Hobbiton and Spellbound Tour (Glowworm Cave at Waitomo)

The Hobbiton and Spellbound Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating worlds of Middle-earth and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Combining the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set with the mesmerizing natural wonder of the glowworm caves, this full-day experience promises an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and cinematic backdrops. Whether you’re a devoted Tolkien fan or a lover of breathtaking natural phenomena, this intimate tour provides a chance to discover the magic that lies at the intersection of fantasy and reality.

Key Points

• A full-day tour that combines visits to the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, providing a comprehensive Lord of the Rings and nature experience.
• The tour includes a two-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, allowing visitors to explore iconic filming locations from the movies.
• The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a serene and otherworldly experience, with thousands of glowworms creating a stunning natural display.
• A hearty lunch is included, featuring a variety of menu options to satisfy different tastes, such as gourmet sandwiches and kiwi pie.
• The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a maximum group size of 12 to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour combines visits to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, offering travelers with limited time in Auckland the opportunity to experience two of New Zealand’s top attractions.

The tour departs early in the morning and takes visitors on a two-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed. After exploring the charming Hobbit holes and lush gardens, the tour continues to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where travelers can marvel at the otherworldly sight of thousands of glowworms illuminating the underground caverns.

Lunch is included, and the tour is conducted in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a maximum of 12 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Itinerary Details

The tour departs early in the morning at 6:30 AM, allowing travelers to make the most of their day.

The first stop is the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, where guests enjoy a two-hour guided tour through the lush, picturesque filming location from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’

After exploring Hobbiton, the tour continues to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Here, travelers witness the mesmerizing sight of thousands of glowworms illuminating the underground caverns.

Lunch is included in the tour, with a stop for additional treats like the beloved hokey pokey ice cream.

The comfortable air-conditioned vehicle ensures a pleasant journey throughout the day’s activities.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Visitors explore the lush, picturesque film location of Hobbiton, the beloved Shire setting from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies, during the two-hour guided tour.

They wander through the quaint village, admiring the charming Hobbit holes, beautiful gardens, and the iconic Green Dragon Inn. The guide shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and insights, bringing the magical world to life.

Guests snap photos at key spots like Bilbo’s house, Bag End, and the Party Tree. They’re immersed in the whimsical atmosphere, feeling as if they’ve stepped right into Middle-earth.

The Hobbiton tour offers a truly immersive experience for fans and a must-see for any visitor to New Zealand.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

After exploring the charming Hobbiton movie set, the tour continues to the underground wonder of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Visitors are awed by the magical glow of thousands of tiny luminescent creatures that illuminate the cavern’s cathedral-like ceilings and walls. Boat tours gently glide through the tranquil, reflective waters, offering a serene and otherworldly experience.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a truly mesmerizing encounter:

1. Thousands of glowworms cling to the cave walls, creating a breathtaking display of natural bioluminescence.

2. Visitors embark on a peaceful boat ride, gliding silently through the dark waters and gazing up at the ‘starry’ ceiling above.

3. The caves’ impressive geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, add to the enchanting ambiance of this underground wonderland.

Included Lunch

A hearty lunch is included as part of the tour, providing an opportunity to refuel and sample local cuisine. The tour includes a stop for a delicious meal, with a variety of options to satisfy all palates. During the lunch break, visitors can enjoy a moment of respite and indulge in specialties such as the iconic hokey pokey ice cream.

Menu Item	Description	Price
Gourmet Sandwich	Freshly-made sandwich with seasonal fillings	$12
Kiwi Pie	Traditional meat or vegetable pie	$8
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream	Iconic New Zealand ice cream with honeycomb pieces	$5
Vegetarian Salad	Fresh garden salad with seasonal produce	$10

Transportation and Pickup

Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles whisk visitors from their doors within the Auckland CBD to the tour’s starting point, providing a door-to-door service within 1 km of the city center. For those staying outside the CBD, alternative pickup options are available for a small fee. The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

The tour’s transportation features:

1. Spacious, air-conditioned vans that provide a comfortable ride throughout the day.

2. Knowledgeable and friendly drivers who navigate the roads efficiently.

3. Convenient door-to-door service, making it easy for participants to join the tour.

This thoughtful transportation arrangement allows travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey to Hobbiton and the Glowworm Caves.

Booking Information

Customers typically receive their booking confirmation immediately unless the reservation is made within 2 days of travel, in which case they’ll get confirmation within 48 hours.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate in the experience. Accessibility details are provided upfront so guests can make an informed decision.

While the tour can accommodate a maximum group size of 12 travelers, the smaller group size allows for more personalized attention from the guide.

Reviews and Ratings

The tour has received a total of 10 reviews and an overall rating of 5.0 stars across Viator and Tripadvisor.

Travelers have praised the positive experiences at both the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Glowworm Caves, highlighting the magical atmosphere and the enjoyment of the smaller group size. FlexiToursNZ’s organization of the tour has also received high commendation.

Highlights from the reviews include:

1. ‘The Hobbiton set was breathtaking, and the Glowworm Caves were truly spellbinding.’

2. ‘The smaller group size made the experience more personalized and intimate.’

3. ‘FlexiToursNZ’s attention to detail and seamless coordination made the entire day a delight.’

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with visitors expected to walk for around 2 hours at the Hobbiton Movie Set and an additional 30 minutes at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Hobbiton Movie Set?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside the Hobbiton Movie Set. Photography is allowed throughout the tour, enabling guests to capture the charming details and iconic scenes from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies.

Is There Any Time for Independent Exploration at Waitomo?

Yes, the tour provides time for independent exploration at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Visitors can wander through the caves and observe the glowworms at their own pace during the scheduled stop at Waitomo.

What Should I Bring for the Tour?

For this tour, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, camera, and a small backpack or bag. It’s also a good idea to pack snacks and water to have during the day.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can generally be customized to suit individual preferences. FlexiToursNZ, the tour operator, offers flexibility in adjusting the itinerary and services to accommodate specific needs or interests of travelers.

Recap

The Hobbiton and Spellbound Tour offers an enchanting full-day experience, blending the magical Hobbiton Movie Set with the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Travelers can enjoy the lush landscapes of Hobbiton, then journey to the ethereal glowworm caves illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.

This intimate tour, limited to 12 guests, promises stunning scenery, delicious lunch, and unforgettable moments.