Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience worth booking?
Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience is a 13-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $1149 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 16 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (16)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $1149 per person
Embark on a full-day adventure tour on our private luxury vehicle from Auckland to see New Zealand's two most famous attractions in one day. Grab a great value Hobbiton Movie Set tour, the award-winning attraction made f
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a full-day adventure tour on our private luxury vehicle from Auckland to see New Zealand's two most famous attractions in one day. Grab a great value Hobbiton Movie Set tour, the award-winning attraction made famous by the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies where you'll see the intricately created 'Hobbit and float down a boat cruise on an underground river lit by twinkling glowworms including a sumptuous BBQ buffet lunch.
What's included
Included
- Stare up at thousands of glowing glow-worms above you
- Chance to step into a real The Lord of the Rings film set
- Private transportation
- Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites inside the iconic Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
- Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
- Admission to 45 minutes guided tour of Waitomo Glow worm Caves
- Lunch
- Complimentary beverages at Green Dragon Inn
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
- Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
- All Fees and Taxes
- Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of your tour guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Listen to fascinating stories from your guide as you explore the 12-acre set
- Be captivated by the thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently on a boat
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland
- Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
- Opportunity to have a drink at the cosy Green Dragon Inn
- On-board WiFi
- Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
- Remarkable 360-degree views of the rolling Kaimai ranges
- Amazing photo opportunities in front of every hobbit holes
- Admission to a boat ride through the Glowworm grotto
- Admission to 2 hours guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
Not included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
15 minutes here
The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.
Pass by without stopping
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.
15 minutes here
Te Awamutu
Te Awamutu calls itself the ‘Rose Capital of New Zealand’. During the blooming season, November to April, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as 2000 rose bushes turn on the charm.
Pass by without stopping
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
We then depart to stop for a BBQ style buffet lunch before we uncover the magical beauty of Waitomo Caves. Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently on a boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms. Ride a boat beneath thousands of tiny glow-worms which inhabit the caves and put on a mesmerising light display, likened to the twinkling night sky. After re-joining the luxury coach, we will be back to Auckland at the end of the day.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hobbiton Movie Set
Walk into the real-world landscape of Middle Earth on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’ Pause at the Green Dragon™ Inn to for a draft of Hobbit™ Southfarthing™, see the remarkable detailing that brought Hobbiton™ to life on screen, and visit the places where key scenes were created. Look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Auckland Central
After an exhilarating fun-filled adventure experience at Waitomo & Hobbiton, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ExperienceKart
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
- Easy and good fitness level required.
- This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
- Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as Hobbiton is the perfect place to get some great travel photos.
- You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.
- No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
- Tours operate in all weather conditions; umbrellas are provided in the event of rain.
- We can accommodate a stroller or a pram, provided it is fully collapsible and can fit in the luggage compartment of our buses.
- The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
- We stay dry – the tour does not involve using a wet suit or abseiling or river rapids, it’s very easy.
- The tour takes place in the outdoors and cave temperatures are cool even in summer (10°C/50°F) so we do recommend bringing a jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 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.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Most recommendable experience
Mary our guide toured us from Auckland up and back very safely and swiftly. Aside from that we learned so much about the local culture, about the history and about the country. At the end Mary helped to reserve a dinner table at a local dish restaurant where we finished a lovely first day in New Zealand. Mary made this day remarkable and we won’t forget this experience. Thank you !
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Andie, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your first day in New Zealand was so memorable. Starting your journey with a smooth, safe, and informative experience truly sets the tone, and we’re so pleased Mary could make that happen for you. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed learning about our culture, history, and the country along the way, those personal insights are what make each journey special. We’re also glad Mary could assist with your dinner plans to round off a beautiful day. Your kind words mean a lot, and we’re so happy Mary made your experience one to remember. We hope to welcome you back for more incredible journeys across Aotearoa! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Waitomo/ Hobbiton
Karthik was a great tour guide. He was a wealth of knowledge and information. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Angela, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that Karthik’s knowledge and insights made such a strong impression. He truly loves sharing the stories and history of Aotearoa, and he’ll be thrilled to know you appreciated it. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’d love to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures across New Zealand! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Fun Day
Alan was professional, knowledgeable, informative, thoughtful and friendly. However one of the staff members (Winter) at the Glow Worm Cave was rude and unprofessional.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Patty, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re very pleased to hear that Alan delivered the professional, thoughtful, and informative experience we strive for, he will truly appreciate your kind words. We’re sorry to hear about your interaction with a staff member at the Glowworm Cave. While the cave experience is operated by the attraction provider, that certainly isn’t the standard of hospitality we hope our guests receive. We’ll pass this feedback on to the cave management team so they’re aware. We truly appreciate you travelling with us and are grateful for your honest comments. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Excellent - Commendable
Alan was our tour guy . He was very professional . He was on time this morning . On the way he explained everything to us every step away. He talked about New Zealand about certain areas answered to our questions . The weather was nice I recommend Alan to anyone who wants to hire private duty tour driver. He even had small snack for us even though we stopped twice for coffee and toilet breaks .
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Rose, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that Alan made such a strong impression with his professionalism, punctuality, and detailed explanations throughout the journey. It’s great to know he kept you informed about New Zealand and the areas you passed through while thoughtfully answering all your questions. We’re also glad you appreciated the comfort stops and the small snacks along the way, those little touches are part of making the day smooth and enjoyable. Your recommendation truly means a lot to us, and we’d love to welcome you back for more unforgettable private experiences across Aotearoa! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
A great way to experience the glow worms and Hobbiton
Great tour with everything well planned and timed out with an excellent guide. Marty went the extra mile to get us into tours early, when possible. A great day trip!
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Michael, Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed such a well-planned and smoothly timed tour. Marty will be delighted to know his efforts to go the extra mile—getting you into tours early where possible, made your day even better. We’re so glad it was a great day trip and would love to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences across Aotearoa! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1149 to $1395
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience cost?
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Prices start at $1149 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 Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience take?
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Plan for about 13 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 Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience?
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Around 6 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 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience 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, 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?
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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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