[Auckland Departure] Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour with optional visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves | New Zealand
- Explore the magical Hobbiton Village, visiting iconic sites like Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and The Double Arched Bridge
- Discover the top 2 New Zealand destinations, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set
- Learn fun facts and behind-the-scenes details from your knowledgeable guide
- Discover the enchanting Waitomo Grotto on a one-hour guided tour (Waitomo Glowworm Caves package)
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Small Group |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 19 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Firefly watching |
| Transport | Charter car |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
【Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Hobbiton Movie Set Tour】
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Middle Earth and the enchanting Waitomo glowworm caves with the 19-people small group Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves day tour from Auckland.
This 11-hour adventure combines two of New Zealand's most iconic destinations into one extraordinary day. Travel in comfort aboard a premium Mercedes van with ample legroom.
Start with a scenic drive from central Auckland through the picturesque countryside to the charming village of Hobbiton, the real-life set of the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies. Wander through lush pastures, visit iconic hobbit holes, and enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, guided by a knowledgeable expert. Next, explore the world-famous Waitomo Caves, where stunning limestone formations and thousands of twinkling glowworms create a magical, starry night sky underground. Learn about the caves' geological and cultural significance before your scenic return drive to Auckland.
Let Auckland and Beyond Tours handle all the details for a seamless, hassle-free experience. Book your adventure today to experience these must-see attractions!
【Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Only】
Step into the world of Middle Earth with the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, where Peter Jackson filmed the legendary Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. This iconic destination has captivated visitors for the past decade, making it one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions.
The tour begins with a pick-up from Auckland CBD, followed by a scenic two-hour drive through the picturesque Waikato region, with stops for photos and refreshments. Upon arrival, enjoy 30-45 minutes at the official Hobbiton Gift Shop and Shire’s Rest Cafe. Then, embark on a two and a half-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring Hobbit Holes, The Mill, The Double Arched Bridge, and enjoying a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn. Walk inside a Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row for a new indoor experience, capturing the charm of Hobbit life.
After your immersive adventure, relax on the scenic drive back to Auckland CBD.
Glide silently through the Waitomo River, surrounded by the luminous glow of thousands of glowworms
Learn more about the natural formations on the cave walls and ceilings
Step into the medieval fantasy world of The Lord of The Rings
Immerse yourself into some of the most iconic settings in the movie
Purchase Notice
- Please note that tours fill up quickly. To avoid cancellation, kindly provide alternative dates when booking
- It is strongly suggested to reconfirm with the supplier number on the voucher at least 48 hours before departure for the latest updates on pick-up time and location
- Kindly note that to provide guests with the best experience of the movie scenes, maintenance may take place throughout the year. Please refer to the official website for the latest updates
— What to Bring —
- Comfortable clothes
- Jacket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Take note of the meeting times provided by the tour guide at each attraction; refunds will not be provided for late arrivals or guests who cannot complete the whole tour
Please refer to the voucher for further details
In the event that the driver has not arrived at the designated meeting time, please contact the emergency number provided on the voucher
Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 12 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 11 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 25% will apply
- For cancellations made 4 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Hobbiton Movie Set is located on a private farm near Matamata in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It's approximately a two-hour drive south of Auckland and a one-hour drive east of Hamilton. The rural setting features picturesque rolling hills, which perfectly align with the Shire depicted in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
The tour offers an immersive journey into the magical world of Middle-earth. Visitors can explore iconic film locations like the Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, seeing them exactly as they appeared in the films. Expert guides share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and film facts, bringing the set to life and creating a truly unique and enchanting experience for fans and new visitors alike.
A typical tour includes a guided walk through the 12-acre set, exploring Hobbit Holes, gardens, and significant structures such as The Mill and The Double Arched Bridge. The tour usually concludes with a complimentary beverage at The Green Dragon Inn. Knowledgeable guides provide commentary on the filmmaking process and the set's history throughout the visit.
While visitors cannot enter the small Hobbit Holes, which are built to scale for filming purposes, some larger Hobbit Holes are available for photo opportunities from the outside. The tour focuses on exploring the meticulously crafted exteriors of the village, allowing guests to fully experience the atmosphere of the Shire and its unique charm.
The day tour departing from Auckland typically includes comfortable round-trip transportation from a designated meeting point in Auckland directly to the Hobbiton Movie Set and, if chosen, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This eliminates the need for personal driving and allows guests to relax and enjoy the scenic journey through New Zealand's picturesque countryside.
No, visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set requires participation in a guided tour. Independent entry is not permitted to preserve the film set and ensure an organized, informative experience for all visitors. Guided tours depart regularly from the Shire's Rest or the Matamata i-SITE, providing structured access to the carefully maintained property.
It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves walking across hilly terrain and gravel paths. New Zealand weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers and bringing a waterproof jacket is advisable. Sunscreen and a hat are also good to have, especially during warmer months, as much of the tour is conducted outdoors.
During the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour, visitors embark on a silent boat ride through the grotto, marveling at thousands of tiny glowworms illuminating the cave ceiling like a starry night sky. The tour also includes a guided walk through the upper levels of the cave, where impressive limestone formations and historical insights into the caves' formation and discovery are shared by expert guides.
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