Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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
- Fully Guided Small Group Tour with local driver/guide
- Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off in Auckland CBD (select locations only)
- LunchSit down - free choice from a set menu
- Water & snacks provided
- Booster seatSafety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
- Admission Fee - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Admission Fee - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Restroom on board
- Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
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.
Start time.6:00 am
Itinerary
Auckland Central (Pass By)
Waikato Region (Pass By)
1
Hobbiton Movie Set
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Karapiro
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Otorohanga
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
5
Auckland
5 minutes • Admission 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.
- 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
- 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
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 1,267 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Debra_B, Sep 2026
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!
V_M, Sep 2026
We had such a magical time at both place. Our guide Vikki was informative fun pleasant and personable! Wonderful person!
Faizal_M, Sep 2026
It was Awesome the drive is very scenic. Henoc who was our guide and driver was excellent. We will do this again.
Vevee_N, Sep 2026
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
Nick_M, Aug 2026
Liam was the most amazing tour guide! He is a lifelong New Zealander, and was passionate about sharing the culture and history of his country. (yes, hobbiton and waitomo were amazing too, but the true gem of this tour was Liam and the education he gave us along the very long drive.) We finished the tour with a much greater appreciation for NZ, and left us wanting to return soon to see more!
Brenna_A, Aug 2026
This was a well-planned and fun experience. Our tour guide Simon was funny, nice, and knowledgeable. The Hobbiton movie set tour was detailed and well worth the travel from Auckland. Simon took us on roads less traveled so we could see lovely countryside. The glow worm cave tour was brief but interesting; the boat ride was clearly the best part. We also had a fabulous lunch included and stopped a few times for coffee and ice cream. Although it was a long day, it really didn't feel that way and we had good conversation, some laughs, and a great time overall.
Varvara_V, Aug 2026
We had a fantastic day with Cheeky Kiwi visiting both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It’s a long day, but absolutely worth it.
Hobbiton was beautiful and incredibly well done, even if you’re not a huge Lord of the Rings fan. The Waitomo Caves were equally impressive.
Everything was well organized and the day flowed smoothly without feeling rushed. Our Cheeky Kiwi guide, Liam, made the journey fun and interesting and added a lot to the overall experience.
A memorable day and an excellent way to see both Hobbiton and Waitomo from Auckland. Highly recommended!
Stelios_M, Aug 2026
Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo caves were beautiful. Scenic places. Liam is a terrific guide and driver
Lee_S, Jul 2026
Both locations were wonderful and I am so glad I booked this. I was only in NZ for two nights, and doing this on the one full day I had was totally worth it.
You will be traveling in a small bus, and you will want something to do while being driven between locations. Maybe a battery pack too. The driver made sure we had water, and stopped for coffee soon into the trip.
Colin_H, Jul 2026
Hobbiton is like a mini Disneyland. Waitomo glow worm is one of a kind. Truly amazing. Highly recommended
Laura_S, May 2026
This tour was excellent from start to finish. Our guide, Ark, was absolutely incredible. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and shared so many interesting insights throughout the day that made every stop even more meaningful.
We especially appreciated all the little extras he provided, snacks, water, helpful tips for each tour, and even fun quizzes along the way that kept everyone engaged.
The tours themselves were amazing, well organized, and gave us plenty of time to enjoy each location without ever feeling rushed. The pace was perfect, and we learned so much along the way.
Highly recommend this tour, and if you get Ark as your guide, you’re in for a fantastic experience!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for this wonderful review, Laura! Ark will be absolutely thrilled to read your kind words and we could not be prouder of the experience he put together for your group. Those little extras really do make all the difference. We hope to welcome you back on another Cheeky Kiwi adventure someday!
Ellen_B, May 2026
It’s a very wonderful experience. I haven’t read the book nor watch the movie but because of this experience I would like to watch it now. It’s such a beautiful place. Our guide, Hanoz is awesome.
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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 🚌🥝
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