Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

Overview

Available languages

English

12 hours

Mobile ticket

Visit the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a guided 45-minute tour through this underground wonder, seeing stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling glowworms. Then head to a hidden gem near the township of Matamata, the Hobbiton Movie Set which is a world-famous film location for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. See the Hobbit Holes and learn how this private farm became Middle Earth. You will also be able to venture beyond the door into an authentic Hobbit Hole on Bagshot row. At the end of this tour you will be able to enjoy a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

WiFi on board

Picnic Lunch

Pick up from selected hotels - please call to book

Air-conditioned vehicle

Restroom on board

Transport by luxury coach

What To Expect

GreatSights

This is the arrival and departure point for this tour

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

At the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton

Duration: 12 hours
Picnic Lunch
Coach

Reviews

4.60

763 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

566

136

Excellent Tour
Tracey W,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Shiny glowworm cave , Hobbiton is a great experience for Tolkien fans or not. Our driver, Rachel, was very knowledgeable and had interesting facts about NZ, funny at times too. Lunch is lovely. Very well organised tour, strongly recommend.
Great, just remember...
Karol V,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Overall, it was an amazing experience. Both places are truly beautiful and memorable. Keep in mind that the driver does adhere pretty strictly to the time frames they give you. Also, if you don't look over 26 years old, then don't forget to bring your passport (only form of ID accepted), so you can drink at The Green Dragon Inn (Legal age is 18). Only downside is there was no wifi on the bus although it was promoted.
Fun day seeing the sites
Jessica W,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Overall it was a fun day exploring, with quite a bit of drive time. We encountered rain and traffic on the way back to Aukland, but the first half of the day was pleasant weather. Pros - comfortable bus, tasty lunch, nice tour guide, well organized Cons - late pick up due to mechanical issues on our original bus, no WiFi on the bus, rushed transport so we skipped bathroom stops. We enjoyed both stops at the glow worm caves and Hobbiton! We would definitely recommend seeing both places if you are in Auckland.
Worth it!
Kristina M,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Long trip but very worth it! Great commentary for the whole drive there! Hobbiton was so much better than expected!
Lovely tour
Susan K,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A long drive, but our driver Nicky kept us entertained with her commentary on what we were seeing along the way. The caves and Hobbiton were wonderful.
Wonderful Adventure Must See!
Benedicto J,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Long trip but much Better than expected. Our guide Nicky was great, very knowledgable, helpful and friendly
Very busy, fast moving,...
George F,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very busy, fast moving, but you do get to see everything. They are very organized, professional and excellent hosts.
Make the most of our time in NZ!
P K,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A great experience if you’re trying to make the most out of your day in Aotearoa. Our driver, David, was friendly, knowledgeable, and kept us safe/timely. Waitomo and Hobbiton were both great. The value of this tour was fair and we found it extremely worthwhile. Note: There was no WiFi on the bus, but it was advertised. We spent about 7 of the 12 hour excursion on the bus, so it would be an appreciated amenity. We also would not recommend this tour for young children as there was quite a bit of walking involved.
Tour group was too large...
swps8n7bjb,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Tour group was too large at both stops. About 50 people in the group, was noticeably too large for the caves some people had a hard time hearing and some people were loud . Would have been better if the bus was split into two groups once at each stop. Bus driver was fantastic though both at driving and knowledge.
Waitamo and Hobbiton
Linda A,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a fantastic experience! The tour of the Waitoma Caves was informative, interesting, and very impressive. Hobbiton is just like the movies with amazing attention to detail. Guide Mackenzie was knowledgeable and friendly.