Home > Auckland > Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip
USD $285.00
Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip
Auckland, New Zealand
Experience this exciting tour of Hobbiton that is perfect for anyone looking to add a little fantasy to their holiday. You will visit three amazing destinations in one day. This tour will bring you to the movie set in Hobbiton, where you will be swept away into the world of The Hobbit. After that you will travel to Rotorua and spend approximately 1.5 hours while enjoying lunch and visiting the Thermal Valley at Te Puia, before leaving Rotorua, to travel to Waitomo to visit the Waitomo Caves.
This tour is flexible with options to leave from and return to Auckland, leave from Auckland and finish in Rotorua, leave from and return to Rotorua, or leave from Rotorua and finish in Auckland.
Hotel pickups from 6:30am - Please note you must be ready and waiting at your specified time. We have set times at the attractions on tour - We apologise but If you are late we cannot wait. We start our day traveling from Auckland to Hobbiton through Waikato, where you will take in the gorgeous scenery of Dairy Farms and the Hauraki Plains. On arrival at Hobbiton, you will be guided through the picturesque, 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. You will be escorted through the twelve acre site and be given fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie set was created.
The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and other structures were created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. They can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-Earth, with the finale being a complimentary drink at the "Green Dragon Inn".
After this tour you will travel to Rotorua (approximately 55 minutes) to Te Puia where you will have lunch. Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of Rotorua. It is home to the Pohutu geyser, mud pools, hot springs, silica formations, the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. They have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.
From there we travel to Waitomo Caves, World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance. You will walk into the caves and sail out in a small boat.
Picked up smack bang on time and then taken to the tour bus aka Small mini van. We had nearly a full tour with about 12 of us on the tour. Fran was our driver. She was very knowledgeable, nice, a great driver and gave us plenty of time at each location. We left Auckland at around 7am and didn't get back to the Hotel around 7.30pm. Mini bus was very comfortable, only issue with Fran was that one minute she was hating on Peter Jackson but weren't we about to arrive into Hobbiton? _br/_ Takes roughly 2.5 hours to get to each location. Spent 2 hours at Hobbiton, 1 at Rotorua and about 1.5 hours at the caves. Just a tip...make sure you go the Gift shop first upon arriving at Hobbiton as you won't have much time to browse the 2nd gift shop at the end of the tour. Lunch at the mud pools in Rotorua was average, just like what you would get at a zoo, but there was plenty of options to choose from.
Review by: Gary L, August 2018
The New Zealand countryside is amazing!!! As a Lord of the Rings fan, seeing Hobbiton was a great experience. The Glowworms of Waitomo Caves is something everyone should see in their lifetime. You only need like an hour to see the glowworms, you get on a boat, go thru the cave and that's it. No pictures allowed in the cave. Rotorua was interesting, great to see the geyser - and sit on the warm steps. It was a long day to start from Auckland and return to Auckland, but it's what me and my wife wanted to see. This tour was excellent because we got to Hobbiton early and was one of the 1st groups in - which was nice because it wasn't crowded. Hobbiton is a guided tour by a Hobbiton Tour Guide, so you don't get to walk freely through Hobbiton. Our Bus Driver and Tour Guide to and from the sites were excellent.
Review by: Maricris M, July 2018
Great day, got to see many sights with very nice and informative driver
Review by: Maria W, July 2018
This is the perfect day tour if you are strapped for time and need to pack as much into one day as is humanly possible. A bit of touristy things, a bit of cultural exposure, tons of exploring nature.
Review by: Dee, April 2018
We booked a one way tour from Auckland that ended in Rotorua. There is a lot of driving involved for this tour, however, between the commentary by the drivers, stops, and countryside views it wasn't bad.
Review by: Natalie B, April 2018
We only had two days in Auckland on our way to Canada and weren't sure about doing such a huge day, but it was well worth it. We saw so much of the spectacular countryside. The commentary on the coach was informative and entertaining. The itinerary was fairly tight, but we had plenty of time at each place and no waiting in queues. Plenty of time to sit back and relax while we were driven between locations. Hobbiton was fantastic for us as big fans of the movie. Rotorua and Waitoma Caves showcased New Zealand's natural wonders.
Review by: Annemarie C, April 2018
Three nice stops. Glow worm caves, Hobbiton, and Te Puia. The guides were nice and knowledgeable. Hobbiton was my favorite part of the trip. It is so cool to hear the stories about the making of the Lord of the Rings and stand in the Shire. Very convenient pick and drop off at my hotel.
Review by: Karen R, April 2018
This was a great tour and one of our favorite days in New Zealand. Our guide had to keep us right on track as the day was full of sights. Hobbiton was so adorable and in such a beautiful setting. I hadn't seen the movies, just read the books, and loved it. The attention to details is amazing. Then off to the geyser and mudpots and a peek at a kiwi bird in the kiwi house. ALso included the hangi lunch which was delicious and more than enough food. Our last stop was the glow worms which were amazing. Make sure you see the fibers hanging under the caves before getting on the boat. The scenery on the trip, both ways, was some of the prettiest we saw in New Zealand. We really enjoyed every minute of this tour.
Review by: Jacquelyn L, March 2018
Such a fun tour of Hobbiton! Te Puia was beautiful, although REALLY bad smelling geyser. And the Waitomo caves was a fun ending. The scenery on the way is beyond stunning!
Review by: gutrakapu, March 2018
Had a wonderful time on this tour - Ramon with Flexi Tours was very informative and gave us great insights into North Island as we traveled down to each of the spots. We were the first tour of 2018! It rained at Hobbiton but it was still a beautiful landscape to see. The glowworms was also fascinating to see. Loved the geysers and the bubbling mud pools at Rotorua. Wish we had an opportunity to see Maori cultural song/dance but we missed the timing. All in all, a fantastic trip and would highly recommend it!
Review by: Regina L G, March 2018
Our tour was really awesome from start to finish. Our tour guide Ron was exceptional. He was informative and totally patient answering our questions with a smile. A really nice guy. We loved the Hobbiton part the best as we have been to Rotorua and Waitomo before but revisiting was fun. A long day but most enjoyable as Ron was doing all the driving. We will be back again.
Review by: mbur1109, March 2018
Long day but worth it!
Review by: libbypoints, March 2018
I wish I could give more than 5 stars for this trip! Hobbiton was amazing! The Geyser was incredible! Unfortunately, there was an accident on the road that delayed us and we did not get to the Caves. We did get a prompt refund for that portion of the trip. Vic was our tour guide and even though it was a tough day for him, due to traffic, he was an amazing guide to have. He kept us informed and entertained the whole day. I will just have to go back to New Zealand some day and do this trip again so I can see the GlowWorms!
Review by: Joline B, March 2018
Loved Hobbiton. The Rotorua and Waitomo caves were not as exciting as billed. Our tour guide was fun and helped make the long day in the van more enjoyable. If only have a short time would definitely go to Hobbiton, but if one has been to Yellowstone in the US, would probably skip Rotorua and Waitomo.
Review by: VHISSA P, March 2018
We got picked up exactly at 6:30a.m. it was operated by Flexi tours. Our guide/driver Ron was awesome and very helpful and informative._br/_ It was long day and driving on some winding road. But Hobbiton the movie set was nice although it was raining when we were there. Our guide there was Glenn nice guy, he didn't mind being asked as a photographer and he is good at it, like a natural. Geyser in Rotorua was beautiful, the lunch was provided and I had local food it was good. In Waitomo cave was amazing taking photos was not allowed. Our guide... her name was Tee going through the cave was really amazing. Especially when we were in the little boat, that's when you see a lot of glow worms. It's like the clear night sky with full of bright stars. I saw a big dipper... just so I thought. Kind of use your own imagination. They wanted you to be quite when you go through it. And when you get off the boat there was like a big opening like you are going through the forest. You are allowed to take photos as soon as you get off the boat. The whole entire tour, although it was tiring because three places in one day.... but it was totally worth it. Beautiful and amazing places, helpful and friendly people. I will definitely recommend this tour through Viator. Really enjoyed our 4 days in New Zealand after 3 days in Australia. just have to plan ahead of time. Awesome!! and Amazing!!! Thanks Flexi tours and Viator for an amazing experienced.
Review by: Allison G, March 2018
We are so glad we booked this tour! Rob was a great 'local' tour guide. During the drive he shared lots of historical and geographical information and stories. I took notes because it was so fascinating! The drive is long between destinations, so we were glad to not be driving ourselves. Hobbiton was quaint and fun, just as promised. Rotorua was very interesting, but as others have said, we didn't have much time there. But I finally got to see a live kiwi in the nocturnal display area! We were pleased that they could accommodate our request for vegan hangi, which was delicious. The Waitomo Caves were really coolin both senses of the word! The highlights were our cave guide singing a Maori love song to demonstrate the acoustics of the cave, and of course the glow worms. Who ever thought worms would make us feel romantic? If you've got limited time in New Zealand whether because of time, or because there are so many other places to go there, then this is a great way to get 3 unique New Zealand experiences.
Review by: howard, March 2018
Our guide Sharon was so attentive to us, she keep us informed and provided extensive background in regard to NZ and the local areas we drove through. We had a full day on the road, fortunately Sharon filled the day with interesting conversation as we traveled long distance between the Caves, Hobbition and the wildlife areas visited.
Review by: Pedro J, March 2018
great and well covered tour!
Review by: Lynda C, March 2018
A long day but very enjoyable, guide Raymon was very kind. The bus seating is rather squashed so a few more stops to stretch the legs might a good idea. Hangi lunch at Rotorua was not particularly delicious - 5 or 6 different kinds of starchy carbohydrates incl potato, yam, corn, bread and only a small piece of chicken!
Review by: info4pgl, March 2018
Had a mini van for transportation. Made the trip very nice with a small group. Fran was our driver and guide. She was very knowledgeable and made the trip fun. There is at least a 2 hour drive through the country side between the three sights. Fran made the time pass with interesting facts about her native country. We enjoyed our trip to Waitomo Caves and the glow worms. It was a fantastic sight. The trip to the thermal pools was warm and interesting. Lunch was good. The chicken was cooked in the steam vents from the thermal pools. Hobbiton was everything we expected. The guides did a great job of bringing the place to life. Liked the ginger beer at the Green Dragon. Having everything included in the trip made it an easy day. Would highly recommend this experience.
Review by: Marty M, March 2018
Full day, but 3 awesome trips that each delivered an awe inspiring experience. Hobbiton was way cooler than expected for this guy who hadnt watched the movies. Rotorua was cool to see as were the Waitomo caves. The raft trip to see the glow worms was icing on the cake. Our tour guide gave us lots of local history along the way. Highly recommend.
Review by: Peter D, March 2018
Awesome place to visit.
Review by: Joseph B, March 2018
This was an amazing day! We got to do a tour of Hobbiton and see the gysers @ Totorua and the Glow Worm caves!!!_br/_ It was a long day, but definately worth it to see all of those attractions!!!
Review by: ashleyyep, March 2018
If you are looking for an all in one tour this is it! This tour was amazing! All three places were great and very memorable! Yes, it is a long tour, but it is because the places are far apart. But you can nap in between : I would definitely recommend this tour.
Review by: Alana K, March 2018
Rob was a fantastic guide. He had a depth of knowledge not just about the venues we were visiting, but of everything we passed along the way. He also gave us very detailed information about each place we were visiting so we knew exactly what to expect and how best to maximize our time. All three places were amazing, and I have an extra special place in my heart for Hobbiton. Kia ora!
Review by: Emanuel S, January 2018
this was a very exciting one day trip. each stop was unique and fun. highly recommend.
Review by: Lynne C, January 2018
I am not a Lord of the Rings fan, but this was a super fun tour!! Rotorua was cool, hobbiton was SUPER neat, and the caves were a beautiful site to see. Our guide was really hard to understand and gave confusing directions at Hobbiton so we ended up having to rush around to make up for the lost time but other than that it was really good!
Review by: Alicia B, January 2018
First time using Viator - was well worth it. Staff were helpful and friendly, and each destination was worth the travel. About an hour or so travel time between destinations, a long day, but definitely recommend this tour if you're interested in discovering some interesting parts of NZ.
Review by: Joyce A, January 2018
This is a must, it all day but so worth it.
Review by: Yeritza S, January 2018
Rebecca was a great driver :)
Review by: Rahul M, January 2018
Perfect and long one day trip! Great way to see many things in a single day. Would've enjoyed more time in Rotorua, without a doubt, but technically it may be difficult. If you're short on time, this is your tour!
Review by: anil pratap s, January 2018
A well planned tour, a tad hectic though! Time at Hobbiton and Waitomo was sufficient as the tours there are a guide conducted tour of fixed time, however, could do with more time at Rotorua. Tour lasts for about 14 hours so need to be prepared with comfortable clothing, food, water and power banks!
Review by: Archana A, January 2018
It was a very nice experience. We got to all see the main attractions close to Auckland in one day. the tour operator was very knowledgeable and kept giving useful and fun information throughout the day. He was quite friendly and polite too. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who doesn't have a lot of time in that area and still wants to visit the main attractions.
Review by: California Tourist, January 2018
Hobbiton was great to visit if you are a movie fan ... and seeing/hearing the details that Peter Jackson had done was amazing. Waitomo Caves was fantastic although it was interesting they don't allow photographs on areas that really would not impact the glow worms. Overall, it was a great tour and Fran/Clive were our tour guides were good!
Review by: vs_1971, January 2018
We had pitch-perfect start at 6:30 am. Ramon was our driver - Throughout the trip, he shared his know-how on the culture and the towns that we visited. Hobbiton Trip was fantabulous. We had Maori food in Rotorua. Hot Water Geysers and Mud Pools were unbelievable! Waitomo was a natural wonder. We were back to our Hotel by 7:15 pm.
Review by: David L L, January 2018
A long day, but sleeping on the bus makes it go faster. For the Hobbit fans, Hobbiton was great. If you haven't seen geothermal geysers, Rotorua was good. Compared to Yellowstone or Iceland, a bit anticlimatic but good anyway. The lunch was good. The geothermal steamed food was better than expected. Glow worms were out of this world. Trip in the caves was shorter than expected, but saw what we came to see.
Review by: Man Ming C, December 2017
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Deepa J, December 2017
Great trip. Glow worm caves are a must do.. Phutu Geyser is nature's awesome. Hobbiton is beautiful and well maintained.
Review by: Esmee S, December 2017
It was really nice!! Loved all the sites. Although it was a really long day, I would love to do it again.
Review by: planofreeman, November 2017
Great trip but it was long. Do not miss Hobbiton.....my favorite! Our driver was Fran and she was very informative.
Review by: amazingGirls82, November 2017
hobbiton is good get free tea but very hot while walking. . waitomo very dark can not use camera inside of the cave not fun... the lunch at rotorua... rotorua we cant see closely the volcanic only see from far away...on the middle of the tour after from rotorua to waitomo the driver take illegal guest we said illegal guest because 3 guest is not with us from the beginning...
Review by: Erica Z, November 2017
This was a GREAT tour and an amazing value for all of the fun that we had. Our tour guide Fran was friendly and gave us great history throughout our travel. She made sure we had a great time and kept us all on time throughout the day. She made the tour fantastic, my daughter Olivia loved her! We were gone for about 13hrs and it was nice to not have to drive or deal with entrance lines. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see the best of the Northern island all in one day!
Review by: Mel, November 2017
This is a good tour but it makes for a very long day. It is also a fairly large tour so we were delayed by a couple of people who did not get back to the bus on time, which meant we were rushed at our next stop. Hobbiton was interesting but know that you cannot wander off on your own. You are in a tour group of 20 people that goes from place to place on the set. Rotorua was interesting but we didn't get as much time there as I would have liked and the food was not great. The Waitomo Caves were amazing, which was a good way to end the tour.
Review by: Jeanette D, November 2017
A lovely trip to show my daughter where I went as a child. Hobbiton is lovely for everyone that enjoys the countryside. Waitomo and Rotorua were short stops and are big tourist spots so a bit longer especially in Rotorua as there was not much time after lunch would have been nicer, but I still showed my daughter everything I wanted to. Lovely substantial lunch
Review by: corespec, November 2017
Can't recommend this tour more highly. It is a long day, but well worth it as you encompass in one day what some tours will take three separate days to cover. The Hobbiton movie set is interesting, even for someone who has no idea of the background of the movies. Rotorua was good to see, but you will be very lucky if you see the geyser. The Waitomo glow worm caves were spectacular and not to be missed. Travel was by a really excellent 15 seater Mercedes-Benz coach. Fran, our coach driver was the best I have encountered in my many coach tours. Her driving was absolutely top class and her commentary was continuous and always interesting and entertaining. The only down side to this tour is that it is about three hours until the first scheduled toilet break, so don't have coffee or too much to drink before departing. We had to make an unscheduled pitstop!!
Review by: Mary Ann H, November 2017
Had a great time , very organized, friendly people
Review by: Mousam B, November 2017
It is amazing place. Must Visit
Review by: Gabrielle C, November 2017
Hobbitton très bien. Roturoa décevant et beaucoup trop rapide. Waitem caves très bien.
Review by: Niea Nadya R, November 2017
I love this it. I got everything I want and it's better than I expected. Especially Waitomo Cave! I felt like I'm in fairy tales world. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take picture in Waitomo Cave so, I think it best for you to experience it by yourself.
RSS Feed