
Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland worth booking?
Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland is a 11-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $80 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (11)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $80 per person
This tour offers you the chance to enjoy two of New Zealand's most iconic attractions in a single day. Begin with the mesmerizing Waitomo Caves, where you'll marvel at the stunning limestone formations and the enchanting
What you get
About this experience
This tour offers you the chance to enjoy two of New Zealand's most iconic attractions in a single day. Begin with the mesmerizing Waitomo Caves, where you'll marvel at the stunning limestone formations and the enchanting glowworms that light up the darkness with their starry glow. Next, step into the magical world of Hobbiton, where you can explore charming hobbit homes, picturesque gardens, and seasonal landscaping. Starting December 2023, our new "Beyond the Door" experience allows you to enter the hobbits' homes, offering an immersive glimpse into their daily lives that was previously only available from the outside. After a day of exploration, unwind with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn, the perfect way to relax and savor the day's adventures. *This tour has a long duration, so cruise ship passengers may not be able to participate. **The departure time is subject to change, Please make sure to check message from us about Pick up time and reply.
What's included
Included
- Pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD.
- Admission fee of Hobbiton movie set tour
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland.
- Admission fee of Waitomo glowworm caves tour
- Visit the world-famous iconic spotlights of New Zealand.
- Complimentary beverages at Green Dragon Inn.
Not included
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- Dinner
- Breakfast
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
You will pass through the city of Auckland and then drive through the beautiful New Zealand countryside. Enjoy the scenic views from the car window.
Pass by without stopping
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
On this tour, you will have the chance to explore the enchanting Waitomo Caves. As you step into the depths of the caves, a dedicated guide will provide in-depth explanations about the fascinating life cycle of glowworms and the rich history of Waitomo. Inside the cave, you'll be surrounded by the magical glow of the glowworms, creating a starry, galaxy-like ambiance. Additionally, the tour includes a serene boat ride through the caves, allowing you to gaze up at the sparkling glowworm-lit ceiling as you float along. This tranquil journey offers an almost otherworldly experience, as you enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of a natural starry sky. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the wonder and mystery of the Waitomo Caves firsthand.
50 minutes here · Admission included
Waikato Region
We'll head towards Hobbiton in Matamata. On the way, you can enjoy the rolling hills that look as if they belong in the world of the Hobbits.
Pass by without stopping
Hobbiton Movie Set
You will have lunch break at the Shire's Rest Café before joining the movie set tour. (Please note that lunch is at your own expense.)
40 minutes here · Admission not included
**Embark on an Unforgettable Hobbiton Tour** Hop aboard the Hobbiton bus and arrive at ”Middle-earth”, where a dedicated guide will share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and historical insights. Explore the charming Hobbit houses and other iconic locations from the films, while enjoying exclusive anecdotes from the set. Starting December 2024, you'll have the rare opportunity to step inside the Hobbit houses and experience firsthand how the movie sets were crafted. After wandering through the enchanting village, relax with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn, making this a truly immersive experience into the world of Middle-earth. This tour offers a delightful blend of movie magic and real-world charm, ensuring a memorable adventure for all fans of the films.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Auckland Central
After enjoying a 1-day tour, relax and unwind as you return to Auckland.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Meeting point
Auckland
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Meeting point
Auckland
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Meeting point
Auckland
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Meeting point
Auckland
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Ends at
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Ends at
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Ends at
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Ends at
Please wait at main entrance. Our driver pick up you.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- NAVI Tours New Zealand
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour includes transportation time to and from Auckland, so the total duration will be approximately 11 hours.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Day tour
Fantastic day. Travelling was comfortable and clean. Tour guide was friendly, supportive and very capable of communicating with people from different back grounds
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you had a fantastic day and found the journey comfortable and enjoyable. It’s great to know your guide made you feel well looked after and communicated clearly with everyone. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again on another tour!
via Viator
Good tour company. Glow worms were too "light".
Tata was great guide. Very professional and full of interesting information. The van was newer and comfortable. I wish we could have done more caves or the Abyss. The basic tour is too basic for such a long drive. Hobbiton is pretty amazing even for a non-Hobbitt friend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your honest and detailed feedback! We’re really happy to hear that Taka provided a professional and informative experience, and that you enjoyed the comfort of the vehicle. We appreciate your comments about the tour pace and cave options—this is valuable feedback and something we’ll continue to work on improving. It’s great to know that Hobbiton impressed even a non-Hobbit fan! We hope to welcome you again for a deeper cave adventure next time.
via Viator
Excellent service
Excellent hobbiton and waitomo tour Our guide and driver TAKA Excellent very punctual, attentive and accessible Loved the service We recommend it to 100
Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por tus amables palabras y por confiar en nosotros para tu tour a Hobbiton y Waitomo. Nos alegra mucho saber que TAKA pudo brindar un servicio puntual y atento que hizo tu experiencia inolvidable. ¡Esperamos acompañarte en futuras aventuras!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A very satisfying tour with a knowledgeable guide
I joined alone. At first, I was thinking of renting a car and going around on my own, but I'm really glad I joined this tour. By listening to the explanations of the knowledgeable guides, I enjoyed the spots that I would have passed without realizing on my own with great interest. It was also very helpful to be able to communicate with the guide in Japanese. At Waitomo Cave, your guide will take you inside the cave. We then spent a fantastic time viewing the clay fireflies in the tranquil cave. Hobbit Village had read a novel and watched a movie a few years earlier, so he was thrilled to see himself in that world. The guide was so kind to help me take photos and I was able to take memorable photos even if I was alone. Thank you for a great day!
Response from the operator: 心温まるレビューをありがとうございます。 お一人でのご参加だったとのことですが、ツアーを存分にお楽しみいただけたようで大変うれしく思います。 ガイドの説明や日本語でのご案内が旅のお手伝いになったとのお言葉、スタッフにとって何よりの励みです。 ワイトモ洞窟やホビット村での体験が印象に残る素敵な1日になったこと、本当に嬉しく拝見しました。 これからもお一人様でも安心してご参加いただける、心に残るツアーをお届けできるよう努めてまいります。 またニュージーランドでお会いできる日を、スタッフ一同心よりお待ちしております。
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Tours you must join when you come to NZ
Experience two of New Zealand's most iconic sights in one day on this luxurious tour. It was an experience I will never forget. I made an application with the feeling that I had come all the way to New Zealand, but both Waitomo Cave and Hobbit Village were beyond my wildest imagination. It was fantastic and truly beautiful to see the earth fireflies in a unique silence. Hobbit Village is simply amazed by the world of Lord of the Rings that appears in the vast land. It was a beautiful place where you could cut anything out. I think even people who have never seen the movie will be able to fully enjoy it. The Japanese guide was very helpful because you can't tell the names of the characters or the scenes without watching the movie. From Waitomo Caves to Hobbit Village, thanks to our guide who kept us occupied with his knowledge and easy-to-understand commentary! It's a tour I'd love to take when I go to New Zealand again.
Response from the operator: この度はツアーにご参加いただき、また心温まるレビューをお寄せいただき本当にありがとうございます。 ワイトモ洞窟とホビット村という、北島を代表する2つの名所を一日で巡るこのツアーを、心から楽しんでいただけたようで、私たちもとても嬉しく思っています。土ボタルの輝きや、映画の世界に迷い込んだようなホビット村の風景を、お客様の言葉を通して私たちも一緒に旅したような気持ちになりました。 ガイドの説明も楽しんでいただけたようで何よりです。映画をご覧になっていない方にも魅力がしっかり伝わるようにと心がけておりますので、その点をご評価いただけたことは大きな励みになります。 またニュージーランドにお越しの際には、ぜひお会いできるのを楽しみにしております。ありがとうございました! チームNavi
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $80 to $525
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland cost?
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Prices start at $80 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 Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland 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 Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland 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 Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland?
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Around 4 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 Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Tour from Auckland 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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