Highlights
- Experience the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.
- Experience the spectacular spiral entrance to Ruakuri Cave. Marvel at the incredible limestone formations and crystal tapestries in an intimate group.
- Enjoy a day of excitement at the Hobbiton Movie Set features on The Lord of The Rings movies
Description
Your ideal full-day tour, designed especially for the those wanting to tick everything off but only have a short amount of time! Departing Auckland in a comfortable 11-seat van or 24-seat minibus. Listen to interesting commentary along the way. Relax aboard and enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Auckland to Waitomo Caves, a renowned New Zealand attraction famous for its glowworm caverns.
Arriving to Waitomo at approximately 10am (Summer) or 9am (Winter), begin your tour through Waitomo Glowworm Caves! Follow your informative guide on a tour underground to view the icicle-shaped stalactites and learn how they were formed over. A boat ride takes you through the Glowworm Grotto, where you will be beneath thousands of twinkling glowworms in a breathtaking display. This is a truly surreal experience!
For passengers adding on Ruakuri, you will take a short journey from Waitomo to Ruakuri. Here you Experience the spectacular spiral entrance to Ruakuri Cave. Marvel at the incredible limestone formations and crystal tapestries in an intimate group. For those that aren’t added this on – enjoy some leisure time in Waitomo to enjoy
We depart Waitomo at after lunch for Hobbiton. You’re knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour of the Hobbiton village, making sure to stop along the way sharing exclusive commentary about the films and set, as well as the interesting characters who have visited over the year. Don’t forget to pack your camera, there will be plenty of opportunities for photos!
Please Note; If you decide to finish your day in Auckland but do not want to do the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour you will still have 2 hours of free time to relax at the Hobbiton cafe (aptly named The Shires Rest) or peruse their Gift Shop for some iconic kiwi souvenirs. If you have opted to finish your day in Rotorua you will not have a wait at Hobbiton and will finish in Rotorua by 4pm. If chosen: Enjoy a 2-hour Hobbiton Movie Set tour, where you will see famous locations such as Bilbo's home Bag End, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree. You'll be amazed by the beauty, history, and size of this location. A complimentary refreshment is also available at the end of your Movie Set Tour.
Trip Includes
- 45 minute Tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waitomo
- Hobbiton movie set tour
- 2 hour tour of Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo
- 2 hour Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata
- All Transport
- Pickup from centrally located meeting point
- Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Duration
Departures
- Tour operates on Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays
- Main Departure at 6.00am from 280 Queen Street Auckland (Outside JB HiFi)
- Other departures are available – please select from one of the below when checking out;
- 6:00 AM at 280 Queen Street (JB Hi Fi).
- 6:01 AM at 380 Queen Street (Scenic Hotel).
- 6:02 AM at 490 Queen Street.
- 6:03 AM 6 Hopetoun St, Freemans Bay (Verandahs Backpackers)
- 6:05 AM 373 Karangahape Road (Haka Lodge)
- 6:07 AM Corner Pitt Street & Vincent Street (YMCA)
- 6:09 AM 69 Beach Road (Station Backpackers)
- 6:10 AM 80 Queens Street (BNZ)
- 6:15 AM 280 Queen Street (JB Hi Fi)
- 6:16 AM 380 Queen Street (Scenic Hotel)
- 6:17 AM 490 Queen Street
- 6:18 AM 520 Queen Street (Kiwi International)
- 6:20 AM 63 Karanagahape Road
- 7:55 AM Hamilton Central Bus Stop 340 Anglesea St
Other Information
- Please allow sufficient time to make your way to one of these locations and please note that pick-up times are subject to traffic conditions so may vary.
- Please bring your meals, snacks and water, or money to purchase along the way
- 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 accessible.
- Photography and video are not permitted inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, but are permitted in selected areas of the cave in Ruakuri Cave
Normal Retail Prices
- Adult: NZD$379.00
- Child: NZD$227.40
All prices shown in NZD$.
