Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch
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September 2026
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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 3,088 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch worth booking?
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch is a 11-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $217 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 3,088 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (3,088)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $217 per person
Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, in one easy day trip from Auckland. Our tour is the new extended Hobbiton Experience (now 2.5 hours) where you c
What you get
About this experience
Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, in one easy day trip from Auckland. Our tour is the new extended Hobbiton Experience (now 2.5 hours) where you can venture beyond the door to a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. Immerse yourself in the interior with entry hall, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, equipped bathroom, parlour and crackling fireplace. Be fascinated as the magical world of Hobbiton comes to life and take photos in front of your favourite places like the Hobbit Holes, the Shire and the Green Dragon Inn. Then journey to the World Famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and be captivated by the thousands of magical glowworms twinkling in the Grottos, the stalactites and stalagmites as you glide silently through the cave by boat. Marvel at the stunning scenery en route as we journey off the motorways into the real hinterland of New Zealand. All admission fees and cafe lunch included.
What's included
Included
- Later Departure of 7:30am also offered subject to availability and once earlier departure sold out
- Classic Light Kiwi café-style lunch
- Hotel pickup/ drop-off from Downtown Auckland City ONLY. Closest other options if staying in suburbs
- Complimentary Drink at the Green Dragon
- Local taxes
- Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Local driver/guide
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
After leaving Auckland you will travel south over the Bombay Hills as you get elevated panoramic views of the Waikato Region and travel across the scenic Hauraki Plains to Matamata, the home of Hobbiton Movie Set.
Pass by without stopping
Hobbiton Movie Set
Begin with a tour through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 10 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into the Shire from Middle-earth. Visit and explore inside the newly built fully themed Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row. Complimentary specially brewed beverages are available at the Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour. Afterwards, enjoy a very classic light “Kiwi” style lunch at the "Homestead" and get to share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travellers.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
You will then travel to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide on this 45-minute tour will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its acoustics Your return trip to Auckland will then take you initially through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside before following northwards the majestic Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand, part of the way back to Auckland. You will pass Ngaruawahia, the home of the Maori King; Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground. To complete that day, you will be taken back to your hotel in the Auckland CBD.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 25 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Trip from Auckland
Pickup included
Hobbiton New Experience
Venture Beyond the Hobbit Door: Experience a fully themed Hobbit Hole Interior Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: Enjoy an extended Hobbiton Movie Set experience with our increased tour length time to a 2.5 hour tour. Complimentary Drink: Included in our tour will be a complimentary ale, stout, apple cider or non-alcoholic ginger beer. Start Time: The start time of the tour with everyone picked up across the CBD is at 6:30am. The pickups occur in the preceding 25 minutes Pickup included
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 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Auckland Scenic Tours
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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 14 people per booking (We can provide this tour to groups larger than 14 by discussions with Viator and ourselves)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Not Wheel-Suitable Friendly as these are walking tours
- We can provide NZ Safety Approved Child Car Seats and Booster Seats. We do not provide strollers or infant back packs
- We do not pick up from the suburbs of Auckland; only the Downtown CBD and 1 location in South Auckland for those staying near the airport-The Sebel Manukau Hotel, 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau
- There is no photography allowed in the area of the Caves where the glowworms are as the glowworms react negatively to flashlight and will turn their lights off and they then take 2 hours to return to their full luminescence.
- Tour leaves Auckland at 6:30am with everyone on board-the pickups occur across the CBD in the 25 minutes prior to that
- We offer a later tour leaving Auckland at 7:30am subject to availability and once the earlier 6:30am departure is sold out
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,087 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
3,087 verified traveler reviews for Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The short & tall of it
Stephen was a wonderful guide. Pickup was prompt. He gave us lots of useful information about Auckland. Hobbiton was amazing 🤩 was surreal to be on a movie set. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you will love it!! Waitomo Caves was beautiful to see too.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic!
Very well organized and executed trip! Seeing the glow worm cave was spectacular, and George's insightful commentary made this an unforgettable experience. Seeing the movie set of the Tolkien movies has long been a dream, and Hobbiton did not disappoint! The beautiful setting, an amazing attention to detail and the joyful staff just blew us away. Shoutout to Stephen, for a very job well done!👍 Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you. Appreciate your comment "Very well organized and executed trip!." We appreciate you commenting on how we have designed and organized our tour and particularly the exclusively designed route that we travel. We see this as a 3rd attraction as it showcases the stunning and ever-changing scenery of this region of new Zealand. I am pleased to read that you fulfilled a long-held dream to visit the Movie Set and that one of our tour guides helped ensure that you had a very special day and experience. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour. It was a privilege hosting you.
via Viator
Fabulous
This was a long, wonderful day. New Zealand is a beautiful country and Hobbiton and the Cave add a totally different dimension to the island. Our guide Rachel was superb. Our experience created lifetime memories for us, our children and grandchildren. This is a must do when in New Zealand.
Response from the operator: Pleased to read that you and your family had a very special day on our magical and enchanting tour to the 2 most famous and iconic attractions in new Zealand. What a special day to spend with your children and grandchildren. I am sure that they marvelled at the miniturization in the fully themed Hobbit hole on Bagshot Row, not to mention the awe-inspiring Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour. It was a privilege hosting you all. Best wishes.
via Viator
Great Trip
The trip was more than expected. Going in I thought it would be more of a gimmick but the detail and effort extended to the movie set is fantastic. The glow worm caves were also much better than expected. Our guide Stephen was fantastic keeping us both informed and on schedule.
Response from the operator: Thank you! Love your headline "Great Trip. "As you experienced, you do not have to be a LOTR fan or to have read any of the Tolkein books to enjoy our magical and enchanting tour to the 2 most famous and iconic attractions in New Zealand. It is a stand-alone tour. Pleased to read that you had a great trip further enhanced by one of our tour guides. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour. It was a privilege hosting you.
via Viator
Exceptional tour
Danny is a local and he is very knowledgeable about New Zealand, Māori, and film history! He was an excellent guide, along with the Hobbiton and Waitomo guides! This is a must do while you’re in Auckland!
Response from the operator: Thank you for these lovely comments about out tour and one of our tour guides who with his deep knowledge, helped ensure that you would have a very special tour and experience. Thank you sincerely for choosing our tour. It was a privilege hosting you.
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
- $217 to $359
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,081
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch cost?
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Prices start at $217 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 Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch 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 & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 3,088 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch?
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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 Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch 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 & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch?
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Around 1,081 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 & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch 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 Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland, Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour. 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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