zealand’s main islands during this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch, or vice versa, without having to self-drive or plan complicated logistics. Admire glowworms at the Waitomo Caves, see the geothermal wonderland at Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa, take the ferry from Wellington to the South Island, then ride the Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura, where you spot whales. Includes accommodation in Rotorua, Wellington, and Kaikoura.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss this day trip from Auckland that combines two top North Island attractions: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and the Waitomo Caves. Enjoy a guided tour and picnic lunch at one of New Zealand’s largest pest-proof wildlife sanctuaries. Then, head to the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave for an underground tour. Escape the crowds as this cave is less-visited than some others.

Travelers short on time can visit two of the central North Island’s highlights on one easy day trip. From Auckland you’ll travel to the heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua, where you’ll check out the unmissable thermal attractions. Continue to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll take an underground boat tour to get up close to ancient stalagmites and stalactites. When the lights are turned out, experience the twinkle of glowworms.