2 Day Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Tour from Auckland

4.6
(57 reviews)

2 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

Immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of New Zealand’s North Island on a two-day escape from Auckland. From Rotorua’s famous geysers and the glowing Waitomo Caves to the re-creation of Middle-earth at Hobbiton, you’ll discover scenic beauty and natural wonders, ancient Maori traditions and movie-making magic on this fascinating two-day tour.

What's Included

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Te Puia geothermal experience
Commentary or guide during tours
Lunch
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Maori Evening Experience
Hobbiton Movie Set tour
Overnight accommodation in Rotorua
Gratuities
Meals unless specified
Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Pick up from your inner city accommodation. Please advise your Auckland accommodation at the time of booking.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Depart Auckland for Waitomo and Rotorua followed by a Maori Cultural Experience

    3 stops
  • 1
    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    On this tour, you will be picked up from the hotel in a comfortable mini-bus and driven through the stunning Waikato countryside on a fully guided journey to Waitomo Caves and Te Puia Geothermal Park. Once in Waitomo, you will explore the ancient and amazing caves, with their many different cave formations including Stalactites, Stalagmites, and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your glowworm experience. Board your glowworm boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of glowworms glittering above your head. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see for any traveller.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Arriving at your second feature destination, Te Puia, you will receive a fully guided tour to best experience the geothermal and cultural wonders including Pōhutu Geyser, Māori Architecture, The National Māori Arts School, geothermal craters, geothermal events, and even the chance to view a Kiwi bird in the Kiwi viewing house.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Continue your adventure with another fully guided journey south to Rotorua, with many more attractions to see along the way, including hydro dams, rivers, and lots more animals. Once in Rotorua, you will be guided past many of its famous and historical sites, including Lake Rotorua, The Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Thermal Springs, and Polynesian Spa. This evening feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. The Village shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Rotorua to Auckland including Hobbiton Movie Set Tour , either morning or afternoon departure.

    2 stops
  • 4
    Hobbiton Movie Set

    Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set tour starts with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to Matamata, a small town in the Waikato region known for its thoroughbred industry and dairy farming. Along the way your local driver guide will provide informative commentary and share stories about the region and its history. Just outside of Matamata is the private working farm that was transformed into The Shire for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. The home of Tolkien's beloved hobbits Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors from around the world. Take a two-hour guided tour of the movie set and learn how this picturesque farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. Your guide will show you Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill and many other structures from the movies.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Auckland

    Following the Hobbiton tour, enjoy lunch at either Shire's Rest or in the marquee beside the Green Dragon Inn. After lunch, there is time for some shopping before you leave to drive north through lush Waikato dairy farms and over the Bombay Hills arriving in Auckland where you will be transferred to your inner-city accommodation.

    4 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Discover New Zealand

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Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Overnight Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Historical Tours
Movie Tours
Involves Animals
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Rating

4.6 Based on 57 57 reviews
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