Overview

See the amazing Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on a great value day tour from Auckland!

Travel through the rich farmland of the Waikato region to the township of Waitomo and venture underground into the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You’ll travel through subterranean tunnels and see incredible limestone formations. Experience the magic of an underground boat ride - gliding silently through the darkness while thousands of glowworms twinkle overhead.  After emerging from the darkness, enjoy a short walk through the native forest up to the Waitomo Caves visitor centre.

Then cross the countryside and take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and learn about how the largest "green set" in the world was created in impressive detail. You'll see lots of charming Hobbiton buildings and hear behind-the-scenes secrets from filming. After your tour of the set, enjoy a delicious drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Selected tours include a picnic lunch provided to you on the way from Waitomo to Hobbiton.

Please note: A development project is underway at Hobbiton Movie Set until December 2023. Please visit the official Hobbiton website for detailed information on how this construction could impact your experience.

Our Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set small group day tours depart daily on modern, comfortable buses, and include entertaining commentary from experienced local guides. We recommend you bring a rain jacket, sunhat, sunglasses and your camera, and wear comfortable footwear.

Just want to visit Hobbiton? Book our InterCity Hobbiton day tour!

Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required for this tour to operate. If minimum numbers are not met the tour will be cancelled and a full refund provided.

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Adult (Age 13+)
Fri 29 March Sat 30 March Sun 31 March Mon 1 April Tue 2 April Wed 3 April Thu 4 April
Waitomo Caves, Picnic Lunch and Hobbiton Movie Set (Auckland-Rotorua)
Sold out $334.00 $334.00 $334.00 $334.00 $301.00 $301.00
Waitomo Caves, Picnic Lunch and Hobbiton Movie Set (Auckland-Auckland)
Sold out $334.00 $334.00 $334.00 $334.00 $301.00 $301.00

FAQs

What happens if the Waitomo Caves are closed?

If the Waitomo Caves tour cannot operate, a free upgrade to the Ruakuri Cave will be provided subject to availability. If the Ruakuri upgrade is provided, the Waitomo Caves portion is non-refundable.

What should I bring?

We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. Bring a jacket, sunglasses, a sunhat and your camera. Share your experience with us online by tagging #nzallover!

Can I be picked up and dropped off at my accommodation?

Sorry, our great value InterCity day tours don’t include hotel pickup and drop-off. Check out our friends at GreatSights and Gray Line for premium day tour options.

Does this tour include meals?

Yes, this tour includes lunch. You’ll also stop for morning and afternoon tea (at your own expense).

Can I eat and drink on board the bus?

Yes, you can eat cold food and cold drinks on board the bus. We don’t allow hot drinks or food for safety reasons.

Can I bring my bags with me?

You can bring one carry-on item with a maximum weight of 5kg and store check-in luggage under the bus. Take a look at our full luggage policy here.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my tour?

No, our day tours are non-refundable.

How do I book a tour with my pass?

Booking a day tour using your FlexiPass or TravelPass bus pass is a slightly different process. First, you need to make sure you’re logged in to your pass. On your pass dashboard, click on the ‘Tours’ button and follow the instructions to book your tour. Please note not all InterCity day tours are available to book on your pass.

What happens if my day tour is cancelled due to bad weather?

If your day tour is cancelled for any reason, we’ll contact you to discuss your options. These will include a transfer to the next available service, or a refund of your fare.

Can I bring a Hobbit home with me?

Hobbits are like hermits, they like their own space very much and they’ll probably want to stay in Hobbiton!

What construction is happening at the Hobbiton Movie Set?

A major and very exciting development project is underway at Hobbiton Movie Set and will impact tours between April-December 2023. Tours throughout this period will follow an alternate route around the construction zone and will not be able to see Bagshot Row, including Samwise Gamgee’s home. There will also be some construction noise and machinery on Set as work is underway transforming the hillside. You can read more about the Bagshot Row Project here.