How to Plan Your Auckland Hobbiton Waitomo Caves Small Group Day Tour
If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Auckland, look no further than the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group day tour! This full-day tour takes you through rolling hills, farmland, and scenic countryside to Hobbiton, the real-life movie set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, and Waitomo Caves, where you’ll witness the amazing glowworms and sail through underground rivers. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Auckland Hobbiton Waitomo Caves small group day tour:Overview
The tour departs from Auckland and takes approximately 12 hours. You’ll be picked up from your central Auckland hotel and transported via air-conditioned coach to both Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. Along the way, you’ll enjoy informative commentary from your experienced guide and stunning views of the Waikato Region and the Hauraki Plains. The full itinerary includes:Itinerary
Pickup location: Auckland
The tour starts with convenient pickup from your central Auckland hotel.Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour Walk (2.5 hours)
You’ll start with a drive through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton. Upon arriving, you’ll feel nostalgic as you step inside the world of Middle-earth at The Shire, complete with hobbit holes, the famous Party Tree, and the Green Dragon Inn. Your guide will share insights about the filming process and the impressive sets as you walk through the village.Waitomo
After Hobbiton, it’s time to head to Waitomo. You’ll enjoy lunch (for an hour) along the way to refresh yourself.Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour Walk (1 hour)
Marvel at the surreal atmosphere of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves as you sail through underground rivers and are fascinated by the light produced by tiny glowworms above.Arrive back at Auckland
After a full day of adventure, you’ll be transported back to your Auckland hotel, arriving in the evening. Note: The itinerary is for reference only and is subject to change.Highlights
During the Auckland Hobbiton Waitomo Caves small group day tour, you’ll have the chance to: – Feel nostalgic as you step inside the world of Middle-earth at The Shire – Marvel at glowworms while sailing in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Sip on a refreshing specially brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn – Experience a sense of movie magic as you explore Hobbiton and take pictures – Admire the scenery en route and listen to insightful commentary from your guideInclusions
The tour includes: – Hotel pickup/drop-off from selected Auckland hotels – Air-conditioned coach transport – Professional guide – Admission to both Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves – LunchHow to book
Book your Auckland Hobbiton Waitomo Caves small group day tour here: book the tour here. Ensure you book well in advance to secure your spot on this popular tour! Now that you have all the information you need, start planning your trip to Auckland and experience the unforgettable Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group day tour.
Frequently Asked Questions about Auckland
1. What is Auckland?
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is located on the North Island. It is also the most populous city in the country with a population of over 1.6 million people.2. What is the climate like in Auckland?
Auckland has a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters. The average temperature in summer ranges from 20-25°C (68-77°F) and in winter ranges from 11-15°C (52-59°F).3. What are some popular tourist attractions in Auckland?
Auckland offers a diverse range of attractions, including: – Sky Tower: The tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere with panoramic views of the city and harbour. – Auckland Harbour Bridge: A bridge climb or bungee jump that offers breathtaking views of the city and harbour. – Auckland Domain: A large park with several walking trails, picnic spots, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. – Waiheke Island: A picturesque island known for its pristine beaches, world-class wineries, and scenic walks. – Piha Beach: A popular surf beach located on Auckland’s west coast with black sand and stunning rock formations. – Auckland Zoo: Home to over 135 different species of animals and a popular destination for families. – Auckland Art Gallery: A museum with an impressive collection of New Zealand and international art.4. What is the transportation system like in Auckland?
Auckland has an extensive public transport network that includes buses, trains, and ferries. The AT HOP card is a reusable smart card that can be used for all public transport modes and offers discounts on fares.5. What are some popular events and festivals in Auckland?
Auckland offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year, including: – Auckland Arts Festival: A biennial festival that celebrates the best of New Zealand and international arts and culture. – Pasifika Festival: A vibrant celebration of Pacific Island culture with live performances, food, and arts and crafts. – Auckland Lantern Festival: A free annual festival that showcases Chinese culture and traditions with colorful lantern displays, performances, and food stalls. – Auckland International Film Festival: A showcase of the best local and international films and documentaries. – The New Zealand International Comedy Festival: A two-week festival that brings together some of the best comedians from around the world.6. What are some popular shopping destinations in Auckland?
Auckland offers a range of shopping destinations, including: – Queen Street: The main shopping street in Auckland’s CBD, with a range of high street stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. – Newmarket: A trendy shopping district with high-end fashion stores, beauty salons, and cafes. – Ponsonby Road: A cosmopolitan district with a range of boutique stores, galleries, and restaurants. – Sylvia Park: New Zealand’s largest shopping mall with over 200 stores, cinemas, and food courts. – Britomart: A high-end shopping precinct with a range of designer stores, bars, and restaurants.7. What is the food like in Auckland?
Auckland offers a diverse range of cuisines, including traditional Maori cuisine, Pacific Island cuisine, and international cuisine. Some popular dishes include fish and chips, meat pies, pavlova, and Kiwi burgers. The city is also known for its world-class wine and craft beer.8. What is the nightlife like in Auckland?
Auckland offers a range of nightlife options, including bars, nightclubs, live music venues, and comedy clubs. Some popular nightlife areas include Ponsonby, Britomart, and Karangahape Road.9. What are some popular day trips from Auckland?
Auckland is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and offers several popular day trips, including: – Rangitoto Island: A volcanic island located in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf with walking tracks and panoramic views of the city and harbour. – Waitakere Ranges: A regional park with several walking tracks, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. – Hobbiton: The film set used for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies located in Matamata, a scenic two-hour drive from Auckland. – Bay of Islands: A beautiful coastal region located a three-hour drive from Auckland with several pristine beaches, historic sites, and wildlife encounters.10. What is the best time to visit Auckland?
The best time to visit Auckland is during the summer months from December to February when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, so it’s important to book accommodation and activities in advance. Alternatively, spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
How to spend your time as a tourist in Auckland
Are you planning to visit New Zealand’s largest city Auckland and wondering how to spend your time as a tourist? Auckland is a vibrant and diverse city with many exciting things to see and do. Whether you are interested in exploring natural wonders, learning about Maori culture, or trying out local food and wine, Auckland has something for everyone. In this guide, we will give you a step-by-step itinerary for the perfect Auckland experience.Day 1: Explore the City
Start your first day in Auckland by exploring the city itself. The best way to see the city is on foot, so wear comfortable shoes. Start by visiting the Sky Tower, Auckland’s most iconic landmark. The tower offers panoramic views of the city from 328 meters high, and you can even try out the SkyWalk, where you walk around the outside of the tower while harnessed. After visiting the Sky Tower, take a stroll around the Viaduct Harbour, which is home to many restaurants, bars, and cafes. From there, walk to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, which has an impressive collection of New Zealand and international art. For lunch, head to the Karangahape Road area, also known as K Road. K Road is a trendy area with many bars, cafes, and restaurants. Try out a local favorite, such as fish and chips, or try something different, like Korean BBQ. In the afternoon, take a tour of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which has exhibits on the history of New Zealand, as well as collections of art and artifacts from around the world. From there, take a stroll through the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, which has beautiful gardens and walking trails. End your day by taking a ferry to Devonport, a charming seaside town just a 12-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Walk up to the top of Mount Victoria for stunning views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf.Day 2: Visit Waiheke Island
On your second day in Auckland, take a day trip to Waiheke Island, which is known for its beaches, vineyards, and art galleries. Take a ferry from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island, which takes about 35 minutes. Once on the island, rent a bike or take a bus tour to explore the island’s many wineries. Waiheke Island is famous for its wine, and there are many vineyards that offer wine tasting tours. For lunch, head to Oneroa Village, a charming town on the island’s west coast. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area, and you can enjoy a meal with a view of the sea. After lunch, head to one of the island’s beaches, such as Onetangi Beach, which is one of the island’s most popular and expansive beaches. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out some water sports like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. In the evening, head back to Auckland on the ferry, and take a stroll around the Wynyard Quarter, a bustling waterfront area with many bars and restaurants.Day 3: Explore Nature
On your final day in Auckland, explore the city’s natural wonders. Start by taking a ferry to Rangitoto Island, an iconic volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf. You can hike to the summit of the island for panoramic views of the city and the sea. After visiting Rangitoto Island, head to the Waitakere Ranges, which are located just outside the city. The Waitakere Ranges have many hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives. One of the most popular spots in the area is Piha Beach, a stunning black sand beach that is popular with surfers. For lunch, head to Titirangi Village, a charming town located in the Waitakere Ranges. The village has many cafes and restaurants, and you can enjoy a meal with a view of the forest. In the afternoon, visit the Auckland Zoo, which is home to over 1400 animals from around the world. The zoo has many exhibits, including a New Zealand precinct that showcases native animals such as kiwis and tuataras. In the evening, head back to downtown Auckland for a night out. There are many bars, clubs, and restaurants in the area, and you can enjoy live music and entertainment.Book Your Tour Now
Auckland is a city with many exciting things to see and do. From exploring the city itself to taking day trips to nearby islands and natural wonders, there is something for everyone. Follow this itinerary for the perfect Auckland experience, and you will leave the city with many unforgettable memories.Table of Contents
