Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves from Auckland
Auckland
11 hours
Begin the day with pickup at your hotel in central Auckland and head south over the Bombay Hills and across the Hauraki Plains to a sheep farm in Matamata, better known to J.R.R. Tolkien fans as the Shire. On a guided tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, see recognizable scenes created for "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films and learn the secrets and stories behind the creation of Middle-earth. Take in stellar views of the Kaimai Ranges as you visit meticulously crafted sets including Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn, where you can even enjoy a specially brewed drink fit for a Baggins. After the tour, trade Hobbit trivia with your fellow travelers over a Kiwi-style lunch at a café. Next, embark on an underground adventure at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny worms illuminate the caverns. Watch the mesmerizing natural light show while gliding through the cave on a boat, and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history from a guide—likely a descendant of the Māori chief who originally discovered the caves. You also explore on foot Cathedral Cave, known for its impressive acoustics. On the return drive to Auckland, travel through some of the North Island’s most beautiful countryside, following the Waikato River (New Zealand’s longest), and passing both the Māori queen’s home at Ngāruawāhia and Taupiri, site of a sacred Māori burial ground. The full-day tour concludes with drop-off back at your hotel in the evening.
Includes handy round-trip transport from Auckland CBD hotels
An unmissable experience for fans of 'The Lord of the Rings'
Combine natural and pop-cultural attractions
Fun for the whole family—kids over four are welcome
Classic Light Kiwi café-style lunch
Hotel pickup/ drop-off from Downtown Auckland City ONLY. Closest other options if staying in suburbs
Complimentary Drink at the Green Dragon
Local taxes
Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Local driver/guide
Exclusions
Food and drinks, unless specified
Additional Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A maximum of 14 people per booking (We can provide this tour to groups larger than 14 by discussions with Viator and ourselves)
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not Wheel-Suitable Friendly as these are walking tours
We can provide NZ Safety Approved Child Car Seats and Booster Seats. We do not provide strollers or infant back packs
We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland; only the Downtown CBD and 1 location in South Auckland for those staying near the airport-The Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau
There is no photography allowed in the area of the Caves where the glowworms are as the glowworms react negatively to flashlight and will turn their lights off and they then take 2 hours to return to their full luminescence.
Tour leaves Auckland at 6:30am with everyone on board-the pickups occur across the CBD in the 25 minutes prior to that
