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

27 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 27 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Auckland, New Zealand
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from $256.45 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
13 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves on this one-way small group tour from Auckland to Rotorua. Guided by knowledgeable locals, enjoy a day filled with picturesque landscapes, intriguing cave formations, and an immersive experience into the world of The Lord of the Rings. Capture photos of charming towns, witness the magical glowworms, and savor a complimentary beverage at the Hobbiton pub. Finish your adventure with a scenic drive through Rotorua's highlights before check-in at your accommodation.

- Small group tour with passionate, expert guides
- Visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves
- Includes entry tickets, bottled water, and snacks
- Duration: Approximately 13 hours, ending in Rotorua

What's Included

  • Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Accommodation in Rotorua
  • Restroom on board
See 4 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (SkyCity Hotel). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there.*Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time.*Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance.*Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.

OR
Meeting point

72 Victoria Street West
Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Rotorua
New Zealand

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Waikato Region (pass by)

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.
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Waitomo Caves

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.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

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’.
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3 hours Admission Ticket Included

Tirau (pass by)

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.
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Rotorua

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)
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo 1-Way Small Group Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-56760P88

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
27 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 27 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
27
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo 1-Way Small Group Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own).
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
  • Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person.
  • Bottled water & snacks.
  • Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only).
  • Fully Guided 1-Way Small Group Tour.
The following is NOT included:
  • Accommodation in Rotorua.
  • Restroom on board.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo 1-Way Small Group Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo 1-Way Small Group Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Bottled water & snacks
  • Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
  • Fully Guided 1-Way Small Group Tour
  • Accommodation in Rotorua
  • Restroom on board

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Activity name