
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 64 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland worth booking?
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland is a 12-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $249 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 64 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (64)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $249 per person
Discover two of New Zealand’s top attractions in one unforgettable day. Our small-group Hobbiton & Waitomo tour gives you more - more time to explore, more comfort, and thoughtful touches that set us apart. With a maximum of 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed pace, surprise photo stops, and secret encounters along the way. Led by passionate guides and including a delicious lunch, this is the ultimate North Island adventure Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside. This policy helps protect the glowworms, ensuring the preservation of this unique environment.
What you get
About this experience
Discover two of New Zealand’s top attractions in one unforgettable day. Our small-group Hobbiton & Waitomo tour gives you more - more time to explore, more comfort, and thoughtful touches that set us apart. With a maximum of 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed pace, surprise photo stops, and secret encounters along the way. Led by passionate guides and including a delicious lunch, this is the ultimate North Island adventure Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside. This policy helps protect the glowworms, ensuring the preservation of this unique environment.
What's included
Included
- Complimentary Auckland CBD Hotel pickup (select locations only)
- Fully Guided Small Group Tour with local driver/guide
- Booster seat
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Water & snacks provided
- Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Tour
Not included
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Pass by without stopping
Waikato Region
Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and several farm animals along the way.
Pass by without stopping
Hobbiton Movie Set
Arriving at the first feature attraction ‘Hobbiton’ you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses and 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’. *** Maintenance & restoration construction at Hobbiton is set to begin 01 June 2025, with the major works being completed in September 2025. During this period, construction and maintenance equipment and noise will be present. Tours will continue as normal but will take an alternate route around the construction zone, while being able to get a glimpse of the work that goes into keeping Hobbiton Movie Set as magical as it looked in the films.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Departing Hobbiton and heading towards Waitomo we stop at the stunning Lake Karapiro. Home to one of New Zealand’s first hydro dams and where some of New Zealand’s great rowers train. With amazing views across the lake and countryside, it’s a great place for a quick break and some photos.
10 minutes here
Otorohanga
Time to recharge with a tasty lunch, included as part of your tour. Choose from a fresh selection of savoury bites to keep you going for the afternoon. Relax and enjoy the local flavours before continuing your adventure.
30 minutes here
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Arriving at our second feature attraction 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 glowworm 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.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Auckland
Sadly after Waitomo we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland including secret stops along the way.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Know before you go
- 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 poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- 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
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- If you are visiting off a cruise ship, please be aware we cannot guarantee to be back in time for a 6:30/7:00/7:30 PM cruise departure
- The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 63 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
63 verified traveler reviews for Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing - book this tour!
We originally booked with Go New Zealand. They promptly informed us our tour would be operated by Cheeky Kiwi. Cheeky Kiwi was awesome. They got us there in style and comfort. They provided snacks, water, and lunch. Trent provided commentary of sights along the way. Hobbiton was amazing. The tour guides were knowledgeable and funny. The photo opportunities and the drink at the dragon inn were just the cherry on top. We had about 30 min at the cafe/giftshop, followed by 2 hour tour. The glow worm caves were so cool. You won't believe your eyes.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome day tour
Awesome day. Hobbiton is stunning — green, scenic, and beautifully kept. The caves were the highlight though: watching the glowworms felt like looking up at a night sky full of stars. Romantic and unforgettable.
via Tripadvisor
Great overall experience! Vicki was GREAT!
Vicki was AMAZING! She was very knowledgeable and welcoming. This was about a 15 person tour and everything went smoothly from pick up to drop off. Vicki was very attentive with food and toilet stops. She have great recommendations and we felt safe with her driving in the rain. Booking thr excursion through cheeky kiwi makes the whole Hobbiton and Glow worm cave experience much smoother and enjoyable. You dont have to worry about driving or parking or the time. They take care of it all. You just show up and have a great time. We met some wonderful people on our tour and also took a good nap between excursions. Its a 12 hour day so you'll definitely appreciate the comfortability of getting on an air-conditioned bus without having to worry about a thing. All the admission fees were included and we had lunch and well. I would say this is best for anyone, families, couples and if youre considering if its worth it I hope this review helps you make a choice. Cheers!
via Tripadvisor
Happy Hobbitses!
This tour was one of the best tours I’ve ever been on. Our tour guide, Grant was both cheeky and so very charming. Hobbiton was everything that we dreamed of and more with rolling green hills, grazing sheep, and such detailed hobbit holes, both inside and out. The Green Dragon had such delicious drinks and the bar tenders were so cheerful. Our tour guide, Grant, made sure to provide lots of snacks and water for our long journey, and on top of this, we had a very hearty and delicious lunch included in the tour package. After leaving Hobbiton, we made our way to Waitomo caves, which was simply spectacular and a must see. Finally, we made a pit stop at an ice-cream shop on the way home and it was honestly the best ice-cream I’ve ever had. This was such a pleasant experience and I could not recommend Cheeky Kiwi more.
Response from the operator: What a fun day - Green Dragon drinks, Waitomo caves and the best ice-cream to top it off! Grant loves making sure guests are well looked after with plenty of snacks along the way on the Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour. Thanks so much for the glowing review, and we hope to see you back again :)
via Viator
Fantastic Experience and professional tour guide
It was an incredible experience visiting Hobbiton and Waitomo in a single day. Although it was a 13-hour tour, it was absolutely worth it. The scenery was stunning, and the entire journey was truly memorable. I would especially like to compliment our tour guide, Liam. He is highly professional, friendly, and genuinely caring. Throughout the trip, he shared detailed and fascinating information about Auckland and the places we visited, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Liam went above and beyond—he prepared water and snacks for us during the journey, arranged a great lunch, and even helped take photos without being asked. His thoughtful and attentive service made the whole trip comfortable and smooth. Thank you, Cheeky Kiwi, for having such outstanding staff. This was truly a memorable and enjoyable journey.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $249 to $449
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel, who run 51 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.5 and 5 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Cheeky Kiwi Travel runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland cost?
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Prices start at $249 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 & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland take?
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Plan for about 12 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 & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 64 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 & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch 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 & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland?
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Around 22 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch 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 and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch. 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.
What is included in Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland?
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Included: Complimentary Auckland CBD Hotel pickup (select locations only); Fully Guided Small Group Tour with local driver/guide; Booster seat; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Lunch. Not included: On-board restrooms. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 28 listed pickup locations in and around Auckland. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not rec. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland?
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Across 64 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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