Highlights
- Small group day tour from Auckland
- Guided tour at Hobbiton Movie Set
- Lunch, complimentary drink & souvenir voucher included
- Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Description
This glorious adventure has you setting your eyes on some spectacular scenery – from your guided Hobbiton tour to the magical world of Waitomo Glow-worm caves and everything in between.
As you set out on your journey, you will travel in style in one of Bush and Beach's small group vans. While you take in all the spectacular New Zealand countryside, listen as your driver/guide gives you an informative commentary on some of the landscape's iconic past – including a battle involving local Māori and British forces, which occurred in 1863.
En route Hobbiton, you will travel through the gorgeous New Zealand landscape and take in the beauty of the Kaimai Ranges heading towards Matamata – known for its dairy farming and thoroughbred industry. Laying a short distance outside Matamata, you’ll gain access to the 1,250 acre farm where JRR Tolkien’s books were brought to life - Hobbiton Movie Set. Engross yourself in the landscape that brought heroes to fruition – Frodo, Sam and all the Hobbits called this place home – and you’ll get to experience it firsthand!
Included in your guided Hobbiton tour, you’ll see the Green Dragon Inn, Party Marquee, Bag End, 44 Hobbit holes and learn how the charming countryside was altered into one of the most recognised landscapes to date – Middle Earth. Once you’ve completed your Hobbiton tour, take in some of the sights in Matamata before heading to Waitomo to visit the famous glowworm caves.
Once you reach Waitomo, you’ll be thrust into an awe-inspiring journey through the renowned Waitomo Glow-worm caves. The 45 minute guided adventure takes you through the unsurpassed beauty of underground caverns. Also see and learn about how – over millions of years – the structures have formed into stalagmites and stalactites. As you travel through, making your way to the ‘Glow worm Grotto’, you be amazed at this underground wonderland; but don’t peek yet, as the Grotto holds something that can only be described as magical! On arrival at the Glowworm Grotto, you’ll be immersed in this surreal landscape, traveling along by boat while thousands of glistening glowworm’s ignite your surrounds and your imagination.
After exploring Waitomo, you will make the return journey bac to Auckland with a stop for afternoon tea along the way (own cost).
Trip Includes
- Small group travel from Auckland
- Informative driver commentary
- Waikato and King Country scenery
- Guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
- Buffet lunch in the Party Marquee
- Free Hobbiton souvenir voucher
- Complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer in the Green Dragon Inn
Duration
Departures
- Departs 7.00am (returns to Auckland at approx 7:00pm)
- Departs from your central Auckland accommodation
- Operates daily all year
Other Information
- Child rates apply (5-14yrs)
- Children 0-4 years are free of charge. Please advise if an infant is travelling with you at the time of booking
- We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes & taking a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour
- At Waitomo Caves there are some staircases with approx 75 stairs
- Morning & afternoon tea stops are at your own expense
Normal Retail Prices
- Adult: NZD$395.00
- Child (5-14yrs): NZD$197.50
All prices shown in NZD$.
