From Hamilton Hobbiton Waitomo Glowworm Caves 1 Day Private Tour

Hamilton , New Zealand

From Hamilton Hobbiton Waitomo Glowworm Caves 1 Day Private Tour

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a memorable full-day private tour from Hamilton, exploring some of Waikato’s most iconic attractions in comfort, with door-to-door pickup and drop-off included.

Begin with a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you’ll feel as if you've stepped into Middle-earth, followed by a stop in Tirau for a customized lunch at a local café of your choice. Next, visit the stunning Blue Spring, known for its crystal-clear waters, and end the day with a magical experience at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

The tour includes private Mercedes Vito van service with a professional driver (priced per vehicle, not per person; max 8 passengers)

Please Note: Admission fees for Hobbiton and Waitomo, and lunch, are not included. Booking links can be provided. Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

If you’d prefer other attractions instead, we’re happy to tailor the itinerary to your interests and pace—so long as it stays within 10 hours and starts/ends in Hamilton or nearby towns.

Available options

From Hamilton Hobbiton Waitomo Glowworm Caves 1 Day Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Tissue, Bottled Water, Umbrellas, Car Seats, Booster Seats

Licensed Guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Gratuities

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour offers a unique opportunity to step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Located on a picturesque farm in Matamata, New Zealand, the tour takes visitors through the beautifully preserved movie set of the Shire, where iconic scenes were filmed. Guests can wander among the charming hobbit holes, visit landmarks like Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn fascinating behind-the-scenes details from expert guides. Set amidst rolling green hills and lush pastures, the tour provides an immersive experience that delights fans of the films and showcases the cinematic magic that brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s world to life.

The Blue Spring, located near Putāruru in New Zealand’s Waikato region, is renowned for its exceptionally clear, vibrant turquoise water. Fed from the Mamaku Plateau, the spring's water takes decades to filter through underground aquifers, resulting in its purity and brilliant hue. This pristine water is so clear that it supplies around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water.

Stop 3

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, located in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island, are a world-famous natural attraction known for their enchanting population of glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa), found only in New Zealand. These limestone caves, formed over millions of years, feature stunning geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers.

The highlight of a visit is a serene boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the cave ceiling, creating a magical, starry-sky effect. The caves are part of a larger underground system and are accessible only by guided tour, which provides insights into the cave’s history, geology, and unique ecosystem. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a truly unforgettable experience, blending natural science with quiet wonder in one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.

What's not included

not included in the tour price. We'll stop in Tirau, where you can buy lunch of your choice.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: NZD$120/Adult (18+ years), NZD$60/Youth (11-17 years), NZD$306/Family Pass includes (2x Adults+2x Youth), NZD$110/NZ Gold Card Holder, Children/Infants (0-10years) Free

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour: NZD$79/Adult (14+ years), NZD$36/Child (4 -14 years), NZD$200/Family (2x Adults+2 x Children), NZD$29/Extra Child (Family Pass), Children (under 4 years) Free

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hamilton

Hamilton is a vibrant city in the North Island of New Zealand, known for its beautiful gardens, rich Maori heritage, and proximity to natural wonders. It offers a mix of urban amenities and outdoor adventures, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens is a stunning collection of themed gardens that showcase different styles and cultures. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Nature 2-4 hours Free

Waikato Museum

The Waikato Museum offers a rich cultural experience, showcasing Maori and local history, art, and interactive exhibits.

Museum 1-2 hours Free for permanent exhibitions, NZD 5-10 for temporary exhibitions

Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a must-visit for fans of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. It offers a guided tour of the famous Shire set.

Entertainment 2-3 hours including travel NZD 79-89 for adults, NZD 40-45 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hangi

A traditional Maori meal cooked in an earth oven, featuring meat (usually pork or chicken) and vegetables like kumara (sweet potato).

Dinner Contains meat, gluten-free if prepared without bread.

Fish and Chips

A classic Kiwi takeaway, featuring fresh fish (often snapper or tarakihi) and crispy chips (fries).

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (due to batter) and fish.

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Surfing Gardening Picnicking Spa treatments Museum visits Maori cultural experiences

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's gardens. The weather is warm and sunny, ideal for hiking, biking, and water sports.

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

Hamilton is generally a safe city, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Hamilton Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Hamilton Railway Station

By bus

Hamilton Transport Centre

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is reliable and affordable, with frequent services throughout the day. Buses are a convenient way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps like Hamilton Taxis

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Business District (CBD) Franklin Road River Road

Day trips

Raglan

50 km from Hamilton • Half day to full day

Raglan is a charming coastal town known for its surfing, arts scene, and natural beauty. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean.

Waitomo Caves

80 km from Hamilton • Full day

The Waitomo Caves are famous for their stunning glowworm grottos and underground rivers. It's a unique experience that combines adventure and natural beauty.

Festivals

Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival • February Matariki Festival • June/July

Pro tips

Visit Hamilton Gardens in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds
Book your tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set in advance, as it can sell out quickly
Explore the city's diverse dining scene by trying different cuisines and local specialties
Use the Hamilton City Bus for affordable and convenient transportation around the city
Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, as the climate can vary throughout the year