Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience
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Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience

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(10 reviews)
13h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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About this experience

Embark on a full-day adventure tour on our private luxury vehicle from Auckland to see New Zealand's two most famous attractions in one day. Grab a great value Hobbiton Movie Set tour, the award-winning attraction made famous by the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies where you'll see the intricately created 'Hobbit and float down a boat cruise on an underground river lit by twinkling glowworms including a sumptuous BBQ buffet lunch.

Available options

Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience

Pickup included

What's included

Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
Chance to step into a real The Lord of the Rings film set
Private transportation
Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites inside the iconic Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
Admission to 45 minutes guided tour of Waitomo Glow worm Caves
Cafe style lunch or buffet lunch at the Hobbiton party marquee (subject to availability).
Complimentary beverages at Green Dragon Inn
Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
All Fees and Taxes
Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of your tour guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Listen to fascinating stories from your guide as you explore the 12-acre set
Be captivated by the thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently on a boat
Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland
Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
Opportunity to have a drink at the cosy Green Dragon Inn
WiFi on board
Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
Remarkable 360-degree views of the rolling Kaimai ranges
Amazing photo opportunities in front of every hobbit holes
Admission to a boat ride through the Glowworm grotto
Admission to 2 hours guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set

Detailed itinerary

1

We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

2

The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.

3

We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.

4

Te Awamutu calls itself the ‘Rose Capital of New Zealand’. During the blooming season, November to April, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as 2000 rose bushes turn on the charm.

5
Stop 5

We then depart to stop for a BBQ style buffet lunch before we uncover the magical beauty of Waitomo Caves. Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently on a boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms. Ride a boat beneath thousands of tiny glow-worms which inhabit the caves and put on a mesmerising light display, likened to the twinkling night sky. After re-joining the luxury coach, we will be back to Auckland at the end of the day.

6
Stop 6

Walk into the real-world landscape of Middle Earth on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’ Pause at the Green Dragon™ Inn to for a draft of Hobbit™ Southfarthing™, see the remarkable detailing that brought Hobbiton™ to life on screen, and visit the places where key scenes were created. Look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

7

After an exhilarating fun-filled adventure experience at Waitomo & Hobbiton, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland.

What's not included

Breakfast
Dinner

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.9
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
Easy and good fitness level required.
This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as Hobbiton is the perfect place to get some great travel photos.
You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.
No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
Tours operate in all weather conditions; umbrellas are provided in the event of rain.
We can accommodate a stroller or a pram, provided it is fully collapsible and can fit in the luggage compartment of our buses.
The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
We stay dry – the tour does not involve using a wet suit or abseiling or river rapids, it’s very easy.
The tour takes place in the outdoors and cave temperatures are cool even in summer (10°C/50°F) so we do recommend bringing a jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.

About Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, known for its stunning harbor, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant multicultural scene. With over 50 trails and 22 islands, it's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Auckland Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is Auckland's tallest structure, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Architecture 1-2 hours NZD 39 for observation deck, NZD 189 for SkyJump

Auckland War Memorial Museum

This museum offers a comprehensive look at New Zealand's history, culture, and natural environment.

Museum 2-3 hours NZD 25 for adults, free for children under 15

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves.

Nature Full day Ferry fare NZD 18-25 one way

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Adventure Half day Ferry fare NZD 18-25 one way

Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals and offers educational programs and conservation efforts.

Family 2-3 hours NZD 30 for adults, NZD 18 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hāngī

A traditional Maori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. Meats and vegetables are cooked slowly in the earth oven, giving them a unique smoky flavor.

Dinner Contains meat, can be vegetarian if requested

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Dessert Gluten-free, can be made vegan

Fish and Chips

A classic New Zealand takeaway food, featuring fresh fish (usually snapper or tarakihi) and chips, often served with tartare sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, can be gluten-free if requested

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Skydiving Beach activities Spa treatments Wine tasting Maori cultural performances Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor events. It's perfect for beach activities and hiking.

20-25°C 68-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Maori
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Auckland is generally safe, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air
  • Auckland Airport • 21 km south of the city center
By train

Auckland Railway Station

By bus

Auckland Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Auckland. The network includes local, frequent, and express services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

CBD (Central Business District) Ponsonby Devonport Mission Bay

Day trips

Waiheke Island
35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland • Full day

Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Rangitoto Island
25 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland • Half day

Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Hobbiton Movie Set
2.5 hours by car from Auckland • Full day

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a popular tourist attraction featuring the filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

Festivals

Auckland Arts Festival • March Auckland Diwali Festival • October/November Auckland Pride Festival • February

Pro tips

  • Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cultural performances.
  • Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for a day trip, and book a wine tour in advance to ensure availability.
  • Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting the La Cigale French Market or the Auckland Night Markets.
  • Hike up to the summit of Rangitoto Island for stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
  • Use the AT HOP card for easy and discounted public transport fares.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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