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Activity Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo 1-Way Small Group Tour

5.0 (26 reviews) 13 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo 1-Way Small Group Tour

About this activity

Explore the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves on this one-way small group tour from Auckland to Rotorua. Guided by knowledgeable locals, enjoy a day filled with picturesque landscapes, intriguing cave formations, and an immersive experience into the world of The Lord of the Rings. Capture photos of charming towns, witness the magical glowworms, and savor a complimentary beverage at the Hobbiton pub. Finish your adventure with a scenic drive through Rotorua's highlights before check-in at your accommodation.

  • Small group tour with passionate, expert guides
  • Visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves
  • Includes entry tickets, bottled water, and snacks
  • Duration: Approximately 13 hours, ending in Rotorua
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At a glance

Duration
13 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 15 people
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English
Operated by
Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
  • Included: Admission fees: Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Included: Admission fees: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Included: Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Included: Bottled water & snacks
  • Included: Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
  • Included: Fully Guided 1-Way Small Group Tour

Not included

  • Not included: Accommodation in Rotorua
  • Not included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Itinerary

  1. Waikato Region

    Passing by

    Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. After learning about some local history we stop in the idyllic little town of Pirongia for a quick coffee break. Continuing our adventure we pass through Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi in this unique and charming town.

  2. Waitomo Caves

    one hour

    Arriving at our first feature attractions you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations, including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.

  3. Hobbiton Movie Set

    3 hours Admission included

    Arriving at our second feature attraction, Hobbiton, you will have time to buy lunch before boarding one of the big green Hobbiton buses. You then depart on a two and a half hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide, to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.

  4. Tirau

    Passing by

    Continuing our adventure we depart for Rotorua and pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.

  5. Rotorua

    20 min

    To complete the formal part of the tours first day we arrive in Rotorua and do a quick guided driving tour, seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. We then drop you off at your hotel to check in for the night (accommodation not included)

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Please wait outside the SkyCity Hotel Lobby, by the glass doors, at the bottom of the Sky tower.

End point

  • Drop available to central locations

Pickup points

  • M Social Hotel Auckland
  • SkyCity Hotel Auckland
  • Crowne Plaza Auckland By IHG
  • Grand Millennium Auckland
  • Adina Auckland Britomart
  • Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
  • Movenpick Hotel Auckland
  • Park Hyatt Auckland
  • Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
  • Hilton Auckland
  • The Grand by SkyCity
  • Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland

and 15 more pickup points

*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (SkyCity Hotel). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there.

*Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time.

*Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance.

*Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.

Using your ticket

*You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

  • Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users

  • Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 26 reviews
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Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo 1-Way Small Group Tour

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