Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day 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
5.0/5
Based on 275 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland worth booking?
Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland is a 12-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $299 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 275 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
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (275)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $299 per person
Experience two North Island icons on a day tour from Auckland. Travel south from Auckland to Hobbiton. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double
What you get
About this experience
Experience two North Island icons on a day tour from Auckland. Travel south from Auckland to Hobbiton. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the Party Tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”. Finish with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink. Following your drink, you will be treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch in the marquee & some time to shop before continuing on to Waitomo. On arrival in Waitomo, join a 45 minute guided tour of the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves. Enjoy the delicate cave formations and be wowed in the Cathedral, before taking the iconic boat rode through the glow worm grotto (subject to water levels). Marvel in silence at thousands of magical glow worms. Return to Auckland in the early evening. *tours at both Hobbiton and Waitomo join larger groups*
What's included
Included
- Shopping voucher at Hobbiton Gift Shop
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Inner City Auckland Hotel Pickup + Drop-Off
- Admission to Hobbiton Movie Set & tour
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Admission to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Buffet Lunch in Green Dragon Marquee
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Taupiri
Enjoy a quick stop on your journey to Hobbiton to grab a coffee and use the toilets if needed (cafe may differ depending on day)
20 minutes here
Hobbiton Movie Set
Enjoy a group tour of Hobbiton Movie Set before a drink in the Green Dragon. You will then enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Party Marquee and time for shopping. (Tour around the set at Hobbiton is 2 hours before time in the Green Dragon & lunch).
180 minutes here · Admission included
Enjoy a complementary cider, ale or ginger beer in the Green Dragon Inn, an iconic location on the Hobbiton Movie set! Be sure to check out the guest book for some familiar names
15 minutes here · Admission included
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Discover the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Take the world-renowned boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history. *please note - attraction does include some steps
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
If you have not confirmed an inner city hotel pick up time with us then our central meeting point is SkyCity Hotel entrance. Pick up from here is at 6.40am - If you are meeting here this will need to be confirmed with us. Please call to confirm the night prior - 0800 423 224
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If you have not confirmed an inner city hotel pick up time with us then our central meeting point is SkyCity Hotel entrance. Pick up from here is at 6.40am - If you are meeting here this will need to be confirmed with us. Please call to confirm the night prior - 0800 423 224
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bush and Beach
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes and suitable outdoor clothing
- Pick up and drop off from inner city Auckland accommodation included
- Please reconfirm your pick up time 24 hours before the tours departure
- Please note the tours at Hobbiton and Waitomo are walks - including stairs
- Tour available for ages 5+ - not suitable for infants
- Not recommended for travellers with walking difficulties
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 275 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
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
275 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Memorable!
My full day tour was exceptional, thanks mostly to our very knowledgeable guide Damian. He told us that Hobbiton would be memorable and he was not exaggerating. Damian's commentary during our travel time was both informative and entertaining. I would gladly recommend this to anyone.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tours and tour guide
We had an unforgettable day trip with Bush and Beach, traveling from Auckland to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves in a private van. Communication with the company beforehand was prompt, professional, and friendly, which set the tone for the whole day. Our guide Damian made the trip truly special. He brought New Zealand’s history and culture to life with genuine warmth and knowledge, and the conversation flowed naturally throughout the day. On the way home, he made sure we got to try some amazing NZ ice cream, a lovely little touch that our family was very excited about. The van itself was very comfortable, and we’d highly recommend going the private car route if you’re traveling as a family. When one member of our party got sick and couldn’t join, the team worked hard to secure refunds for the entrance fees we missed, which we really appreciated. Between the quality of the experience and the level of care shown throughout, the value was excellent. We’d book with Bush and Beach again in a heartbeat, and would especially recommend requesting Damian if you’re able to.
Response from the operator: We appreciate you taking the time to drop a detailed review following your experience with your private Bush and Beach tour to Hobbiton & Waitomo. Your comments relating to the communication you received through the booking process is appreciated as were your comments relating to Damian's knowledge and warmth during the tour are also very much appreciated. :)
via Tripadvisor
Incredible experience
My wife and I took this tour today while we were visiting the Auckland area. The day started at 6:30am where our driver, Ian, picked us up. On the way to Hobbiton, we stopped at a cafe for coffee and breakfast which we were able to take away and eat on the bus. On the way to Hobbiton, we were given a lot of great commentary from our guide who provided us with a lot of fun information. The tour at Hobbiton was fantastic which also included lunch, a drink at the Green Dragon as well as a $10 coupon for the gift shop. Our second stop was the glow worm cave which we also really enjoyed. I cannot recommend this tour enough when visiting Auckland. You will not be disappointed. Hopefully you get as lucky as we were with Ian as your guide!
Response from the operator: We very much appreciate you dropping such a detailed review of the Hobbiton / Waitomo Tour and are thrilled you enjoyed this experience. Thank you for your lovely comments relating to your Tour Guide - Ian, much appreciated.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing day!
Really enjoyed this tour. We were the first pickup at 630 in the morning so the 800am stop at the coffee cafe was great. We were able to use the restroom, snag a coffee, and get a breakfast sandwich and bring it back in the van. Ian, our guide, was fantastic! Great drive, enjoyed the commentary along the ride and great conversation. Hobbiton was incredible. The tour was great with a guided walk, drink at the green dragons and a lunch! Although you are not able to take photos inside the caves until the end, we really really enjoyed the glow worm caves as well.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for posting a lovely review following your recent tour to Hobbiton and Waitomo. We very much appreciate you taking the time to comment on your trip.
via Tripadvisor
Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves
We had a wonderful trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves . Damian was an excellent guide. He took care of every detail . The timing was perfect. We learned about NewZealand along the way . We highly recommend this trip .
Response from the operator: We very much appreciate you dropping a few comments about your recent tour with us, and particularly appreciate your kind words about Damian you Tour Guide. Thank you!
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
- $299 to $550
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 96
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland cost?
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Prices start at $299 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 Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo 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 Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 275 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed 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 Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo 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 Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo 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 Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland?
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Around 96 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 Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo 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 & 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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