Spend a full day from Auckland exploring the movie-ready Hobbiton Movie Set and drifting silently beneath Waitomo’s glowworms. This guided tour bundles admission, lunch and hotel pickup into a single, well-paced day through Waikato’s countryside.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a rolling Waikato paddock as dawn thins over the Hauraki Plains — green grass, sheep scattered like punctuation, and the round doors of Hobbiton rising from the earth. The extended 2.5-hour Hobbiton experience lets you move beyond façades into fully dressed interiors: a kitchen, parlour, and the warm hearth of the Green Dragon Inn where specially brewed beverages await.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking on uneven ground and steps in caves
Wildlife
History
Hobbiton is a filmed reconstruction on private Waikato farmland; Waitomo’s caves have long-standing Maori significance and were among the first regional attractions opened to visitors.
Conservation
Glowworms are light-sensitive and slow-growing; avoid flash photography, stay on designated paths, and follow guide instructions to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Early pickup—be ready
The tour departs Auckland around 6:30am with staggered CBD pickups; be on time to avoid missing the group.
No flash in the caves
Never use flash or bright lights near the glowworms — it temporarily extinguishes their bioluminescence.
Footwear for farm and cave
Wear closed, grippy walking shoes for muddy farm paths and uneven cave steps.
Bring a light rain layer
Weather can change rapidly across the plains—pack a lightweight waterproof for comfort between sites.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on paddocks and safety on cave steps
Light waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry in sudden showers common in Waikato
spring
Small daypack
Carries water, layers, camera and snacks during the day
Camera (no flash for caves)
Great for Hobbiton and landscape shots—avoid flash in glowworm areas