Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland worth booking?
Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland is a 11-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $170 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (30)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $170 per person
Experience New Zealand's cinematic and natural wonders in one incredible day. Begin with a pickup from Auckland and a scenic drive through the Waikato region, featuring stunning landscapes of rolling hills and mountains.
What you get
- Bottled water
- Admission to Fully Guided Tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- Admission to a fully guided experience of the Hobbitton Movie Set
About this experience
Experience New Zealand's cinematic and natural wonders in one incredible day. Begin with a pickup from Auckland and a scenic drive through the Waikato region, featuring stunning landscapes of rolling hills and mountains. The first stop is the Waitomo Caves, where a guided tour takes you deep underground to see breathtaking limestone formations, ending with a magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms create a starry canopy. Then, continue to the Alexander Family Sheep Farm, the gateway to Hobbiton. Here, board the iconic green bus for a 2.5-hour guided tour of the famous movie set. Explore 44 hobbit holes, stroll through vibrant gardens, and discover behind-the-scenes stories from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films, finishing with a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This tour perfectly combines adventure, stunning scenery, and cinematic magic, making it a truly unique experience.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Admission to Fully Guided Tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- Admission to a fully guided experience of the Hobbitton Movie Set
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
Embark on your expedition from the largest city in New Zealand. As we set out, your guide will kick off the day's adventures, laying the groundwork for an enthralling exploration. Travel journey time from Auckland to Waitomo Caves
180 minutes here
As you arrive at the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, prepare to be amazed by the spectacular limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and lime columns. A guided tour takes you deep into the caves, leading to the Glowworm Grotto. Here, you'll board a boat for a serene cruise through the grotto, where thousands of glowworms create a mesmerizing, starry display overhead—a truly unique and magical experience.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Waitomo District
Before heading into Hobbition, stop by at the Waitomo homestead for lunch Lunch stop ( approx 45 minutes) Drive to Hobbittion ( 75 minutes)
120 minutes here
Hobbiton Movie Set
After your underground adventure, the tour heads towards the Alexander Family Sheep Farm and Shire's Rest, the gateway to Hobbiton. Here, you'll be welcomed by the sight of sheep grazing across picturesque hills. Take a moment to enjoy a meal, coffee, or ice cream while your guide prepares your entry to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Next, board one of the iconic green Hobbiton buses for a 2.5-hour guided tour of this enchanting 12-acre film set. Led by an expert guide, explore 44 charming hobbit holes, stroll through vibrant gardens, and uncover behind-the-scenes stories from the making of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Your Hobbiton adventure concludes with a refreshing drink at the famous Green Dragon Inn, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magical world of Middle-earth.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Auckland
As you make your way back to Auckland, enjoy views of New Zealand's longest river, the Huntly power station, and the Maori Queen's burial site, reminiscing on the captivating encounters at hobbition and the mesmerizing glowworms at the Waitomo Caves
150 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Expedigo Tours and Travels Auckland
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing sights with the best guide!
Waitomo and Hobbiton are amazing places! It’s a must place to go to while you’re in Auckland. Our driver/guide - Deane was an absolute 11/10! He was funny, reliable, punctual, and an expert behind the wheel. His passion for the region really brought every spot to life! He made very good conversation as well :)
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this lovely review.We’re really happy you had such a great day exploring Waitomo and Hobbiton with us. They’re such a fantastic combination, and we agree — both are definitely worth experiencing while you’re in Auckland! And an 11/10 for Deane! 😂 We’ll definitely be sending this one his way. He’ll be so happy to know that you enjoyed his company, stories and all the little conversations along the way. He genuinely loves sharing New Zealand with our guests, so it’s lovely to hear that came through. Thanks again for choosing Expedigo and spending your day with us. We hope you take home some really special memories from New Zealand.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
This tour was absolutely wonderful, and our tour guide Jason was a highlight for our whole trip. He made the early morning start cheery right off the bat, and made us laugh the whole day. Can't recommend enough, and would definitely book with them again next time we visit. Hobbiton and Waitomo caves are incredible.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a lovely review — this really means a lot to us. I’m so happy to hear the tour was a highlight of your trip! Jason will be thrilled to hear this too, he really does have a way of turning those early starts into something fun and memorable. It’s great that you enjoyed Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves as well — they’re pretty special places, and it sounds like you got the full experience. Thanks again for the recommendation, and we’d absolutely love to have you back next time you’re visiting.
via Tripadvisor
Just book it!
Don’t think about it. Just do it. Lifetime experience our guide was perfect. I’d do it again in a heartbeat
Response from the operator: That’s such an awesome review to read—thank you! We love the “just do it” advice, it really is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. So glad your guide made the day feel that special and everything came together perfectly. Hearing you’d do it all over again means a lot to us. Really appreciate you coming along!
via Viator
Amazing experience
Jason was a fantastic tour guide, and brightened the day immediately despite the early pick up. Hobbiton and Waitomo were both incredible, and Jason made sure everything was seamless and easy. Well worth the cost, and highly recommend going with this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really glad to hear Jason made such a great impression from the very start—those early pickups can be tough, so it’s awesome he was able to set a positive tone for the day. Hobbiton and Waitomo are pretty special places, and it’s great to know you had such an incredible experience at both. We’ll be sure to pass your feedback on to Jason—he’ll really appreciate it. Thanks again for choosing to tour with us, and for the recommendation!
via Viator
Hobbiton/Glow worms caves
Our whole experience was AMAZING! I highly recommend the cronut from the cafe at Hobbiton. Jaime our driver was GREAT!
Response from the operator: Wow — thank you so much for this! It absolutely makes our day reading feedback like that. We’re thrilled you had such an amazing experience from start to finish. And you’re not wrong about the cronut at the café at the Hobbiton Movie Set — it has quite a reputation! We love that you’re out there spreading the good word about it. Jaime will be so happy to hear your shout-out. He really puts his heart into what he does, and it’s wonderful to know that came through on the day. I’ll make sure your kind words get passed on to him. Thanks again for the recommendation and for choosing to spend your time with us — we’d love to have you back for round two someday!
via Viator
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
- $170 to $375
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland cost?
+
Prices start at $170 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 Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland take?
+
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 Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland?
+
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 Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland?
+
Around 11 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?
+
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 Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland.
Pick your date
