2 Day Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Tour From Auckland

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day adventure from Auckland, exploring the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. This intimate tour, limited to 45 guests, promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, cinematic magic, and rich cultural heritage. Witness the mesmerizing glow of thousands of tiny lights in the serene caverns, experience the power of the Pōhutu Geyser, and learn about traditional Māori performances and a delicious hangi feast. With thoughtful inclusions and accessibility, this tour guarantees an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s most captivating landscapes and iconic destinations.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best 2 Day Tours In Auckland.

Key Points

• This 2-day tour from Auckland covers the highlights of Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, and Hobbiton, including guided experiences and a traditional Maori cultural evening.
• The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a unique guided boat ride through luminescent limestone caverns, showcasing the natural wonder of this ecosystem.
• Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, such as the Pohutu Geyser and Maori cultural center, provide insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• The Hobbiton Movie Set tour allows visitors to explore the iconic landscapes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire, with knowledgeable guides sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
• The tour includes accommodation, select meals, and accessibility features, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all guests.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This 2-day tour from Auckland whisks travelers away to explore the captivating Waitomo Glowworm Caves, experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture, and enjoy the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set.

The tour includes accommodation, select meals, and admission to key attractions like the Te Puia geothermal experience. Guests will marvel at the glittering Waitomo Caves, learn about Māori traditions during an evening cultural show and feast, and stroll through the lush, picturesque Hobbiton set featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films.

With a maximum group size of 45, this tour provides an intimate and comprehensive exploration of some of New Zealand’s top destinations.

Itinerary Details

The tour departs from Auckland and first takes travelers to the renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where they can spend up to 2 hours exploring the captivating underground world.

After this, the group proceeds to Rotorua, stopping for lunch along the way. In Rotorua, the tour spends 3 hours at the Te Puia geothermal experience, marveling at the Pōhutu Geyser and learning about Māori arts and culture at the Māori Arts School.

The evening concludes with a cultural experience featuring a traditional Māori feast.

The following day, the tour travels to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, where travelers can take in the breathtaking scenery and capture memorable photos before returning to Auckland in the early evening.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Experience

After visiting Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, the tour heads to the renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where visitors can enjoy the captivating underground world.

Descending deep into the limestone caverns, guests are treated to a breathtaking display of thousands of luminescent glowworms that cling to the cave walls and ceiling, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.

Visitors glide silently through the dark waters of the Waitomo River in a boat, marveling at the twinkling lights above.

The guided tour provides insights into the unique ecology and history of this natural wonder, leaving travelers in awe of the region’s remarkable geological features and the delicate balance of life within the caves.

Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders

Captivating geothermal phenomena await visitors as they journey to Rotorua, a region renowned for its bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and the iconic Pohutu Geyser that erupts up to 20 meters high.

Visitors can explore the geothermal wonders at Te Puia, an interactive Māori cultural center. Here, they’ll witness the Pohutu Geyser in action and learn about the significance of these geothermal features in Māori culture.

The tour also includes a visit to the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where guests can observe traditional weaving, woodcarving, and other cultural demonstrations.

Rotorua’s geothermal landscape provides a captivating backdrop for immersing oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Traditional Māori Cultural Evening

Immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Māori, visitors embark on an evening of traditional song, dance, and cuisine at the tour’s included cultural experience. The lively performance showcases the deep-rooted customs and rituals of the indigenous Polynesian people, from the captivating haka war dance to the haunting melodies of ancestral chants. As the evening unfolds, guests savor a delectable hangi feast, where food is cooked underground using heated stones, infusing the dishes with earthy, smoky flavors. Through this immersive cultural encounter, travelers gain a profound appreciation for the enduring traditions that have shaped New Zealand’s cultural identity.

Feature	Description
Cultural Performance	Traditional Māori song, dance, and chants
Hangi Feast	Underground-cooked meal with earthy, smoky flavors
Immersive Experience	Deeper understanding of Māori heritage and customs

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Travelers venture on a spellbinding journey through the bucolic landscapes of Hobbiton, the iconic movie set that brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved Shire to life on the silver screen.

They’ll explore the whimsical hobbit holes, the iconic Party Tree, and the lush rolling hills that served as the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films.

Along the way, knowledgeable guides share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, bringing this magical world to life.

Visitors can snap photos at famous locations, like Bilbo’s house, and even enjoy a celebratory drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

This immersive experience transports guests straight into the enchanting realm of Middle-earth, leaving them with lasting memories of their journey through Hobbiton.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, admission fees to all the highlighted attractions, and overnight accommodation in 3-star or 4-star hotels.

It’s wheelchair accessible, allows strollers, and welcomes service animals, catering to a wide range of travelers.

Meals are provided as specified in the itinerary, including a traditional Māori feast during the evening cultural experience.

The maximum group size is 45 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, and dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised at the time of booking.

Travelers can enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 3 days in advance, though travel insurance is recommended for added peace of mind.

Reviews and Feedback

A solid 4.5-star average rating from 56 reviews suggests travelers are generally pleased with the tour’s organization, knowledgeable guides, and varied experiences.

Positive feedback highlights the efficient coordination of the tour, with guests appreciating the expertise and enthusiasm of the guides who bring the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, and Hobbiton to life.

While the majority of reviews are glowing, a few customers noted some issues during transfers, such as changes to the bus schedule that caused minor inconveniences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations for the Tour?

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off locations in Auckland. Travelers depart from Auckland in the morning and return there in the early evening after visiting the Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, and Rotorua sites.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private group options, allowing travelers to customize the itinerary and experience to their specific needs and preferences. Prices may vary based on group size and customizations.

Is It Possible to Modify the Itinerary for This Tour?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified. Customers can contact the tour provider to customize the experience, such as adding or removing activities, adjusting the duration, or requesting specialized accommodations or meals. The tour’s flexibility allows for personalized experiences.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Recommendations for Additional Activities?

The tour guides typically provide recommendations for additional activities based on your interests, such as exploring Rotorua’s thermal parks, visiting a Māori village, or trying adventure activities like ziplining or luging. They can help customize your experience.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 3 days in advance. Refunds are available for cancelled bookings, though travel insurance is recommended for all tours. Guests should check the policy details when making their reservation.

Recap

This 2-day tour from Auckland promises an unforgettable experience exploring Waitomo’s glowworm caves, the captivating Hobbiton Movie Set, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua.

Guests can enjoy Māori culture, witness natural marvels, and discover the cinematic magic that makes this region so special.

With a small group size, this intimate adventure offers a perfect blend of must-see sights and culture.