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Small-Group Tour: Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Exploration with Lunch from Auckland
5.0
213 Ratings
Auckland
Embark on a small-group tour from Auckland to explore two iconic North Island destinations: Hobbiton and Waitomo. Discover the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves on this day exploration with lunch included.
Embark on a small-group tour from Auckland to explore two iconic North Island destinations: Hobbiton and Waitomo. Discover the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves on this day exploration with lunch included.
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 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)
-
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…
- 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)
- 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).
-
The Green Dragon Inn - 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 - 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
What's Included
- Admission to Hobbiton Movie Set & tour
- Admission to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Buffet Lunch in Green Dragon Marquee
- Inner City Auckland Hotel Pickup + Drop-Off
- Shopping voucher at Hobbiton Gift Shop
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Admission to Hobbiton Movie Set & tour
- Admission to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Buffet Lunch in Green Dragon Marquee
- Inner City Auckland Hotel Pickup + Drop-Off
- Shopping voucher at Hobbiton Gift Shop
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
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…
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
- 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
Location
SkyCity Auckland
Federal Street
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(213 Ratings)
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Relax20414171366
Oct 13, 2025
Amazing Daytrip - The day trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves was absolutely fantastic! Damian was an amazing guide – super friendly, entertaining, and kept us engaged the entire time. The timing was perfect, everything ran smoothly. On the way back, we even stopped for some delicious Hokey Pokey ice cream – highly recommended! A perfect day that I’d recommend to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeff_c
Oct 6, 2025
So much fun!!! - Our tour guide, Damien was excellent! We had a long, fun filled day!! Hobbiton was an absolute gem. The hibbit hole homes were do amazingly detailed
Review provided by Viator
Rashmiranip
Sep 29, 2025
great day with Laim in Hobbiton & Waikomo cave tour with Bush & Beach - Laim from Bush & Beach is a great guide who made this trip so much fun, he is so knowledgable that you will know all about New Zealand - past, present and future in this single day trip. He made this trip so comfortable and memorable. Thank you from India.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rhondaf257
Sep 21, 2025
Amazing Day - Everything about our day was amazing. Our tour guide, Damien, was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and kind. He ensured we did not feel rushed while keeping us fully aware of where we needed to be when. His perfect combination of narrative and curiosity about his guests made for a day that felt like touring with friends. Hobbiton exceeded my high expectations. The Waitomo Caves are beyond description. I was concerned about mobility in the walk down to the boat and then the boat itself. Our guide said was patient and so respectful, again ensuring I was able to fully participate and not feel rushed. I highly recommend this tour and this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helen
Sep 20, 2025
A very professional company totally focused on ensuring you have the best experience for your chosen tour. - Met and exceeded expectations. Our guide Wayne was friendly, fun, informed and professional. Hobbiton is captivating and the glow worm caves truly a stunning experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour54508200531
Sep 15, 2025
Would come back again - Amazing, just amazing, Damian was a great tour guide, good driving, plenty of stories along the way, scenic route, an unforgettable experience in Hobbiton (thanks a million for the tips 😊). Waitomo caves were beautiful, the Hokey Pokey ice cream, delicious on the way back… In short a great day!
Big shoutout to Trish and Krystle for the back and forth via email, the reminders… great team you have at Bush and Beach!
Five star service all the way! ⭐️
Emilie from France
Review provided by Tripadvisor
789nidab
Sep 10, 2025
The tour was fantastic, and the tour guide was even better! - This was a bucket-list birthday come true, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience! My husband and I booked the Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Bush and Beach, and everything about the day was truly fabulous.
The Hobbiton movie set was nothing short of magical. Walking through the rolling hills dotted with Hobbit holes, the lush gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn felt like stepping straight into Middle-earth. Every detail on the set was so authentic and enchanting—it’s easy to see why it has captured hearts around the world. Having the chance to enjoy lunch in the Party Marquee at Hobbiton was the icing on the cake. The buffet was absolutely delicious—ahh, I’m still drooling over the beef brisket and everything else on that spread. It was hearty, wholesome, and perfectly themed for the experience.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves were another highlight—an awe-inspiring, almost spiritual experience. Floating quietly beneath thousands of twinkling glowworms felt like drifting under a night sky of stars deep underground. It was breathtaking, serene, and unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
But the true soul of this tour was Wayne. He is simply extraordinary—equal parts hilarious, knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about his country. His nonstop jokes kept us laughing, his storytelling made the landscapes come alive, and his warmth made us feel so cared for. In just one day, we felt a genuine connection with him—something rare and special. Saying goodbye was unexpectedly difficult; his warm hug at the end of the tour was a moment we will never forget. My husband and I already miss Wayne, and we know this trip will always be remembered not just for Hobbiton and Waitomo, but because of him.
Thank you, Bush and Beach, for such a spectacular day. My heart is so full—this was the best birthday I could have imagined. We can’t wait to return to Auckland and book more tours with your wonderful team.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christopher_r
Sep 3, 2025
Had a great time, Damien... - Had a great time, Damien was incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Michelle
Aug 24, 2025
Effortless middle earth fun with comfort and camaraderie! - Damien was a wonderful knowledgeable and friendly tour guide who provided helpful information, good company, and happy memories! I wish every tour I go on could
have Damien as a guide. From pick up to drop off, everything was seamless, comfortable, and fun! I would take this tour all over again with Damien as our guide! Excellent experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q2100lnjennyc
Aug 11, 2025
An incredible and insightful tour - Our trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves was a fantastic experience. The destinations themselves were outstanding, though it was our guide Damien who made the day truly one to remember. Not only was he able to provide context to the sights we were going to experience, but his deep knowledge of New Zealand and the history of the land and its people gave us a much better understanding of where we were and what an interesting place New Zealand is. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
