From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip With Lunch

Set out on a captivating journey from Auckland to the enchanting realms of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves. This immersive day trip offers the perfect blend of Middle-earth magic and natural wonders, catering to both fans of "The Lord of the Rings" and nature enthusiasts alike. Explore the iconic Hobbit holes, savor a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn, and lose yourself in the bioluminescent splendor of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. With a delicious Kiwi-style lunch fueling your adventure, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience that will captivate your senses and leave you eager to uncover more.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Auckland.

Key Points

• A comprehensive 11-hour tour that combines visits to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, with a light Kiwi-style lunch.

• Pickup and drop-off from downtown Auckland hotels, with transportation provided by a knowledgeable local driver-guide in comfortable and safe vehicles.

• Guided tours of the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, allowing visitors to enjoy the enchanting landscapes and geological wonders.

• Complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn and an opportunity to explore the meticulously maintained Hobbit Holes and gardens at the Hobbiton Movie Set.

• Tour suitable for adults and children aged 4 and above, with a maximum group size of 14 participants, offering a personalized and memorable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This day trip from Auckland takes participants to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and the mystical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, delivering an immersive experience over the course of 11 hours.

The tour is priced from $219.50 per person and is limited to a small group of 14. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is offered.

Travelers will be picked up from downtown Auckland hotels and transported by a local driver-guide in comfortable vehicles with safety features.

The itinerary includes a 2.5-hour guided tour of Hobbiton, a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn, a light Kiwi-style lunch, and a 45-minute guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Itinerary Highlights

In an article titled ‘From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip With Lunch’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Itinerary Highlights’.

The day trip typically begins with a pickup from downtown Auckland hotels, followed by a visit to the renowned Hobbiton Movie Set for a 2.5-hour guided tour. During this immersive experience, visitors can explore the iconic Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill, concluding with a complimentary drink at the charming hotel.

The next stop on the itinerary is Waitomo, where guests can enjoy a light Kiwi-style lunch at The Homestead before embarking on a 45-minute guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including the majestic Cathedral Cave.

• Explore the iconic Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill at Hobbiton

• Enjoy a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn

• Discover the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including the majestic Cathedral Cave

Transportation and Guide

The tour is complemented by transportation provided by a local driver-guide, who offers insightful commentary and shares local history throughout the journey. Guests will be picked up and dropped off only at downtown Auckland hotels, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. The comfortable transport features safety features, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive.

Feature	Details
Transportation	Provided by a local driver-guide
Pickup & Drop-off	Only from downtown Auckland hotels
Vehicle	Comfortable with safety features
Guide	Offers insightful commentary and shares local history

This thoughtfully curated transportation and guide service enhances the overall day trip experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves adventure.

Important Information

Certain important details travelers should be aware of include the tour’s unsuitability for children under 4 years old or wheelchair users, as well as the requirement of a minimum of 2 participants for the tour to operate.

Guests should also dress appropriately for varying weather conditions, as a small amount of walking is involved during the experience. Plus, drones and unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted on the tour.

Other important information to note includes:

1. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old or wheelchair users.

2. A small amount of walking is involved, so guests should dress appropriately for the weather.

3. Drones and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed on the tour.

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Customer Reviews

According to the provided information, the tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 1,200 customer reviews.

Travelers widely praise the knowledgeable guides, enjoyable experiences at Hobbiton and Waitomo, and comfortable transportation throughout the tour.

The guides received a perfect 5/5 rating, with reviewers highlighting their extensive knowledge and engaging commentary that brought the destinations to life.

The transportation was also highly rated at 4.8/5, and the overall service and organization of the tour scored equally impressive 4.9/5 marks.

Positive feedback indicates this day trip offers an unforgettable adventure for visitors to Auckland, seamlessly blending iconic New Zealand landmarks with top-notch customer service.

The Hobbiton Movie Set

Hobbiton Movie Set’s picturesque rolling hills and charming Hobbit holes captivate visitors, transporting them into the whimsical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

During the guided tour, guests can:

1. Explore iconic locations like The Green Dragon Inn, Bag End, and the Party Tree, learning about the intricate details that brought the Shire to life on the big screen.

2. Sip on a complimentary Hobbit-style ale or cider at The Green Dragon Inn, seeing the local tavern atmosphere.

3. Wander through the meticulously maintained gardens and snap photos of the charming Hobbit holes, creating lasting memories of this magical experience.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves

After exploring the whimsical world of Hobbiton, visitors can venture into the magnificent Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where they’ll be captivated by the ethereal glow of thousands of bioluminescent creatures.

During the 45-minute guided tour, guests will wander through the majestic Cathedral Cave, marveling at the stunning limestone formations and the breath-taking sight of the glowworms illuminating the cavern’s ceiling.

The experience provides a unique opportunity to witness nature’s mesmerizing display, as the guide shares insights into the caves’ history and the fascinating ecology of these luminous invertebrates.

With comfortable transportation and a delightful light lunch included, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves segment completes the day’s enchanting journey.

Lunch at The Homestead

Following their captivating explorations at the Hobbiton Movie Set, visitors are treated to a light Kiwi-style lunch at The Homestead in Waitomo. The conveniently located meal provides a welcome respite and nourishment before delving into the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

The Homestead’s menu features a selection of local cuisine, including:

1. Hearty soup and freshly baked bread

2. A delectable vegetarian quiche or a savory meat pie

3. A refreshing seasonal salad and a decadent dessert option

This well-balanced lunch ensures that participants have the energy and sustenance to fully enjoy the awe-inspiring Waitomo Glowworm Caves experience that awaits them.

Recap

This immersive day trip from Auckland offers an unforgettable experience for fans of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and nature enthusiasts alike.

Explore the picturesque Hobbiton Movie Set, marvel at the bioluminescent wonders of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and enjoy a delicious Kiwi-style lunch, all while being transported by a knowledgeable guide.

It’s a must-do for anyone seeking to combine the magic of Middle-earth with the natural beauty of New Zealand.

You can check if your dates are available here: