Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour worth booking?
Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour is a 11-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $819 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $819 per person
See two iconic NZ attractions all in one wonderful day. Visit the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour of one of the most iconic movie sets worldwide. This ultimate Downunder (Cave) Tour
What you get
About this experience
See two iconic NZ attractions all in one wonderful day. Visit the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour of one of the most iconic movie sets worldwide. This ultimate Downunder (Cave) Tour combined with “Middle Earth” will optimise your time in NZ.
What's included
Included
- All tours support local eco-cultural initiatives.
- Entry fees to attractions: Waitomo Glowworm Caves GROUP Tour
- Tour times: 8am to 7pm (flexible).
- Hobbiton Movie Set GROUP Tour
- Fully guided Private Tour in Mercedes luxury vehicle.
- Pick-up/drop-off in Auckland incl airport/cruise terminal.
- Complimentary snacks & water.
What you'll see and do
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
At Waitomo you will experience the world-famous Glowworm Caves on a 45 minute tour, which includes a boat ride on an underground stream to view the magically dazzling Glowworms.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hobbiton Movie Set
Hobbiton Movie Set
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TIME Unlimited Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A day full of interest - wouldn’t have missed it for the world …….
We were picked up from our hotel in Auckland by a great private guide called ‘Drew’ - not his real Samoan name but one we could pronounce. What a great guide and a great guy. Drew started the journey by introducing himself and then asked us to tell him a bit about ourselves. That was a really lovely way of relaxing into each other’s company. The vehicle was so comfortable and to add to the comfort, Drew had provided a basket of goodies for us to enjoy as and when we liked - a very nice touch. Our first stop was at the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves - we viewed the glow worms from a boat. Photographs aren’t allowed inside the caves but they give you the opportunity to buy a superimposed ‘green screen’ image at the end of the tour. Lunch was also included - we could choose from a certain selection. I became rather partial to the pies in NZ so for me, it had to be a pie!! After leaving the Caves, Drew then drove us to Hobbiton - my husband and I loved LoTR and The Hobbit, but to be honest, there were some on the tour at Hobbiton who hadn’t seen the Peter Jackson films and they got so much out of the visit. The film setting is in such a beautiful part of NZ with rolling green hills and we were truly blessed with glorious weather. Potentially visiting in the rain, would be such a shame as views could be obstructed by numerous umbrellas. Our guide around the film setting was informative and an obvious LoTR fan so her job was like a job made in heaven. After the tour of Hobbiton, Drew then drove us to our hotel in Rotorua - leaving Drew to drive the return journey to Auckland on his own. It’s was a long journey for him, just short of 5 hours Drew is a credit to Time Unlimited Tours - he is a personable guy with lots of interesting stories - we are so pleased we had him as our guide for the day.
Response from the operator: What a pleasure it was reading your great review and thanks so much for taking the time, we really appreciate it! Drew hosted you on our "Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set One-Way Private Tour", where our manuhiri (guests) get to optimise their time in New Zealand with a Private Luxury Tour from Auckland to Rotorua, incorporating visits to both Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set into the journey. Pick-up is in Auckland and drop-off in Rotorua, thereby optimising the logistics of travelling around New Zealand while seeing some of our most famous attractions. Ka kite ano (see you again soon)! Neill & Ceillhe Sperath
via Tripadvisor
A fabulous Tour with a fabulous guide …
Firstly I must compliment how friendly, courteous & knowledgeable our excellent driver and tour guide ‘Drew’ was. Without a question of doubt he made this trip so wonderful - we loved hearing his stories, it made our time together such a pleasure. From our hotel in Auckland he drove us to Waitomo Glowworm caves - he explained how the tour of the caves worked and met us at the end. He then drive us on to Hobbiton- what a fabulous tour - if you love the LoTR films or The hobbit this tour is a must and we were blessed with a fabulous sunny day with was the icing on the cake Drew then drove us on to our Hotel in Rotorua where we parted company. A long drive for Drew but it’s so apparent how he loves his job and he’s certainly great at what he does
via Tripadvisor
Very happy hobbits !!
The Universe (and Google) brought me Ceillhe. I was planning a trip to Auckland with my husband for my 40th, along with my parents who were celebrating their 45th. Hobbiton has always been high on my bucket list and after our first chat, I knew I'd found our person. Communication was easy leading up to the trip and with a few questions answered, Ceillhe carefully curated a tour to indulge all of our wishes. We did the private 2-day and overnighted in Rotorua. We felt like we were with our big sister. We felt safe on the ride to and from Rotorua and we felt considered, down to the minor details in the hotel room and being gifted hobbit names prior to the tour ♡ I'm so grateful and beyond thankful for this experience and would highly recommend Time Unlimited Tours to anyone looking for an intimate, educational experience.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing all day tour! Excellent driver!
Went on this tour with my husband - mainly to see Hobbiton but we were interested in the glow worm cave as well so we thought- why not? Our driver Donna was wonderful and had snacks and water ready for us in the car. She did an excellent job of talking about the area surrounding Auckland and making sure we were comfortable. We stopped for toilet breaks and coffee as needed in the morning. Lunch at Hobbiton was great. Hobbiton itself was magnificent. Overall a great tour!
via Tripadvisor
Private Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton tour
Had booked a private tour to see the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton. Had a confirmation phone call the day before which was good to touch base and Curtis picked me up from my downtown Auckland hotel before taking me on a tour of the North Island before stopping at the Waitomo Caves and then onto Hobbiton in the afternoon before dropping me at my hotel in Rotorua. Excellent day out, he made sure I was fine every moment of the journey and plenty of snacks/water in minivan if I needed. A company that goes above and beyone for their customers.
Response from the operator: It was such a pleasure reading your review and nga mihi nui (big thanks in Maori) for taking the time to write this wonderful review. We certainly always do our very best to ensure our manuhiri (valued guests) are happy and it's great to read that you enjoyed being hosted by Curtis so much! Neill & Ceillhe Sperath
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $819 to $1364
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $819 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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