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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 12 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Leigh_J ·
Apr 2026
This exceeded expectations! Pickup was smooth, Simon was a fantastic guide who really made sure to get to know each of us and made the tours so fun. Also, I didn't realize that lunch was included in the tour, and usually, when you get a lunch on a guided tour, it's pretty sh*t- but this definitely wasn't! The food was fantastic, and the tour experience overall was wonderful.
· Amanda_V ·
Apr 2026
A great way to spend a quick weekend in Auckland! Our guide, Pearl, was so much fun and extremely accommodating. She also taught us about the Māori culture. In addition to seeing Hobbiton and the Caves, the drive featured the stunning New Zealand countryside.

Overview

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.
  • Watch the views rather than the road with included hotel pickup
  • Hit two of the North Island’s most famous attractions in one day
  • Receive personalized attention on an intimate small-group tour
  • Lunch is included so you don't need to pack a picnic

What's Included

  • Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
  • Entry Tickets
  • Water available & snacks provided
  • Lunch
  • 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 (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.

Operating hours
.6:00 am

Itinerary

Auckland Central (Pass By)

Waikato Region (Pass By)

1

Hobbiton Movie Set

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

2

Karapiro

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Otorohanga

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

4

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

5

Auckland

5 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • 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.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can provide your own or one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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)

Featured review

Francie_S
It was an amazing tour experience. The tour was very well coordinated. Ben our driver was a very knowledgeable and animated driver and tour coordinator. The 2 hour ride from Auckland was pleasant with beautiful scenery. Rob the Hobbiton tour guide was excellent! He was very entertaining and animated and kept us laughing. We had Fish and Chips for lunch. Quite good! The cave with glowworms was also very good experience. I give this tour 5 stars👍

Reviews

4.9
based on 1,194 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Hobbiton and glow worms

Sherokee_R, May 2026
A must do! So easy to see some amazing things in New Zealand. Also provided lunch and so many options to pick from. Grant was our driver and guide and shared so many facts and gave clear directions for a great day.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much! We're thrilled to hear you had a wonderful day at Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves. It's great to know Grant made the experience so informative and enjoyable. We hope to see you again on another adventure! - GM, Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Would recommend 10/10!

Leigh_J, Apr 2026
This exceeded expectations! Pickup was smooth, Simon was a fantastic guide who really made sure to get to know each of us and made the tours so fun. Also, I didn't realize that lunch was included in the tour, and usually, when you get a lunch on a guided tour, it's pretty sh*t- but this definitely wasn't! The food was fantastic, and the tour experience overall was wonderful.

Never Seen the Movie, but Enjoyed the Odyssey to Hobbiton

Phillip_W, Apr 2026
It was a great 12 hour tour that even if you’re not a fan of the movie trilogy, you will definitely be pleased and entertained. Our driver Simon was an excellent tour guide who was courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable about New Zealand’s history and sites. He drove us through wonderful countryside settings that gave you a contrast between Auckland city sites and what is in the area just a few hours outside of the city. The lunch items that you can choose from are plentiful and delicious. He even managed to work in a morning coffee break that you could also pick up coffee, a danish or breakfast sandwich on the drive to Hobbiton. The only thing to be aware of that when you tour the glow worm caves after lunch, is that they do not allow photography or videotaping. The approximately 50 minute tour of the caves and boat ride out of the caves is very informative about the life of a glow worm and how the caves came to be discovered and created. Still worth the price of the ticket. Simon also provided countryside driving on the way back to Auckland and we managed to stop for refreshments of fine New Zealand homemade ice cream. I would say this is well worth your consideration and Cheeky Kiwi is first class in their operation. On my return trip to New Zealand I will definitely be booking tours through them.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Hi Phillip! We love that title — sounds like the real odyssey was the adventure itself! So glad Simon could make your Hobbiton and Waitomo experience so memorable, even without the movie background. That's the magic of the best Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves day tour from Auckland — it brings the world to life whether you're a diehard Tolkien fan or discovering it fresh. We hope to see you on another Cheeky Kiwi Travel adventure soon — there's plenty more of New Zealand's magic waiting for you!

Fantastic day out of...

Becca_P, Apr 2026
Fantastic day out of Auckland. Simon was a great tour guide who shared some of the history and let us stop off for some great coffee and ice cream

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thanks Becca! Simon is a legend and we love that he made the stops extra special with coffee and ice cream! That's exactly the kind of day we aim for on the best Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland. Hope to see you on another Cheeky Kiwi Travel adventure soon!

A great way to spend a...

Amanda_V, Apr 2026
A great way to spend a quick weekend in Auckland! Our guide, Pearl, was so much fun and extremely accommodating. She also taught us about the Māori culture. In addition to seeing Hobbiton and the Caves, the drive featured the stunning New Zealand countryside.

Hobbiton YES!! Waitomo Caves maybe not

Michael_M, Apr 2026
Grant with Cheeky Kiwi Tours was fabulous! He had a wealth of knowledge about Auckland specifically and New Zealand in general. He made this a very pleasant experience. Hobbiton was absolutely fantastic. James, our Hobitton guide, was very entertaining and answered every question our group had. Can't recommend seeing Hobbiton enough. Tours are very well organized and spaced apart to allow one to take photos without other people in the shots. Waitomo Caves, on the other hand were a bit underwhelming. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and the caves themselves are very cool, but the "glow worms" did not live up to the marketing. Five stars for Cheeky Kiwi Tours Six stars for Hobbiton. Two stars for Waitomo Caves. Overall, 4 stars.

What a great experience...

Edward_S, Apr 2026
What a great experience visiting the original Hobbit set of Lord of the Rings. The drive to the location was breathtaking and the additional visit to the glowworm caves was a delight

Very interesting trip,...

Leszek_O, Mar 2026
Very interesting trip, however the driver should undergo customer service training, maybe also a self-assessment process, mean-spirited man.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora! Thanks for your feedback. I’m glad you found the trip interesting, but I’m sorry to hear the experience with your driver didn’t meet expectations. That’s certainly not the standard we aim for, and we appreciate you bringing it to our attention. We’ll be following this up internally. We’d love the chance to provide you with a better experience in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Great Experience but……

Willie_B, Mar 2026
Hobbiton and Glow Worm cave were both amazing, as was our driver and guide, Mark. But it’s a long haul from Auckland out and back. About 7 hours of the 13 hour trip was spent driving in the van. Glad we did it but if you’re in Tauranga and can start there the drive time would be significantly less.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora! Thanks for sharing your experience. You’re absolutely right, it’s a big day out from Auckland, but it’s great to hear both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves made it worthwhile. Mark will be pleased to know his guiding helped make the journey enjoyable along the way. Appreciate the tip for future travellers as well, that’s helpful context for anyone weighing up their options. 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 🚌🥝

Awesome Tour

Francie_S, Mar 2026
It was an amazing tour experience. The tour was very well coordinated. Ben our driver was a very knowledgeable and animated driver and tour coordinator. The 2 hour ride from Auckland was pleasant with beautiful scenery. Rob the Hobbiton tour guide was excellent! He was very entertaining and animated and kept us laughing. We had Fish and Chips for lunch. Quite good! The cave with glowworms was also very good experience. I give this tour 5 stars👍

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora! Sounds like an awesome day all round! Great to hear Ben helped make the journey enjoyable with his knowledge and energy, and that everything ran smoothly from start to finish. It’s always a bonus when the Hobbiton guide brings a bit of humour too, and finishing off with the glowworm caves makes for a pretty memorable combo. 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 🚌🥝

Definite must for Hobbit fans

David_F, Mar 2026
Great for Lord of the Rings fans. There is a substantial amount of walking and doing this with some steep paths.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora! You’re spot on, it’s a must-do for Lord of the Rings fans. There’s definitely a bit of walking involved at Hobbiton, with a few slopes along the way, but it’s all part of exploring the set and taking in the scenery. 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 🚌🥝

A must do

Aditya_K, Mar 2026
Our tour to Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves was a great experience overall. Our guide, Cheeky Mike, was very knowledgeable, engaging, and made the trip enjoyable with interesting stories along the way. Hobbiton was beautiful and immersive, and the glowworms at Waitomo were magical. The only small downside was not being able to take photos or videos in the caves, which was a bit of a bummer. Overall, it was a very enjoyable tour and well worth doing while visiting New Zealand.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora! Sounds like you had a fantastic day exploring both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Mike will be pleased to hear his stories and knowledge helped make the journey enjoyable. Hobbiton really is something special, and the glowworms have a way of leaving a lasting impression too. You’re right about the cave photos. The no-photography rule can be a little disappointing, but it helps protect the glowworms and preserve that magical atmosphere for everyone. 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 🚌🥝

Gloworms, and Hobbits, and Ice cream, OH MY

steven_s, Mar 2026
Time went by fast on this all day tour. Sam provided interesting facts during the drive, and his music selection was perfect. Hobbiton was fun, and the guides did a great job showing off the Shire with its all detail and background. The glowworms were very interesting, and numerous. They lit up the cave ceiling. The lunch break was very good, especially if you like rugby (on the tv). And there was even an ice cream break, also very good. I'd definitely recommend this tour to these iconic sites.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora! So glad to hear the day flew by and that Sam’s commentary and music made the drive enjoyable. Hobbiton really is a special place, and it’s great the guides helped bring the Shire to life for you. Sounds like the glowworms, lunch, and even the ice cream break added the perfect finishing touches to the day. 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 🚌🥝

Hobbiton was a treat

Sandra_B, Feb 2026
Our guide Arahia was amazing and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed Hobbiton and had fun walking around. We found the worm caves a bit disappointing but the first part of the day was great.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora! Glad to hear Hobbiton was a real highlight and that Arahia made the day enjoyable with her knowledge. Sorry the Waitomo Caves didn’t quite hit the mark for you, but it’s great the first part of the tour left such a good impression. Thanks for sharing your experience, and we’d love to welcome you back for more Kiwi adventures. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Unforgettable experiences

Atish_C, Feb 2026
We had a phenomenal time on this tour on our last full day in New Zealand. The Hobbiton tour was very well done and was highly entertaining for the kids who were not even really into the movies. In the afternoon, seeing the glowworms from the boat in the cave was a magical experience. Richard did a great job explaining what we were planned to see and keeping us on time while making sure we had enough time to enjoy the experiences. There were many options for the included lunch, and everything our family shared was very tasty. This tour was definitely a highlight of our trip!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora! So glad to hear your last full day in New Zealand was such a memorable one! Hobbiton has a way of charming everyone, even kids who aren’t big movie fans, and the glowworms in Waitomo really are magical from the boat. Richard will be pleased to hear your feedback—he loves making sure the day runs smoothly while letting guests enjoy every moment. It’s great that the lunch options hit the mark too. 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 🚌🥝

Hobbiton adventure and a cave too

Christopher_P, Feb 2026
Two experiences in one. The first part of our tour was a must for any Lord of the Rings fan, a visit to the 'shire' used in filming of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies. Beautiful farm will not disappoint. Our guide told us some people visit without even having seen the movies, don't think you will get nearly as much of a thrill. The second part of the tour was the Waitomo cave. The cave glows due to the little worms on its ceiling, pretty cool. Our guide did a great job getting us to our destinations safely. Long drive for sure, but worth the trip.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora Christopher, Thanks for your review! Hobbiton really is a must for any Lord of the Rings fan, and it’s great to hear the Shire lived up to the hype. The Waitomo glowworm caves are a magical contrast, and it sounds like your guide made the full day smooth and safe despite the long drive. 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 🚌🥝

Hobbiton great, rest of your just OK.

Lynnee_B, Feb 2026
Hobbiton was fabulous, a must see. Waitomo Cave OK at best. I was the last person picked up so stuck in the last row that doesn't recline and can't hear the music. Next time I will find a smaller tour.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora, Thanks for being upfront with your feedback. I’m really pleased Hobbiton lived up to expectations for you. It’s a pretty special place. We do operate small group vehicles, but pickup order can sometimes influence seat choice. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts. It helps us look at how we can improve the overall experience, not just the destinations themselves. 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 🚌🥝

The ride both ways was...

xcdtmm4ppv, Feb 2026
The ride both ways was smooth and filled with interesting facts Liam shared about the surrounding areas and country. We even got some snacks throughout the trip which was great. Hobbiton was amazing and our guide was really good there. The worms were a bit disappointing but I think it depends on the guide you get.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m glad to hear the journey was smooth and that Liam’s commentary made the drive interesting. Those little extras along the way can make a long day more comfortable too. Great to know you loved Hobbiton. Sorry to hear the Glowworm Caves didn’t quite hit the mark for you. The experience there can vary a little depending on the guide and the conditions on the day, but we appreciate you being honest about it. Feedback like this helps set expectations for future travellers. 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 🚌🥝

Great day out!

Tom_B, Feb 2026
Great day out with 2 different but brilliant experiences. Liam the driver was so knowledgeable and a top guy - couldn’t recommend more.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora Tom, Great to hear you enjoyed the mix of experiences. Hobbiton and Waitomo are very different, but they work well together in one day. Thanks as well for the kind words about Liam. His knowledge on the road helps tie it all together and make the day feel seamless. 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 🚌🥝

Great Tour

momtag79, Feb 2026
An absolutely wonderful day! Our guide Liam was the best. Professional, Knowledgeable, friendly. It was a long day but so worth it. Highly recommended this tour.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora So glad you had a wonderful day with us! Liam really knows how to balance professionalism with friendliness, and it’s great to hear that made the long day enjoyable and worth it. 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 🚌🥝

Knowledgeable and Friendly guiding

David_M, Feb 2026
A wonderful excursion expertly managed by our knowledgeable and friendly guide. Hobbiton is a must see experience

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora! Great title, and it sums the day up nicely. We’re really pleased to hear the tour felt well managed and that your guide struck that balance of being friendly while still knowing their stuff. Hobbiton tends to win people over pretty quickly, even if you don’t arrive as a die-hard fan. It’s one of those places that’s hard not to enjoy once you’re there. Adding Waitomo into the mix usually makes for a pretty memorable day too. Thanks for travelling with us and for sharing your experience. We’d love to have you back out on the road with us again sometime. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Excellent day

Anne_M, Feb 2026
I would highly recommend this tour. Hobbiton is amazing. It’s a beautifully maintained property and the trip includes a gorgeous drive through the countryside. Our driver Grant was terrific.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora That sounds like a pretty perfect day out. Hobbiton really is something special, and the care that goes into keeping the set looking just right shows at every turn. The countryside drive is a nice bonus too. Those rolling farms are classic New Zealand and a great way to ease into the day. Lovely to hear Grant helped make the experience even better. Thanks for the recommendation and for travelling with us. 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!

Krista_D, Jan 2026
Pearl was a very friendly and informative tour guide and she drove safely and made us all feel safe. I sat in the front seat on the way back and we had a great conversation about New Zealand cultures and way of life. As wonderful as the tour was, I consider our discussion right up there with my favorite part of our holiday. Thanks Pearl! Kia Ora!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora, It’s fantastic to hear that Pearl made such a memorable impact on your day. Driving safely and creating a friendly, informative atmosphere is key, but those personal conversations about New Zealand culture and life really make the experience stick. Sitting up front and chatting with your guide can sometimes be just as special as the sights themselves, and it sounds like that was the case here. 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 🚌🥝

Overall amazing...

Corinne_C, Jan 2026
Overall amazing experience everything was planned down to the minute. Our driver and guide Pearl was amazing.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Kia ora! Sounds like a packed day that really hit the mark. Pearl has a great way of keeping everything on track while making it feel smooth and relaxed, so it’s fantastic to hear she made such a positive impression. Hobbiton and Waitomo together make for a memorable combo, and it sounds like you got the best of both. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and for choosing Cheeky Kiwi. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure soon. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Great job

CARRIE_R, Jan 2026
Our guide,Timmy, was great. He was personable and knowledgeable. He made plenty of stops in addition to the 2 main attractions. Hobbitown had some steps and uphill walking so be prepared. The cave was beautiful. It also has stairs and can be dark. Be careful. Lunch was much nicer than I was expecting. The food was substantial and there was a variety of choices.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Kia ora! Sounds like you had a fantastic day with Timmy guiding the way. It’s great he could share his knowledge while keeping things personable and making extra stops to enhance the experience. Hobbiton and the caves do have their stairs and ups and downs, so your tip is spot on for future travellers. Glad to hear lunch pleasantly surprised you too—it’s always nice when it hits the mark after a busy day. Thanks for sharing your experience and for choosing Cheeky Kiwi. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure soon. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Great tour!

alex_b, Jan 2026
Hobbiton was amazing, magical and real at the same time! Waitomo caves were interesting too. Our guide Ari was very good and provided a wealth of very interesting information about the places we visited and drove through.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Kia ora! So glad you enjoyed both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves—it really is a magical combination! Ari sounds like they made the day even better with all the interesting insights along the way. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

The combined experiences...

Eliana_M, Jan 2026
The combined experiences were well planned, very interesting and we would booked them again. Highly recommend The guides were all engaging.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Kia ora Eliana, We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the combination of Hobbiton and Waitomo! It’s great the day felt well-paced and engaging, and your kind words for the guides will make their day. Thanks for travelling with us, and we’d love to welcome you back for another adventure! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

What a fabulous day!

Gay_M, Jan 2026
Our Cheeky guide was amazing. We learned so much about the countryside and the history of New Zealand as well as the Mauri culture. The tour guide at Hobbiton had his Master in JRR Tolkien. He was awesome, as well as the Glow worms guide. super!!!!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Kia ora Gay, It sounds like you had a truly memorable day! We’re thrilled to hear the guides added so much to your experience, from the countryside stories to the Hobbiton details and the glow worm caves. A bit of extra knowledge really does make the day special. Thanks for travelling with Cheeky Kiwi, and we’d love to welcome you back for another adventure! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

Reckless Driver - Unsafe at any speed

Wayne_M, Jan 2026
Simon was very friendly initially but focused on honing his boy racer driving skills over safety. From the outset he seemed to delight in driving just as fast and as violently as he could picking up people from hotels in Auckland like he was in a hurry. There was no need as everyone was on time. I did say something to him but that seemed to just encourage him more. We had no choice except to hang on as he dashed around Auckland, hard braking, swerving and throwing us around inside the bus. It was unsettling but it got worse. At one point he was driving so recklessly and all over the place tossing us around like toys that the water bottles jumped out and instead of slowing down he kept driving and started looking down to grab them which resulted in him veering off course so alarmingly that one passenger yelled at him to keep his eyes on the road to avoid running us off the road. His violent driving made one passenger car sick a lot of the time. The worst part was his crazy driving to and from Hobbiton on narrow back country roads or as he called them his secret back roads. It was very unsettling and upsetting and had us on the edge of our seats and it was dangerous. On the drive back to Auckland he entered into a very loud conversation with Gloria, an America lady sitting in the front seat which we all had to listen to for hours, non-stop. So instead of Simon telling us anything about NZ he rabbited on criticizing parents and the soft way children were raised today and his opinion on politics all of which offended everyone on board, not to mention we had no choice but to listen to his nonsense and could not just relax and enjoy the ride. He followed too closely to other vehicles and when they braked or turned he slammed on the brakes while muttering something unflattering about THEIR driving skills. We felt unsafe and were relieved to be back in Auckland. The guy is an idiot. Unsafe at any speed. I even took a video of him as I could not believe what we were being subjected to for the money we paid. The guy is stupid and oblivious and should not be in charge of other's lives. I wanted to wait to calm down a week before writing this as I was too angry to be able to get my thoughts together and just wanted to punch him in the face at the end. My wife restrained me and told me to do and say nothing when we got out and our son felt sorry for him and gave him a $20 tip (for not killing us) Other people expressed their concerns to each other at all the stops but what could we do? WORST experience in NZ ever. NEVER AGAIN!

Cheeky Tours is the ultimate NZ experience!!!!

gloria_p, Jan 2026
Had a wonderful day with Simon with Cheeky Tours! Top notch service with a smile!!!! Very comfortable accommodation and very knowledgeable about the area!!!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Kia ora! That’s an epic title, thank you! Sounds like a cracking day out to Hobbiton and Waitomo. Simon has a great way of mixing local knowledge with a relaxed, friendly style, and it’s good to hear the comfort and service stood out too. Those tours always shine when the group brings a positive vibe along for the ride. We’d love to welcome you back for another New Zealand adventure in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝

From $231.27

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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On average, this is booked 67 days in advance.

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