Exploring the enchanting world of Middle-earth and the captivating Waitomo Caves is a must-do for any traveler visiting New Zealand. This comprehensive tour from Auckland or Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience, taking visitors on a journey through the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and the luminescent Waitomo Caves. With a buffet lunch, complimentary drinks, and breathtaking scenery, this tour promises a day of adventure and wonder. Whether you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings saga or simply seeking to learn about New Zealand’s natural beauty, this tour provides an opportunity to discover the country’s most enchanting attractions.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Auckland.
Key Points
- This tour explores the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, offering an immersive Middle-earth experience with a duration of 11-13 hours.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, admission fees, a buffet lunch, snacks, and a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn.
- Visitors can enjoy a guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, a boat ride through the Waitomo Caves to see bioluminescent glowworms, and browse the Shires Rest souvenir shop.
- The tour is priced at Kō6,262 per person and features an experienced guide, making it an excellent value for the comprehensive experience.
- Key considerations include the tour’s unsuitability for wheelchair users, the need for comfortable footwear, and the prohibition on photography inside the Waitomo Caves.
Tour Overview
This tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, as well as the renowned Waitomo Caves, both located in the stunning New Zealand countryside.
Departing from either Auckland or Rotorua, the tour lasts between 11 to 13 hours and is led by an English-speaking guide.
Priced at KōA6,262 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, admission fees, a buffet lunch, and complimentary snacks and water.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
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Itinerary Highlights
The guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set allows visitors to explore the iconic film locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, while a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn provides a cozy respite.
Travelers will also take a boat ride through the mesmerizing Waitomo Caves to witness the enchanting glow of thousands of luminescent glowworms.
After the cave exploration, guests can browse the Shires Rest souvenir shop, where they’ll find a variety of Middle-earth-themed mementos to take home.
Throughout the day, the tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from central Auckland, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central areas, an experienced guide, admission fees for both the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, a buffet lunch at the Hobbiton Marquee, as well as complimentary snacks and water. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.
The guide will lead the group through the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, where they’ll explore the Shire and visit the Green Dragon Inn.
After lunch, the tour continues to the Waitomo Caves, where guests will take a boat ride to witness the mesmerizing glowworms.
With all the key inclusions covered, travelers can focus on soaking in the breathtaking scenery and seeing the magic of these two renowned destinations.
Important Information
While the tour offers an unforgettable experience, it’s important to note that the Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes to navigate the tour’s uneven terrain. Plus, photography isn’t permitted inside the Waitomo Caves, so visitors should be prepared to enjoy the glowworms without the ability to capture photos.
To make the most of this incredible journey, keep these tips in mind:
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Pack appropriate footwear for walking.
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Expect to leave cameras behind when exploring the Waitomo Caves.
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Ensure the tour aligns with your mobility needs before booking.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 23 reviews.
Customers highlighted the exceptional quality of the tour guides, with specific mentions of Andy Barber’s insightful commentary and attentive care.
The overall experience at both Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves was widely celebrated, with travelers describing the tour as a ‘must-see‘ and offering excellent value for money.
The combination of the iconic Hobbiton setting and the breathtaking Waitomo Caves with its glowworms left a lasting impression on participants, making this tour a popular choice for both Lord of the Rings fans and nature enthusiasts alike.
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Hobbiton Movie Set
Nestled amidst the lush, rolling hills of Matamata, the Hobbiton Movie Set captivates visitors with its enchanting recreation of the Shire, the beloved homeland of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Hobbits.
On this guided walking tour, guests are immersed in the whimsical details of the movie set, including:
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Visiting the iconic Green Dragon Inn, where a complimentary beverage awaits to complete the Middle-earth experience.
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Exploring the intricate Hobbit holes, each with their own unique character and charm, as if the Hobbits themselves had just stepped out.
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Wandering through the Shire’s manicured gardens and stunning landscapes, which served as the backdrop for the film adaptations of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
After exploring the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, the tour ventures into the underground wonder of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Visitors embark on a serene boat ride through these remarkable caverns, where thousands of bioluminescent glowworms cling to the ceilings, casting an ethereal glow upon the darkness below. The eerie silence is broken only by the gentle lapping of the water and the occasional soft chirp of the glowworms, creating a truly magical experience.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Boat Ride | Peaceful journey through the caves |
Glowworms | Bioluminescent creatures that light up the darkness |
Photography | Not permitted inside the caves |
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a captivating natural spectacle that complements the whimsical charm of Hobbiton, providing a well-rounded and unforgettable tour experience.
Tour Duration and Pricing
The tour lasts between 11 to 13 hours, providing ample time to explore both the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the otherworldly Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Priced from Kō6,262 per person, the comprehensive Hobbiton and Waitomo tour offers visitors exceptional value for a truly immersive and memorable experience.
The tour’s inclusions showcase its remarkable value:
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Admission fees to both the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves
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A delectable buffet lunch at the Hobbiton Marquee
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Complimentary snacks, water, and hotel pickup and drop-off services
With its convenient scheduling, all-inclusive offerings, and competitive pricing, this Hobbiton and Waitomo tour promises an unforgettable journey that delivers remarkable bang for your buck.
Recap
This immersive Hobbiton and Waitomo tour offers a captivating blend of Middle-earth magic and natural wonders.
Explore the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, visit the luminescent Waitomo Caves, and savor a delectable buffet lunch – all while surrounded by New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes.
With convenient pickup and drop-off, this exceptional experience is a must-do for both Lord of the Rings fans and nature enthusiasts.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Lunch Experiences in Auckland
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