Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland
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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 1,261 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland worth booking?
Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland is a 12-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $229 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 1,261 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 (1,261)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $229 per person
One day. Two worlds you won't find anywhere else. Above ground, step into the storybook setting of Hobbiton Movie Set, where rolling green hills and tiny Hobbit holes bring Middle-earth to life. Then head underground int
What you get
About this experience
One day. Two worlds you won't find anywhere else. Above ground, step into the storybook setting of Hobbiton Movie Set, where rolling green hills and tiny Hobbit holes bring Middle-earth to life. Then head underground into the darkness of Waitomo, where thousands of glowworms turn the caves into a natural night sky. With lunch included and the journey taken care of, this is an easy way to fit two very different New Zealand experiences into one day from Auckland. While the destinations you will be visiting are spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life, sharing their stories and background knowledge, and run in modern minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
What's included
Included
- Fully Guided Small Group Tour with local driver/guide
- Admission fees
- Booster seat
- Admission fees
- Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off in Auckland CBD (select locations only)
- Lunch
- Water & snacks provided
Not included
- On-board restrooms
- Due to the delicate ecosystem within the Waitomo Caves, photography is not permitted inside.
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 & 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’.
150 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 come from. With viewpoints that have amazing views across the lake and countryside we believe it 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.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
- Due to uneven surfaces. steps & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,259 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 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
2 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.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
1,259 verified traveler reviews for Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Worth ever cent!
Best day trip I’ve had in ages! Loved it. Hobbiton is amazing, and being able to explore a hobbit hole just adds to the whole thing. The glow worms put on a great show for us in Waitomo too. Hanoz was brilliant - an excellent driver, informative and great company. Lots of little extras too.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful!
It was so much fun! Being there in person makes you wanna cry!
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour
Great tour! You do everything you could want at Hobbiton (the gift shop was a little lacking). The glowworms seem gimcky but it is totally worth it and very cool experience!! We had Grant who was full of knowledge and made the long day great (this is a very long day!!)
via Tripadvisor
Long Day But Worth It
This will be a long day with lots of time on the bus but it's definitely worth it. The guide was great with just the right amount of chatter and the bus is comfortable.
via Tripadvisor
Liam was the most amazing...
Liam was the most amazing tour guide! He is a lifelong New Zealander, and was passionate about sharing the culture and history of his country. (yes, hobbiton and waitomo were amazing too, but the true gem of this tour was Liam and the education he gave us along the very long drive.) We finished the tour with a much greater appreciation for NZ, and left us wanting to return soon to see more!
via Viator
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
- 441
- 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 Glowworm Caves 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 Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland cost?
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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 Glowworm Caves 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 Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland 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 1,261 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 Glowworm Caves 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 Glowworm Caves 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 Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland?
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Around 441 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 Glowworm Caves 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 & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, 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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