Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves from Hamilton: Small Group Tour

Two film locations in one day: glowworms underground, then 44 hobbit holes on foot

A full-day small group tour from Hamilton combines entry and guided tours of the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves, with a maximum of 16 travelers. The day starts with a scenic drive through the Waikato region, descends into the caves for a 45-minute boat ride past bioluminescent glowworms, then moves to the Alexander Family Sheep Farm before boarding a green Hobbiton bus for a 2.5-hour guided walk through 44 hobbit holes and gardens. A complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn closes the experience. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hamilton, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea are included. Lunch is at your own expense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hamilton to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves

• Depart from Hamilton city
• Drive through Waikato countryside
• Arrive at Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Guided boat tour inside caves
• Lunch break at local eatery
• Drive to Alexander Family Sheep Farm
• Visit Shire's Rest for refreshments
• Board Hobbiton Movie Set bus
• Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
• Enjoy drink at Green Dragon Inn
• Drive back to Hamilton

The experience

The tour leaves Hamilton and heads toward Waitomo, a drive of roughly 75 minutes through the Waikato countryside. Once at the Spellbound Glowworm Caves, you descend into the underground river system and board a boat for a silent glide beneath thousands of Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms clinging to the cavern ceiling. The guide explains the glowworms' life cycle and the cave's geology during the 45-minute passage. After the caves, you stop for lunch on your own at a local spot before the drive continues toward Hobbiton.

At the Alexander Family Sheep Farm and Shire's Rest, you'll see sheep on the hillsides and have time for a meal, coffee, or ice cream before boarding one of the iconic green buses that ferry visitors onto the 12-acre film set. The 2.5-hour guided tour covers 44 hobbit holes, gardens, and behind-the-scenes details from the filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The guide leads the walk and answers questions as you move through the set. The day ends with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can sit in the pub used in the films.

The full day runs 10 to 11 hours from pickup to drop-off. Groups stay under 16 people, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles the drives between Hamilton, Waitomo, and Hobbiton. An English-speaking guide stays with the group throughout, and bottled water and snacks are provided. Travelers should have moderate fitness for the walking and cave descent. The tour is not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Entry and guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
• entry and guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
• a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
• an English-speaking guide for the full day.
• bottled water, snacks, coffee and tea.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Hamilton.
• and all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30 and 08:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 16

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

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Expedigo Tours and Travels Hamilton

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both the glowworm caves and Hobbiton in one day. You'll walk between sites and take a boat through the caves, so come prepared for mixed terrain and several hours on your feet.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4).

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 boat ride through Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The guided boat journey through the glowworm caves lasts around 45 minutes. You'll glide silently along the underground river while the guide shares information about the glowworms and the cave's geological history.

What happens at the Hobbiton Movie Set during the tour?

You board a green Hobbiton bus and take a 2.5-hour guided walk across the 12-acre film set, exploring 44 hobbit holes and gardens while the guide shares behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The tour ends with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included and is at your own expense. You'll have time to eat at a local eatery near Waitomo before heading to Hobbiton, and again at the Alexander Family Sheep Farm if you'd like coffee, ice cream, or a meal before the set tour.

What's the drive time from Hamilton to Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The scenic drive from Hamilton to the Spellbound Glowworm Caves in the Waitomo region takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes through the Waikato countryside.

Does the tour include hotel pickup from Hamilton?

Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off from your Hamilton accommodation is included. The full day runs 10 to 11 hours from pickup to return.

What's included in the tour price?

Entry and guided tours of both Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves; an English-speaking guide for the full day; bottled water and snacks; coffee and tea; a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn; hotel pickup and drop-off from Hamilton; and all fees and taxes are covered.