Mar 30, 2025
This experience was... - This experience was unique and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and this sentiment seemed to be universally shared by all participants. For the Hobbiton experience, you don't even need to have read all the books or have seen all the films - the tour is that engrossing. You will not see or experience anything remotely like Hobbiton outside of New Zealand - don't miss it. The Waitomo Caves - while the shorter of the combined trips, it was a reflective and awe-inspiring experience. As for the drive to get to both sites - also worth it to see and take in the countryside views featuring at times picturesque harbors and bays, and plenty of cows, sheep, horses, and even deer on deer farms (apparently New Zealand is the largest supplier of farm-raised venison in the world).
Review provided by Viator
Mar 30, 2025
Wonderful Tour - We booked this tour as a finale to our month long tour of Australia and New Zealand. It did not disappoint. Our guide Adil, kept us informed,entertained,and happy for our 11 hour day together. Hobbiton was indeed magical and beautiful with so many aspects for all to enjoy. The glow worm caves were interesting and our Māori guides singing in the cave was definitely something to be appreciated and remembered. I would highly recommend this tour and if you are lucky enough to have Adil, expect a perfect day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 27, 2025
Amazing day - From start to finish the tour was fantastic. Adil was an amazing tour guide and driver, with great commentary and knowledge of not only the history of the Islands but also Maori culture! He gave great tips for us to enjoy the day even more and was always there waiting to take us back to the bus. Cannot fault any part of the day. It was truly magical and well worth the drive. Its a perfect experience for LOTR fans, but also enjoyable for others that had never seen the movies. The caves were stunning and our guide was great with a beautiful voice, having sang a traditional Maori song in the cathedral part of the cave system. Overall a wonderful day tour with memories to last a lifetime. I cannot recommend this tour enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 24, 2025
Great Transportation - The driver/tour guide ensured our safety along the way to our destination. He gave us more insights about some of the geographies in New Zealand as he drove us to our destination.
Review provided by Viator
Mar 20, 2025
Great way to see these must see attractions. - Both locations are a must see when in New Zealand, and we enjoyed both. It was a long day given the length of travel by van, but each site was worth the miles, and the scenery along the way was wonderful. Our van driver provided great commentary along the way, pointing out extra sites, and stopping for a peak at local animals, and towns. The Van was a bit smallish, so a little cramped for larger folks, but definitely a minor issue.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 19, 2025
A day to remember and marvel over for the rest of your life - It was a smooth pick up and drive to Hobbiton. Out Driver Guide was pleasant and knowledgeable. The place itself was well organised and efficient and The Shire was gorgeous and so well laid out and looked after. Our tour guide Malissa was friendly and very knowledgeable as was the other lady who showed us around the hobbit house we are now allowed to mooch around. I was in 7th heaven.
The cave visit was truly specular as were the glow worms and the information about both the caves and the life cycle of the glow worms. Fabulous day. We also saw eels in the water as the boat drew towards the opening out of the caves.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 18, 2025
Great way to explore Auckland-adjacencies in 1-day - The trip was definitely worth it if you're thinking of dedicating a day to explore Auckland. If you're a LOTR fan, then it is a no-brainer, but even without it, if you're just a film fan, the sets created for the movie and everything is really cool. The Waitomo Caves might be a little (little) underwhelming but just to witness the history and the location and the whole context is great.
Our guide Adil was very fun to travel with too :) He had great stories to share and didn't hesitate to go out of his way to show us more local things and anecdotes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 18, 2025
Great guide - Adil - Adil was a great guide and driver. He was upbeat and informative throughout the long day, which made the trip enjoyable. The van was clean and comfortable. The bulk of the price of this tour is for the entrance fee to Hobbiton and the caves.
Review provided by Viator
Mar 27, 2025
It’s pretty dark inside... - It’s pretty dark inside but they have a good railing situation. Very informative and the acoustics inside the cave are phenomenal. Hopefully someone in your group will sing.
Review provided by Viator
Mar 15, 2025
Wonderful day!!! - It was a good tour with Nancy! Thank you for the immersive experience.
I recommend this tour of you want to have a immersion on hobbits world and have contact with nature!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
