Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo 1-Way Small Group Tour

Meeting point and end point

Check the meeting time and place on Viator when you book. They can differ by option and date.

What you will do on this tour

1. 1

   Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. After learning about some local history we stop in the idyllic little town of Pirongia for a quick coffee break. Continuing our adventure we pass through Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi in this unique and charming town.

2. 2

   Arriving at our first feature attractions you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations, including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.

   1 hour

3. 3

   Hobbiton Movie Set

   Arriving at our second feature attraction, Hobbiton, you will have time to buy lunch before boarding one of the big green Hobbiton buses. You then depart on a two and a half hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide, to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.

   3 hours · Admission included

4. 4

   Continuing our adventure we depart for Rotorua and pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.

5. 5

   To complete the formal part of the tours first day we arrive in Rotorua and do a quick guided driving tour, seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. We then drop you off at your hotel to check in for the night (accommodation not included)

   20 min

What is included

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users
• Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• Book up to 1 day before the start

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• Full refund if you cancel 1 day or more before the start.
• No refund if you cancel less than 1 day before the start.
• The operator may cancel for bad weather, and you are offered another date or a refund.
• The operator may cancel if too few travellers book, and you are offered another date or a refund.

Rules can differ by option and date. The policy shown on Viator when you book is the one that applies.

Frequently asked questions