Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Tour from Auckland

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Auckland, New Zealand

2 days (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Fit more North Island highlights into two days and avoid the hassle of self-driving and planning logistics when you take a 2-day tour from Auckland. Admire thousands of glowworms in the twinkling Waitomo Caves, see where movie magic was made at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, and be in awe of the geothermal activity of Rotorua and Taupo. Overnight accommodation and hotel pickup are included, and the drive feels quicker with on-board commentary.

Includes 3-star accommodation or upgrade to 4-star
Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour
Admission to attraction on the itinerary is included
Ideal for travelers short on time on New Zealand's North Island

What's Included

Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
Entry Tickets - stated activities only
Accommodation
Bottled Water
Snacks

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

*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 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.

Operating hours
.6:00 am

Itinerary

Day 1

Explore Waitomo & Hobbiton

7 Stops

Auckland Central (Pass By)

Waikato Region (Pass By)

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hobbiton Movie Set

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Tirau (Pass By)

Rotorua

14 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: 1 night 3* double or twin share accom included in tour price. Option to upgrade at extra cost to single share

Meals: Not included

Day 2

Rotorua & Taupo

5 Stops

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Taupo

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Huka Falls

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Hamilton Gardens

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Auckland

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Not included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
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.

Solo travellers will be required to pay a Solo Surcharge for Accommodation (+$150 NZD)
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.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 36 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Experience exceeded our expectations

Robert_S, Mar 2026

As fans of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, we were eagerly looking forward to our tour of Hobbiton, which was even more exciting than we had anticipated. Trent, our driver and tour guide, put us in the mood by screening the movie for us as we travelled to Hobbiton. But I have to say that every other site we visited on the tour, the Waitoma Caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites with glowworms, the Thermal lakes and mud spots which truly looked like the setting for a science fiction movie, and the beautiful Hamilton Gardens were spectacular. Special thanks to Trent for being an awesome driver and tour guide.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora! It’s fantastic to hear your expectations were not just met, but exceeded! Trent will be thrilled to know the movie screening, his guidance, and all the stops along the way made the tour so memorable. From Hobbiton to the glowworm caves and geothermal wonders, it sounds like a truly epic two-day adventure. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Wonderful 2-day North Island NZ trip for a solo traveler

Leonore_L, Jan 2026

The driver/tour guide (Ben) with Cheeky Kiwi was awesome! The two days were packed with all the activities promised and then some. And the other tourists I ended up with were inquisitive, kind and fun to be with. Great for a solo traveler, or any travelers!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora It’s great to hear your 2-day North Island adventure was everything you hoped for—and more. Ben really knows how to keep a full itinerary running smoothly while making it fun and engaging, and it sounds like your fellow travelers added to the experience as well. Solo travel can be tricky, but a friendly group and a thoughtful guide like Ben make it a breeze. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Phenomenal tour!

Cindy_m, Nov 2025

We highly recommend taking this tour to see the beautiful highlights of New Zealand! We had a phenomenal tour guide Alec that kept us entertained and informed. Thank you!

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Kia ora Cindy, Thanks so much for the kind review! Great to hear you enjoyed the two-day tour and that your guide kept things fun and full of interesting info along the way. It’s an awesome route for showcasing the best of the North Island, so we’re glad it hit the mark for you. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Amazing experience and guide!

Mark_T, Nov 2025

It’s unreal how much can be squeezed into two days without it feeling rushed, but Cheeky Dave managed to do that with an excellent manner and friendly nature while ensuring everyone was on time and enjoying themselves. It was surreal being in the Waitomo caves, amazing being at Hobbiton, and spending the evening in Rotorua on the first day. The second day took in the Wai-O-Arapuni geothermal pools, Huka Falls, and lunch in Taupō, wrapping up with a leisurely walk around the Hamilton Gardens which was a great way to wind down after the two days. Dave’s commentary and demeanour were fantastic throughout, and went out of his way to book extra parts of the trip or swing by to see new places whenever we were ahead of schedule, he really went out of his way to make sure everyone had a great time and saw as much as they could. I really can’t recommend this tour enough, it was an amazing experience, and if you can then make sure to ask for Cheeky Dave!

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Kia ora Mark, What an awesome recap of your two-day adventure - thanks for sharing it! It’s great to hear how much you enjoyed the mix of glowworms, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupō and Hamilton Gardens, all without feeling rushed. Dave loves shaping the trip around the group whenever there’s a chance to squeeze in something extra, so he’ll be pleased to know that made the experience even better for you. We’d love to welcome you back for more exploring next time you’re in New Zealand. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Beautiful New Zealand

Dianne D, Sep 2019

nice driver. waitomo caves were were wonderful! Hobbiton would have been better if tour size was a bit smaller - hard to hear what guide was saying. But hobbit homes and bar were so cute. Recommend adding the Maory dinner and show! Bubbling mud and thermal pools are a wonder. Even the drive through the green hills was beautiful. Love New Zealand Great tour.