Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland with Lunch

Summary

Step into Middle-earth then drift beneath glowworms on a day out from Auckland

You’ll walk straight into a real Hobbit Hole at Hobbiton, share lunch with fellow travelers in Matamata, then drift by boat beneath thousands of glowworms in Waitomo Caves—all with local guides who know every story behind what you see. Expect laughter, quiet awe underground, and plenty of New Zealand scenery between stops.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it’s like to actually step inside a Hobbit’s home? I didn’t expect to care so much about little round doors until we rolled into Matamata from Auckland, early mist still hanging over the sheep paddocks. Our guide, Dave, had this way of pointing out things you’d never spot on your own — like how the moss was glued onto fences for the movies (it’s true). The Hobbiton Movie Set tour is longer now, so you get to wander through an actual Hobbit Hole interior — I ran my hand along the kitchen table and tried not to laugh at myself for feeling starstruck by a teapot. The fireplace really crackles. Someone in our group tried to say “good morning” in Elvish; Dave just grinned and handed out mugs of ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn. It felt weirdly cozy, even with strangers.

Lunch was at the Homestead — nothing fancy, but proper Kiwi: pies, salads, that sort of thing. We sat outside swapping stories about which Hobbiton detail surprised us most (for me it was the tiny books in the parlour). Then back on the road through rolling green hills toward Waitomo Caves. There’s this hush when you step inside — cool air, damp stone under your shoes, and everyone speaking softer without meaning to. Our cave guide said her great-grandfather helped map these tunnels; she showed us where glowworms cluster above the river. The boat ride is silent except for water lapping and those pinpricks of blue light overhead. No photos allowed — which honestly made it feel more magical because you just… look.

I kept thinking about how different New Zealand feels once you’re off the motorway — slower somehow, greener than I expected. On the way back up to Auckland we passed Ngaruawahia (the Maori King’s home) and Taupiri mountain, which our driver explained is sacred ground. I probably won’t remember every fact Dave shared but I do remember how he laughed when someone asked if sheep ever wander into Hobbiton scenes (“All the time”). So yeah — it’s a long day trip from Auckland but if you want that mix of movie magic and real countryside, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour

• Depart Auckland and travel south
• View panoramic Waikato and Hauraki Plains
• Arrive at Hobbiton Movie Set
• Tour Hobbiton Movie Set and interiors
• Enjoy complimentary drinks at Green Dragon Inn
• Have Kiwi style lunch at Homestead
• Travel to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Take 45-minute guided boat tour in caves
• Walk through Cathedral Cave
• Return to Auckland via Waikato River route
• Arrive back at Auckland hotel

Top questions

How long does the Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves day trip take from Auckland?

The tour lasts a full day, departing Auckland around 6:30am with return in the evening.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a light Kiwi café-style lunch is included at The Homestead in Matamata.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for downtown Auckland CBD hotels and one location near the airport.

Can children join the Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves tour?

Yes, children can join as long as they’re accompanied by an adult; child seats are available if needed.

Are photos allowed inside Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

No photography is allowed in areas with glowworms due to their sensitivity to light.

How big are tour groups?

The group size is small—usually 11-16 people per vehicle.

Is there much walking involved during the tour?

Both Hobbiton and Waitomo tours involve walking; suitable for most fitness levels but not wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Auckland or near the airport, all entry tickets for both Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves, guided tours at each site with local experts sharing stories along the way, plus a classic Kiwi café lunch before heading back in comfort by evening.