Full Day Tour from Auckland to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave & Hobbiton

Highlights

• Full-day tour to Waitomo from Auckland 
• See some of the North Island's most popular attractions in one day 
• Ride a boat through the legendary Waitomo glowworm caves 
• Tour the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie set at Hobbiton  
• Great option for those with limited time on the North Island

Description

Experience not one, not two, but three of the best tourist attractions in Waitomo, all on one full day tour and departing from Auckland City! Head First Travel New Zealand brings you this full day, filled with some of the North Islands most popular attractions and destinations.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city life, cruise down the urban highway, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. Jump aboard a comfortable 11-seater van or 24-seater mini bus in Auckland, sit back, relax and enjoy the 2.5 hour scenic drive from Auckland to the Waitomo Caves. Arriving in Waitomo around 9am ready to begin your tour through the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Immerse yourself in moments of real magic and escape to a place where time stands still and all that matters is the land around you and mother nature at its finest. Watch the darkest of caves transform into magnificent turquoise tunnels and take a boat ride through the Waitomo Caves underneath thousands of these magical creatures. These unique Glowworms can only be found in New Zealand, make sure you don’t miss out on this experience.

Next up on the itinerary is the Ruakuri Cave, also known as “Dog’s Den” in the local Maori cultural. Enjoy a 2 hour guided tour through this rugged cave, with complex limestone formations calving out the captivating pitch black caverns, this is the longest underground guided tour ever! The Ruakuri Cave was originally a Maori burial site, but don’t let that scare you off, on the tour you will discover million-year-old pillars with embedded fossils and even growing some coral! Best of yet, the caves will be naturally lit with walls and walls of Glowworms!

Just when you think the day couldn’t get better you head off to arguably New Zealands most famous site – Hobbiton! As featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, Green Dragon in and the field where Bilbo’s birthday party was held! Following an expert guide, they will take you a tour of the amazing Hobbiton Village, paired with informative commentary about the films, characters and history of the area, this is an experience you will not forget.

Your day will finish at The Green Dragon in where you can enjoy some of Hobbitons exclusive beverages or just soak up the surroundings. Your transport will take you back to Auckland in the evening.

Trip Includes

• Professional Guide
• Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
• Entry to the Glowworm Caves
• Entry to Ruakuri Cave
• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
• Pickup from centrally located meeting point in Auckland
• Transport by air-conditioned coach or van

Duration

• Full Day tour
• Allow 13.5 hours
• Tour departs Auckland at 7.00am and returns to Auckland around 8.15pm

Departures

• Trip operates Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
• Main pick up is 6.15am at 280 Queen Street – outside JB HiFi Shop

Additional pick up’s are available and the departure times are listed below. Please select your departure time when booking;

• 6:03am 6 Hopetoun Street (Verandah Backpackers)
• 6:05am 373 Karangahape Road (Haka Lodge)
• 6:07am corner of Pitt and Vincent Street (YMCA)
• 6:09am 69 Beach Street (Omega Rentals)
• 6:10am 80 Queens Street (BNZ)
• 6:15am 280 Queen Street (JB Hi Fi)
• 6:16am 380 Queen Street (Scenic Hotel)
• 6:17am 490 Queen Street
• 6:18am 520 Queen Street (Kiwi International)
• 6:20am 63 Karangahape Road Bus Stop
• 6:40am Manukau City - Leyton Way opposite the Mall
• 6:55am Bombay Hills - Caltex Service Station
• 7:25am Huntly - Main Bus Stop
• 7:55am Hamilton Central Bus Stop, 340 Anglesea Street

Other Information

• Please bring your own lunch or money to purchase lunch
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• We recommend you bring warm clothes and bring a warm jacket
• In summer months we recommend you bring screen & a hat
• The Waitomo Cave is approximately 16-17 degrees Celsius year round
• The Waitomo Glowworm Cave is accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths.  Ruakuri Cave is accessible to everyone and is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessable.
• Photography and video are not permitted inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, but are permitted in selected areas of the cave in Ruakuri Cave
• Don’t forget to bring your camera – photos are definitely recommended and encouraged at Hobbiton

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$366.00
• Child: NZD$219.60