Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland: Small group

Two of New Zealand's most visited attractions in a single day, without organizing transport or tickets

A 12-hour small group tour from Auckland combines a professionally guided 2.5-hour walk through the Hobbiton Movie Set (where you visit Hobbit Holes, the Double Arched Bridge and the Green Dragon Inn) with a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and a boat ride along the underground river. Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Auckland, all entry tickets, a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon, bottled water and snacks are included. A live English-speaking guide leads the group throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Hobbiton Movie Set3h · entry included
2. Waitomo Caves1h · entry included

Visit Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves

• Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
• Drink at Green Dragon Inn
• Guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Boat ride through glowworm tunnels

The experience

You start the morning with pickup from your Auckland hotel and drive south toward Matamata. The Hobbiton Movie Set sits on a working farm where the Shire was built for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, and the 2.5-hour guided tour walks you through the actual locations used on screen. You'll pass the charming Hobbit Holes built into the hillside, step inside a fully furnished Hobbit home, cross the Double Arched Bridge and visit The Mill while the guide shares behind-the-scenes stories of how the films were made. The tour ends at the Green Dragon Inn, where you get a complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink before heading back to the vehicle.

The drive continues to Waitomo, where you enter the Glowworm Caves for a guided walk through limestone formations and underground chambers. A boat carries you silently along the underground river, and as your eyes adjust to the darkness, thousands of glowworms light up above you like stars trapped in the rock. The caves stay at a constant cool temperature and the path is paved, so the walk is steady rather than strenuous.

The full day takes 12 hours from pickup to drop-off. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board, and the driver handles all navigation and timing so the day holds together without you building it. A minimum of two people is required for the tour to operate.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from central Auckland.
• entry to the Hobbiton Movie Set with the 2.5-hour guided tour.
• entry to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with guided walk and boat ride.
• complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
• bottled water and snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Auckland & Beyond Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving in Auckland with a full day free and want to see two major attractions without renting a car or planning the route. The small group size keeps the pace relaxed and the fixed schedule means both the Hobbiton set and the glowworm caves fit into a single afternoon without rushing.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

688 verified traveler reviews

5 ★640

4 ★38

3 ★6

2 ★2

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the walk through the Hobbiton Movie Set?

The guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set runs 2.5 hours and covers the main filming locations on foot, including the Hobbit Holes, the Double Arched Bridge and The Mill.

What happens at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

You walk through the limestone caves on a guided tour, then board a boat that floats silently along the underground river while glowworms illuminate the cavern ceiling above.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Auckland?

Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off are included from most Auckland CBD hotels, and the driver tracks your hotel location to arrange the timing.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes a professional guide, all entry tickets to both attractions, a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn, bottled water, snacks, the air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on board.