Small-Group Tour: Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Exploration with Lunch from Auckland

Embark on a small-group tour from Auckland to explore two iconic North Island destinations: Hobbiton and Waitomo. Discover the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves on this day exploration with lunch included.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Taupiri - Enjoy a quick stop on your journey to Hobbiton to grab a coffee and use the toilets if needed (cafe may differ depending on day)
  • Hobbiton Movie Set - Enjoy a group tour of Hobbiton Movie Set before a drink in the Green Dragon. You will then enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Party Marquee and time for shopping.

(Tour around the set at Hobbiton is 2 hours before time in the Green Dragon & lunch).

  • The Green Dragon Inn - Enjoy a complementary cider, ale or ginger beer in the Green Dragon Inn, an iconic location on the Hobbiton Movie set!
    Be sure to check out the guest book for some familiar names
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Discover the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Take the world-renowned boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.

*please note - attraction does include some steps

What's Included
  • Admission to Hobbiton Movie Set & tour
  • Admission to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Buffet Lunch in Green Dragon Marquee
  • Shopping voucher at Hobbiton Gift Shop
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience two North Island icons on a day tour from Auckland.

Travel south from Auckland to Hobbiton. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the Party Tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”. Finish with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink.

Following your drink, you will be treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch in the marquee & some time to shop before continuing on to Waitomo.

On arrival in Waitomo, join a 45 minute guided tour of the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves. Enjoy the delicate cave formations and be wowed in the Cathedral, before taking the iconic boat rode through the glow worm grotto (subject to water levels). Marvel in silence at thousands of magical glow worms.

Return to Auckland in the early evening.

tours at both Hobbiton and Waitomo join larger groups

  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes and suitable outdoor clothing
  • Pick up and drop off from inner city Auckland accommodation included
  • Please reconfirm your pick up time 24 hours before the tours departure
  • Please note the tours at Hobbiton and Waitomo are walks - including stairs
  • Tour available for ages 5+ - not suitable for infants
  • Not recommended for travellers with walking difficulties
Location
SkyCity Auckland
Federal Street
If you have not confirmed an inner city hotel pick up time with us then our central meeting point is SkyCity Hotel entrance. Pick up from here is at 6.40am - If you are meeting here this will need to be confirmed with us. Please call to confirm the night prior - 0800 423 224
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(135 Ratings)
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Deannacow
Aug 17, 2024
Hobbits and Glow Worms - Michelle and Melvin made our tour very enjoyable. We learned a lot about the history of New Zealand and were very knowledgeable and answered many questions. Lunch at the Green Dragon was very good and the glow worms were amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikebv1528hj
Aug 12, 2024
Great day out in NZ - A great day out in Aukland. We had Jason and Damion as drivers, and they were both friendly and helpful as well as telling all about the places we visited and the country in general. The bus was very comfortable and the small group format was great. Highly recommend. Worth noting it is a long day :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peyton_r
Jul 30, 2024
Best Tour in the World - Milton knew a lot. On the drive over, he was pointing out animals and wildlife, giving stories and telling history along the way. It was probably one of the best tours I’ve down through out all of the world. Well worth it, and enjoyed every bit of it.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_m
Jul 12, 2024
A magical day - The Hobbiton + glow worm cave tour was fantastic. Our driver and guide, Damion, entertained us with movie-making stories, historical facts, and interesting landmarks along the journey. The small group size meant we bonded over the course the day, forming a fellowship of our own. Hobbiton itself was magical and the glow worms were fascinating. Definitely a day well spent!
Review provided by Viator
Gabe_m
Jul 12, 2024
Amazing day out! - Damien went out of his way to learn everyone’s names and chat with them, as well as having fun commentary during the (admittedly long) drive between Auckland, Hobbiton, the Waitomo Worm Caves and back. Would 100% recommend Bush and Beach for tours!
Review provided by Viator
Voyage65972366027
Jul 10, 2024
Not to be missed - What a wonderful experience! Everything is taken care of from the Check-out and we are very well accompanied. Hobbiton is just fabulous, we could spend days there. And visiting the Glowworm Cave is an incredible experience. Very special mention to Damian who was a fantastic driver and Guide with many anecdotes along the way and who especially had many attentions as it was my birthday. An incredibly kind and caring person.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samantha_s
Jul 1, 2024
Absolutely Fantastic - Great tour with friendly staff, such an easy way to get to hobbiton. Hobbiton itself was a dream come true and then ending the day with a beautiful piece of nature, absolutely amazing!
Review provided by Viator
Adi_s
Jul 1, 2024
Amazing day travelling to see the Hobbiton village and Glow worm caves - The whole family had the most amazing day with Murray visiting thr Hobbiton village and the Glow worm caves. Murray was extremely knowledgeable and explained things and places with great detail. Bush and Beach are lucky to have him. He made sure we had a great time in the bus, while we stopped for a coffee break, at the movie set and the caves. And all through the drive as well.
Review provided by Viator
Hatice_c
Jul 1, 2024
Michelle and Milton are... - Michelle and Milton are excellent guides, they are so knowledgeable about the history and nature of the country. The trip was extra special with their tips and help.
Review provided by Viator
Mike_d
Jun 28, 2024
Best way to get lost in middle earth - Damien was an outstanding guide for a perfect day in middle earth! He set a high bar by which I’ll be comparing all future tours. It doesn’t get any better than this. Hobbiton is very immersive with fine attention to every detail. The food and drink makes you feel like a hobbit and wish you never had to leave the fantasy behind. The glow worms were very cool to see but I enjoyed the caves they live in even more.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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