Embarking on a captivating journey from Auckland, the ‘From Auckland: Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour With Lunch’ promises an unforgettable experience. Visitors will enjoy the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring the charming Hobbit holes and sipping a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon Inn. After a delightful lunch, the tour delves into the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where a serene boat ride provides a mesmerizing glimpse of the bioluminescent wonders. Whether you’re a fan of the beloved Lord of the Rings franchise or simply seeking an awe-inspiring adventure, this day tour offers a captivating blend of breathtaking landscapes and cinematic magic.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Auckland.
Key Points
- A guided 2.5-hour tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, including a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
- A 45-minute boat ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, showcasing bioluminescent glowworms.
- Delicious lunch options at either the Hobbiton Cafe or Waitomo Homestead.
- Comfortable transportation with pickup and drop-off from designated locations in Auckland.
- Entrance fees to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, as well as a bottled spring water service, are included.
Tour Highlights
The Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves are the tour’s crown jewels, offering visitors immersive experiences steeped in New Zealand’s captivating natural and cinematic landscapes.
At Hobbiton, guests embark on a 2.5-hour guided walking tour, exploring the iconic locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. They’ll marvel at the charming Hobbit holes and stop for a complimentary drink at the famous Green Dragon Inn.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, meanwhile, provide a magical boat ride through the grotto, where visitors can witness the twinkling bioluminescence of the unique Arachnocampa Luminosa glowworms.
Complementing these highlights is a delicious lunch at either the Hobbiton Cafe or Waitomo Homestead, ensuring a well-rounded and unforgettable day.
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Itinerary Details
Beyond the tour highlights, the itinerary promises an immersive day filled with captivating experiences.
Guests will kick off their journey with a 2.5-hour guided walking tour through the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, where they’ll explore the charming Hobbit holes and stop for a complimentary drink at the famous Green Dragon Inn.
The tour then continues to the Waitomo region, where guests will enjoy a delightful lunch at the Waitomo Homestead followed by a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. During the 45-minute experience, they’ll marvel at the unique glowworms and glide through the mesmerizing glowworm grotto on a tranquil boat ride.
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Explore the charming Hobbit holes of Hobbiton
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Savor a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn
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Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Waitomo Homestead
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Witness the captivating glow of Waitomo’s glowworms
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Glide through the glowworm grotto on a serene boat ride
Hobbiton Movie Set
Nestled amidst the verdant rolling hills of New Zealand’s Waikato region, the Hobbiton Movie Set captivates visitors with its charming Hobbit holes and enduring cinematic legacy.
On this guided tour, guests will explore the iconic movie locations that featured prominently in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. They’ll stroll through the picturesque village, stopping by the intricate Hobbit residences, the party tree, and the iconic Green Dragon Inn.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guides share behind-the-scenes stories and insights that bring the magical world of Middle-earth to life.
The tour culminates with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this cinematic wonderland.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Descending into the subterranean realm of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, visitors embark on a captivating journey to witness the ethereal glow of thousands of bioluminescent worms adorning the cave’s ceilings and walls.
During the guided tour, guests are treated to a 45-minute boat ride through the famous glowworm grotto, where they can marvel at the unique Arachnocampa Luminosa species.
The experience is further enhanced by exploring the intricate cave formations and stalactites, learning about the history and geology of the Waitomo region, and enjoying a delicious lunch at the Waitomo Homestead.
Visitors can also capture breathtaking photographs of the glowworm-lit caverns and marvel at the serene and otherworldly ambiance of the underground wonder.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyIncluded Amenities
The tour package includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience for participants.
Pickup and drop-off from the designated location in Auckland, as well as comfortable transportation with a local driver, are provided.
Entrance fees to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves are included, along with guided tours in English.
Visitors can enjoy a complimentary drink at the iconic Green Dragon Inn and a hearty lunch at either the Hobbiton Cafe or Waitomo Homestead.
Bottled spring water is also provided throughout the day.
These inclusions ensure a seamless and memorable journey, allowing guests to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and cinematic wonders of New Zealand.
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Important Considerations
Certain health and mobility restrictions apply to this tour, as it may not be suitable for young children, pregnant women, or individuals with specific medical conditions.
Guests are required to present a valid passport or ID card, even for children. The tour prohibits bringing pets, weapons, smoking, drinks in the vehicle, non-folding wheelchairs, and strollers.
To ensure a comfortable experience, the tour isn’t recommended for:
- Children under 5 years old
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with mobility impairments
- Those with heart problems
- Guests with other specified health issues
Keeping these important considerations in mind will help visitors fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and immersive experiences of the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Customer Feedback
According to the available customer reviews, the Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour has received a 3.4 out of 5 rating based on 10 reviews. Customers have generally shared both positive and negative experiences with the tour.
On the positive side, many have praised the beautiful landscapes and accommodating drivers. The lunch at the Hobbiton Cafe or Waitomo Homestead has also been well-received, and the visits to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves were memorable.
However, some customers have found the glowworm experience to be brief, lasting only around 10 minutes. The tour seems to offer a mix of highlights and potential improvements, with the majority of reviewers rating their experience as satisfactory.
Booking and Cancellation
Customers can book the Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour directly through the tour provider’s website or by contacting their sales team. The tour has a free cancellation policy, allowing participants to receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
Here’s what you should know about booking and cancellation:
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The tour has a limited group size of 9 participants to ensure a personalized experience.
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Both Chinese and English languages are offered for the guided tours.
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Pickup and drop-off are provided from The Grand by SkyCity in Auckland.
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Booking early is recommended, as the tour’s popularity may lead to limited availability, especially during peak seasons.
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The provider offers flexible payment options, including online booking and secure checkout.
Recap
This day tour from Auckland provides a captivating glimpse into New Zealand’s enchanting landscapes and cinematic heritage.
Explore the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, savor a delightful lunch, and marvel at the bioluminescent glowworms in the Waitomo Caves.
It’s an immersive experience that combines stunning natural beauty with the magic of Middle-earth, making it a must-do for any visitor to New Zealand.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Lunch Experiences in Auckland
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- From Auckland: Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour With Lunch
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