Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. After leaving Auckland you will travel south over the Bombay Hills as you get elevated panoramic views of the Waikato Region and travel across the scenic Hauraki Plains to Matamata, the home of Hobbiton Movie Set.

   Passes by

2. Begin with a tour through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 10 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into the Shire from Middle-earth. Visit and explore inside the newly built fully themed Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row. Complimentary specially brewed beverages are available at the Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour. Afterwards, enjoy a very classic light “Kiwi” style lunch at the "Homestead" and get to share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travellers.

   3 hAdmission included

3. You will then travel to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide on this 45-minute tour will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its acoustics Your return trip to Auckland will then take you initially through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside before following northwards the majestic Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand, part of the way back to Auckland. You will pass Ngaruawahia, the home of the Maori King; Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground. To complete that day, you will be taken back to your hotel in the Auckland CBD.

   45 minAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 3,123 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Highly recommend!

  This was a great day. Our guide was great and knowledgeable. Loved Hobbiton. Stories were so entertaining. Glowworm experience was very good. The whole experience including lunch was perfect. Highly recommend.

  Melissa_RSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Exceptional tour!!!!

  I got picked up from my hotel. We then stopped for coffee, followed by 2.5 hours at Hobbiton which included a free beer, then lunch(which was included), then a tour of the worm cave. While all of this was going on, Liam, our bus driver, was absolutely the best person ever. He is so nice, personable, knowledgeable, and was always making sure everyone was having a good time. I would I could have Liam as my tour operator EVERYWHERE I go. Thank you for making this tour what it was. This was the best tour from Viator I have ever done.

  Patrick_MSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Definitely a must do if you are in Auckland

  If you are a Lord of The Rings fan you have to take this tour. It’s a great long day. They pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Your tour guide tells you a lot about New Zealand and the cities and towns you go through. Hobbiton is awesome. The glow worm cave was an amazing site to see. Our tour guide was wonderful. So dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes and you will be set of a great time.

  Eugenio_ASeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Hobbiton and Glow worm caves

  10/10! This was a fabulous experience! The drive is a little long but they do break it up with rest stops. Our driver Nelson was also very entertaining and knowledgeable. I would absolutely recommend this to others!

  Jeffrey_HSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Great your great day

  Great your great day!!! Would recommend

  sethw619September 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Must do when visiting Auckland area!

  It was a well balanced and timed with good variety of activities! While pickup is a bit early, it allows for bypassing longer lines and traffic and you’re easily able to sleep on the way to the first destination. We loved our guide who took the time to make sure everyone was always accounted for and supported as needed.

  Daniel_BSeptember 2026via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in Auckland

• Its from-price is 24% below the median of the 356 day trips we list in Auckland.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 1 of 356.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, spreads across an isthmus between two harbours, dotted with volcanic cones, beaches and island-studded bays.

The Sky Tower rises above the central city and the waterfront, where the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are lined with restaurants and yachts, fitting Auckland's nickname, the City of Sails. Mount Eden and One Tree Hill, two of the many volcanic cones scattered across the city, give panoramic views.

Top-ranked sights in Auckland: Auckland Harbour Bridge, Waiheke Island, North Head Historic Reserve (Maungauika).

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