Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch
Recommended by 92% of travelers
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Auckland, New Zealand
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Visit two top North Island attractions without having to self-drive
- Have your photo taken in front of a hobbit hole at Hobbiton
- An easy way to get out of Auckland and experience rural New Zealand
- Enjoy expert guided tours at each location to learn more
What's Included
- Transport by luxury coach
- LunchPicnic Lunch
- Pick up from selected hotels - please call to book
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Restroom on board
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 102 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
The meeting point is the InterCity Bus Terminal
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.7:45 am
Itinerary
After hotel pickup in Auckland, enjoy a scenic drive through the North Island’s rolling hills and lush farmland. Listen to your guide’s commentary as you travel through the Waikato and King Country regions, and learn of the colonial history between British settlers and Māori.
Upon arrival in Waitomo, you’re taken to the noteworthy Waitomo Caves for a guided tour. Descend underground into the limestone caverns to view stunning stalactites formed over centuries. Drift along the Waitomo River during a short boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where a breathtaking display of tiny illuminated lights glow in the darkness. Discover the mystery behind the luminescence of thousands of glowworms before enjoying a provided picnic lunch.
Your day trip continues across the Kaimai Ranges toward Matamata, where you’ll visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, a working sheep farm and significant filming location for "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" movie series, all of which were filmed throughout New Zealand. Discover how the site was transformed into JRR Tolkien’s The Shire, home of Bilbo Baggins and his fellow hobbits. Have your photo taken in front of a hobbit hole and see the pond, the mill, the Green Dragon Inn, and more.
Upon arrival in Waitomo, you’re taken to the noteworthy Waitomo Caves for a guided tour. Descend underground into the limestone caverns to view stunning stalactites formed over centuries. Drift along the Waitomo River during a short boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where a breathtaking display of tiny illuminated lights glow in the darkness. Discover the mystery behind the luminescence of thousands of glowworms before enjoying a provided picnic lunch.
Your day trip continues across the Kaimai Ranges toward Matamata, where you’ll visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, a working sheep farm and significant filming location for "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" movie series, all of which were filmed throughout New Zealand. Discover how the site was transformed into JRR Tolkien’s The Shire, home of Bilbo Baggins and his fellow hobbits. Have your photo taken in front of a hobbit hole and see the pond, the mill, the Green Dragon Inn, and more.
1
GreatSights
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Hobbiton Movie Set
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 848 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Waitomo cave is absolutely beautiful, and I learned a lot while I was there. The Hobbiton Movie Set was everything I ever dreamed it would be. The attention to detail is amazing, even down to the restrooms. And the tour guides at every turn were amazing. On the bus, our guide kept us entertained and informed and I learned so much about the history of New Zealand.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Kia Ora Leslie,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're pleased to hear you enjoyed both Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton. We're also glad your driver kept the drive engaging and gave you a deeper insight into New Zealand's history along the way. Thanks for travelling with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Love the tour. Amazing . The staff was very professional, everything was on time and just a must do!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Kia Ora Ruben,
Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed visiting Hobbiton and Waitomo. We appreciate your recommendation!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Exciting day! The caves and the glow worms were once in a lifetime to see. Hobbiton and the entire experience was fascinating. Whether you saw the movies or not, it’s a definite must see. Rachael, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The information provided was detailed and informative. Great day! Thank you!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such an exciting day exploring Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Both experiences showcase some of New Zealand’s most unique landscapes and stories, and we love that you enjoyed them whether you’re a fan of the films or simply looking for unforgettable experiences.
We'll be sure to share your kind words with Rachael. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to detail help bring these incredible destinations to life and make the journey even more enjoyable for our guests.
Thank you for choosing GreatSights, and we're thrilled to hear you had such a memorable day. We hope to welcome you on another New Zealand adventure soon!
Bus tour guide, caves tour guide and Hobbiton tour guide were all great! Trip went smoothly and left and returned on time/early. Great itinerary glad we got to see both Waitomo and Hobbiton in one day as we were only here for a weekend. Included lunch was good too included a side and dessert. Bus was comfy and had wifi.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Kia Ora Nikini,
Thank you for your kind words! It’s wonderful to hear that both your driver and guides left such a lasting impression on you. We’re glad our tour allowed you to make the most of your time and experience two incredible attractions in one day. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Loved the whole experience!!! Pick up was easy, the instructions given were easy to follow. The bus driver gave fun facts about the places we drove through, he was fun. We stop off for a potty, coffee, food and souvenirs. The shop right across the street looks like a children’s boutique, but there are great little kick nacks for all ages in there. Our driver when we got to Hobbiton gave us very clear and easy to follow directions. You get to do your souvenir shopping first, but don’t work about lugging your purchases around, our driver came around and collected our stuff and placed it in the bus with our other items. Pick up after the tour was easy, You drive the way back without any stops and drop you off right where you were picked up.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Kia Ora Mary,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that you felt well informed throughout the day, and it’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed visiting both Hobbiton and Waitomo with us.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
The caves were pretty cool to see, but Hobbiton was the best part of the tour. It was a really cool experience.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora Annie,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so pleased to hear that you really enjoyed visiting the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton with us, and we really appreciate you choosing to travel with us.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
A wonderful 12 hour tour! So fun, never felt rushed! The glow worm cave was beautiful and Hobbiton was really fun!!
The bus was on time and comfortable. Driver/guide was very friendly, informative and entertaining. Both the glow worm caves and Hobbiton were well worth visiting. Great way to spend a day as a tourist in the Auckland area.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so pleased to hear that both your driver and guide made such a positive impact, and we agree, what a great way to spend a day as a visitor in Auckland. Thank you for choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Coach was very comfortable. Tour guide explained things well and kept us on track. Boxed lunch of sandwich, salad and desert was delicious.
The package is great!!
I would highly recommend this tour!
Guides are super nice!
Just one thing lunch was a little disappointment, but this is All day tour from Auckland so, not much time so picknick style lunch but it was rainy so we have to eat in the bus😢
I'll never forget this experience. The glow worm cave, in my opinion, is better than Hobbiton or WETA Unleashed.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Leron_T,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear your day with us was so memorable, and it’s wonderful that you enjoyed the Waitomo Caves so much. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
This trip was great! I liked that we didn’t have to worry about car rentals or driving on the left side of the road (which is nerve wracking for me). The attractions were far away from Auckland where we were staying. We loved the caves and loved hobbiton! The driver was very friendly and entertaining. We also were admitted to the attractions with very little wait. I highly recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad we could take the stress out of driving so you could relax and enjoy the journey and hope you were able to pick up some facts along the way. Thank you for choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
This is a long day on a bus with 40+ people. The drive to the caves is at least 90 minutes. The driver tries to narrate most of it, but there is really nothing of note on the way. The caves are awesome! I am just wondering if there was an easier way to do this. The lunch is a chicken or veg sandwich with a cold side or two. Meh.
Then we had another ~1 hour drive to Hobbiton for a ~2 hour tour. The tour is great, and a long time bucket list item. Again, just wondering if there would be a better way to do this.
Driver was amazing with knowledge & experience. The glow worm caves were interesting & impressive. The Hobbiton guide was soft spoken & hard to understand & didn't keep the tour moving but we enjoyed what we were able to understand & what we saw.
What a great tour. Bus driver was really informative on the trip to the caves. Glow worm experience was exceptional. Well worth the visit
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We hope you were able to pick up some new and interesting facts during your journey, and we truly appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Awesome but a long day. But well worth the effort. Both the caves and Hobbiton are unique. Driver was entertaining!
My two kids (16 & 23) and I had a great time! The itinerary was organized well, giving us plenty of time to enjoy both sites without feeling too rushed. Having specialized guides for each location was a huge plus—they were incredibly knowledgeable and made the tours more interesting Additionally, our driver/guide was great—not only knowledgeable and funny but an incredible driver who handled the traffic with ease, keeping the ride smooth and comfortable. The box lunch was just enough and satisfying. Overall, a fun experience.
Caves were very large once you got inside the “cathedral”. Cool inside and the ceilings in some areas are low. The actual boat ride is not very long, the whole experience takes about an hour. But feels magical
A wonderful day with 2 varied but amazing tours. Our bus driver Kenny was knowledgeable and took good care of his passengers. The bus trip is a few hours but it was nice to sit back and watch the scenery!
Rachel was a lovely driver! She was very informative and was sharing fun facts and stories the entire way to the Glow Worm Cave and to Hobbiton! My husband and I enjoyed both the Glow Worm Cave and Hobbiton! When you book through Great Sites, you go straight through Hobbiton with them! No need to get on a separate bus!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! It’s wonderful to hear that Rachel made such a positive impression on you, and that you enjoyed the convenience of departing Hobbiton promptly without needing to change coaches. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
I booked a tour for two over three months ago. A day before the tour I asked if I could add two more people. They said no, as the tour was full. Then they cancelled my original reservation, without my knowledge. We got to the meeting place to find out it was cancelled. Viator said the tour company cancelled it, and the tour company said Viator cancelled it. We are from the United States and visiting New Zealand with no tour. I asked if they could book us a the tour the next day, only to be told no as it was sold out. This has been nothing but a blame game. I am so upset and so disappointed. Now I have to see if I receive a refund, as both companies are pointing at the other one as to who will issue the refund. I rat them 2 thumbs down 👎👎👎👎
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Susan_G,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We hear how disappointing this must have been and would appreciate the chance to look into it further. If you’re able, please email your booking details to info@greatsights.co.nz. Wishing you safe travels ahead.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
This was really incredible. The bus to get to the caves and Hobbitton was clean and comfortable. The bus driver was lovely. The Waitomo caves are unlike anything I have ever seen before. If it wasn’t so beautiful, I would be totally freaked out by being on a tiny boat in pitch black. After the caves we went to Hobbitton. The tour guide we had was so good. Everything was super well organized.
My ONE complaint is that I requested a vegan option for lunch and it was lettuce and tomato on a soggy bun and it was inedible. If you’re vegan, bring your own food.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re glad you enjoyed your visit to the Waitomo Caves and really appreciated your guide at Hobbiton. We are sorry to hear about your lunch experience, if you’d like to discuss it further, please get in touch with us at info@greatsights.co.nz with your booking details.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Rachel was such a great guide. So informative. Gave us so much information on the way to our destinations.
The Waitomo Glow Worm Cave was a very cool experience. The luminescent worms covered the cave ceiling in different patterns and it was like looking at constellations in the sky. Hobbiton was so enchanting. It really felt like we experienced LOTR & that Hobbiton was quite real
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed visiting the Waitomo Caves and stepping into the world of Middle-Earth. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
A fantastic visit. This would be a must see in my opinion, it is exceptionally well done. Beautiful scenery.
The Caves tour was good. I’ve been on other more extensive cave tours, but none with glowworms. Guides were excellent.
The Hobbiton tour was excellent! Sebastian was our top-notch guide, and the set is incredible, especially for a non-LOTR fan like me.
The box lunch was mediocre, and we found the coach seats stiffened us up for the walking. Our driver was great, though it wasn’t their normal coach… no WiFi and some riders had condensation dripping on them at times.
Well run. Long drive from Auckland but our driver kept us entertained. We enjoyed Rachel’s commentary
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Brian_C,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so pleased that Rachel made such a positive impression, and we hope you took away some new knowledge during your day with us. Thank you for choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
We did this tour out of Aukland, it might have been smarter to do it out of Hamilton, time wise......
We were told the bus would be locked as we went to the Shire/Hobitton. I visited the Hobbiton store and the doors to the bus were wide open. I discovered $1000 USD missing from my possessions.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Kia Ora Jennifer,
We’re disappointed to hear about your experience, as it does not reflect the standard of service or experience we strive to provide and are actively looking into the matter. For any updates or further comments, please continue to correspond with info@greatsights.co.nz.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
The tour takes a whole day with lots of time on the bus. It well worth it. The bus was comfortable and the driver was very kind and helpful.
Member Pricing
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per personWas $253.12(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch
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