Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch 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
4.8/5
Based on 36 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 $229 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (36)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $229 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 maxi
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
- Lunch
- Water & snacks provided
- Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Tour
Not included
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
- 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
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Arriving at our first 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
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
Hobbiton Movie Set
Arriving at the second feature attraction ‘Hobbiton’ you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses and depart on a two & 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’.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Karapiro
This stunning lake is 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
Auckland
Sadly after Hobbiton 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 11 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.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Bus tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- 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 36 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 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
36 verified traveler reviews for Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent full day tour combo from Auckland
This was very fun trip to Hobbiton and the Waimoto Caves. Our guide, Trent, was excellent. Pickup and drop off at our hotel was very convenient. I will certainly look for more tours with Trent and Cheeky Kiwi. Thanks for the great experience. The trip was a full day excursion, leaving Auckland around 6am and returning to the hotel around 7pm. Trent provided well timed rest stops along the journey in a comfortable Mercedes van. This particular tour included lunch with a menu that accommodates most diets. If you are a fan of Middle Earth and have a full day I’d highly recommend this combo tour with Trent and Cheeky Kiwi.
via Tripadvisor
Greatest experience!
Trent was amazing! Very friendly, accommodating, informative, highly recommend this tour! Will be booking again! Hobbiton, glow worms, tour guide A+++
via Tripadvisor
An Amazing Day Trip in New Zealand
We had a wonderful day with our guide, Trent. He was extremely attentive and helpful throughout the entire experience, very punctual, and the transportation was excellent. Trent has an impressive knowledge of New Zealand, its culture, history, and attractions. We visited the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Caves, and his knowledge and explanations made the whole experience even more enjoyable. We highly recommend Trent and Cheeky Kiwi Travel and would definitely choose them again!
via Tripadvisor
Cheeky Kiwi is great… Liam is the best!
We take a lot of sightseeing tours, and this was one of the very best! Yes, Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves were amazing and worth the experience by themselves. But our tour guide, Liam, was absolutely fantastic! He was born and raised in New Zealand, and used the long drive times to share with us the history and culture of New Zealand and its people. It was such a great opportunity to learn so much about a place we’d never been, and Liam is a true expert. He made the drive fun and educational, and he even stopped so we could sample some ice cream he recommended. He also took us on a short nature hike in the forest at Waitomo to teach us about the native trees and plants. This experience would have been fun regardless. Hobbiton and Waitomo were both amazing. But what made the experience truly memorable was Liam and all that we learned from him! Thanks Cheeky Kiwi and Liam for such a great day!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
The tour was definitely worth the price we paid for, and the lunch included was much better than we expected. Our tour guide Trent was awesome, he arrived early to pick us up and took good care of everyone. He’s friendly and provide us with heaps of information along the way. The Hobbiton movie set is a must visit and we were really happy overall.
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
- $229 to $449
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
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?
+
Prices start at $229 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?
+
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?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 36 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
Around 13 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 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?
+
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 & Waitomo Caves Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland.
Pick your date
