Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour With Lunch From Auckland

The Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour from Auckland offers an enchanting adventure for Lord of the Rings fans and nature enthusiasts alike. Exploring the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, this tour promises a unique blend of cinematic magic and natural wonder. With a guided walking tour, a buffet lunch at the Green Dragon Marquee, and a serene cruise through the glowworm-lit caves, the day promises to be both captivating and memorable. Whether you’re a devoted LOTR follower or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, this small-group tour provides a personalized and exceptional way to discover the best of New Zealand’s celebrated landscapes.

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

Key Points

• A small-group day tour from Auckland that takes visitors to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and the renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
• Includes a guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where visitors can explore the original LOTR props and settings, and a cruise through the Waitomo Caves to see the glowworms.
• Provides a buffet lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee, offering a selection of Hobbit-inspired dishes and desserts.
• Offers hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a shopping voucher for the Hobbiton Gift Shop, making it a convenient and inclusive tour experience.
• Certified as a carbon-zero tour company, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly experience for travelers.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This small-group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour from Auckland whisks visitors away on an immersive journey through two of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations.

Featuring a guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set with original LOTR props and sets, as well as a cruise through the Waitomo Caves under a captivating canopy of glow worms, this tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into the country’s natural and cinematic wonders.

Along the way, guests will enjoy a delectable buffet lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee and take home a special shopping voucher from the Hobbiton Gift Shop.

With hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a carbon-zero certified tour company, this highly-rated experience isn’t to be missed by LOTR fans and curious travelers alike.

Tour Inclusions

The Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour includes admission to both the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, as well as a buffet lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee.

Travelers will also receive an air-conditioned vehicle ride and a shopping voucher for the Hobbiton Gift Shop.

The tour is carbon-zero certified, and the GST (Goods and Services Tax) and gratuities are all covered.

With these inclusions, travelers can fully enjoy the iconic movie settings and natural wonders without worrying about additional costs or logistics.

It’s a hassle-free way to experience the best of both Hobbiton and Waitomo.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour includes pickup from inner city Auckland accommodation, with the tour departing at 6:50 am.

Travelers should confirm their pickup location 24 hours prior to the tour. The central meeting point is the SkyCity Hotel entrance, where guests should arrive by 6:40 am.

After the full-day excursion, the activity will end back at the original meeting point.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and is only suitable for ages 5 and up.

Comfortable walking shoes and outdoor clothing are recommended, as the tour involves walking and stairs, and may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties.

The maximum group size is 13 travelers per tour.

Tour Requirements and Recommendations

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and is suitable only for travelers aged 5 and older. Comfortable walking shoes and outdoor clothing are recommended, as the tour involves walking and stairs, making it unsuitable for those with walking difficulties. The maximum group size is 13 travelers per tour.

This small-group adventure includes:

• Exploring the original Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films

• Navigating the winding paths and visiting iconic locations like the Green Dragon Inn

• Cruising through the Waitomo Caves to witness the magical glow of thousands of luminescent creatures

• Enjoying a delectable buffet lunch in the stunning Green Dragon Marquee setting

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

With a Badge of Excellence and an impressive 5-star rating, the Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from travelers.

Guides are consistently praised for their exceptional knowledge and engaging storytelling, bringing the immersive Hobbiton experience and stunning Waitomo glow worm caves to life.

Equally, the quality and variety of the buffet lunch served in the Green Dragon Marquee have earned high marks from satisfied participants.

Travelers have raved about the tour’s ability to immerse them in the world of The Lord of the Rings, with many commenting on the tour’s attention to detail and the guide’s passion for the subject matter.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Guided tours of the Hobbiton Movie Set, the iconic filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, take visitors on a captivating journey through the charming village of Hobbiton.

Guests stroll past the quaint hobbit holes, lush gardens, and the famous Green Dragon Inn, all meticulously maintained to preserve the cinematic magic.

Along the way, they’ll encounter original movie props and sets, including the Party Tree and Bilbo Baggins’ beloved home, Bag End.

Knowledgeable guides share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, immersing participants in the enchanting world of Middle-earth.

From the rolling green hills to the intricate details that bring this fictional realm to life, the Hobbiton experience offers a truly immersive adventure for LOTR enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Cruise

After exploring the picturesque Hobbiton Movie Set, the tour continues with a captivating cruise through the renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Visitors float silently along the underground waterways, marveling at the magical display of thousands of luminescent glow worms adorning the cave ceilings like a celestial canvas.

The tour guide shares fascinating insights about the caves’ unique ecosystem and the indigenous Maori beliefs surrounding these remarkable natural wonders.

Visitors are awed by the serene beauty of the glow worm-lit grotto, a truly unforgettable experience.

The tour culminates in the Green Dragon Marquee, where guests can savor a delicious buffet lunch and browse the Hobbiton gift shop before returning to Auckland.

Buffet Lunch in Green Dragon Marquee

The tour’s buffet lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee delights visitors with a spread of hearty, Hobbit-inspired fare, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

Diners can enjoy:

• Tender roasted meats, such as chicken and beef, slow-cooked to perfection

• A selection of fresh, locally-sourced vegetables, expertly prepared to bring out their natural flavors

• Warm, crusty breads and savory pies, evoking the comforts of a traditional Shire feast

• Decadent desserts, including rich, gooey chocolate cake and tangy fruit tarts, to satisfy any sweet tooth

The high-quality, flavorful meal caps off the immersive Hobbiton experience, leaving tour participants feeling fully immersed in the magical world of Middle-earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Additional Items at the Hobbiton Gift Shop?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional items at the Hobbiton Gift Shop. The gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs, merchandise, and memorabilia related to the Hobbiton movie set and The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit franchises.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Buffet Lunch?

The buffet lunch offers a variety of dishes to accommodate different dietary needs. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options are available upon request. Travelers with specific dietary requirements should notify the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs are met.

How Much Free Time Is Allocated at the Hobbiton Movie Set?

The tour provides approximately 90 minutes of free time at the Hobbiton Movie Set, allowing visitors to explore the iconic film locations, take photos, and enjoy the tranquil Shire setting at their own pace.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch at the Green Dragon Marquee, and any other outside snacks or beverages are not allowed.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

There’s no minimum number of participants required for the tour to operate. The tour accommodates groups of up to 13 travelers, ensuring a small-group experience regardless of the final group size.

Recap

This enchanting Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour from Auckland offers a unique opportunity to take in the captivating world of Middle-earth.

With a guided tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, a magical cruise through the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves, and a hearty buffet lunch, this tour provides a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for Tolkien fans and nature enthusiasts alike.