1 Days Tour: Auckland to Rotorua Same Day Return
North Island Day Tours from Auckland
Duration
1 DayTour Type
Private TourPickup From
Door to Door Pick-UpTour Description
Explore the wonders of New Zealand’s geothermal heart with our Auckland to Rotorua Same Day Return Tour. Designed for travellers who want to experience Rotorua’s world-famous geothermal landscapes, Māori culture, and natural beauty all in a single day, this tour offers comfort, convenience, and a rewarding full-day adventure from Auckland.
Your journey begins with a relaxing and scenic drive through the lush Waikato countryside. Enjoy views of rolling farmlands, quiet rural towns, and volcanic hills as we travel towards the vibrant geothermal city of Rotorua. This picturesque route sets the tone for an exciting day ahead.
Upon arrival, you will have time to explore Rotorua’s top attractions, including bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and colourful hot springs—a true showcase of the Earth’s natural power. Rotorua is also the heart of Māori culture, where you can visit cultural centres, admire traditional carvings, and learn about the rich stories and heritage that define this special region.
Depending on your interests, you can choose to visit key attractions such as Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Government Gardens, the iconic Redwoods Forest, or enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk along Lake Rotorua. Rotorua also offers great cafés, markets, and shopping for those who prefer a more relaxed day.
With comfortable return transport included, our Auckland to Rotorua Same Day Return Tour gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you're drawn to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, or cultural discovery, this Rotorua day trip is one of the best escapes from Auckland.
Highlights
- Visit the iconic Hobbiton™ Movie Set.
- Scenic countryside drive from Auckland.
- Guided tour through the Shire & Hobbit Holes.
- Enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon™ Inn.
- See Bag End and the Party Tree up close.
- Great photo stops and garden views.
- Comfortable air-conditioned return shuttle.
- Perfect day trip for movie fans & families.
Included
- Hotel or Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Round-trip private transfer
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on bag per person
- Professional local driver
Not Included
- Hobbiton™ Movie Set entry tickets
- Meals or snacks
- Personal expenses
- Tour guide gratuities
- Travel insurance
Itinerary
Morning Pick-up: Your journey begins with a comfortable hotel or airport pick-up from Auckland in our modern, air-conditioned shuttle.
Scenic Drive: Relax and enjoy a picturesque ride through the lush green countryside and rolling hills of the Waikato region.
Guided Hobbiton Tour: Arrive at the world-famous Hobbiton™ Movie Set for a 2-hour guided walking tour. Explore charming Hobbit Holes, the Mill, the Party Tree, and the Green Dragon™ Inn while learning behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Free Time: Capture photos, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a beverage at the Green Dragon Inn before departure.
Return Journey: Depart Hobbiton in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed drive back to Auckland, with drop-off at your hotel or selected location.
Pricing
Round Trip Transfer Cost
| Group Size | Price (Incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 People | NZ$1095.00 |
| Up to 6 People | NZ$1295.00 |
| Up to 11 People | NZ$1350.00 |
*All prices include GST. Private transfers only — no shared shuttle for this route.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland – Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
The Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including a visit to the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a complimentary beverage.
No, Hobbiton Movie Set entry tickets are not
included in the shuttle fare.
You can book tickets directly from the official website:
https://www.hobbitontours.com
Alternatively, the Supervan team can assist you
with tour bookings upon request.
Rotorua offers a wide range of attractions and activities, such as:
- Te Puia – Māori cultural performances, geothermal geysers, and the Kiwi bird enclosure
- Polynesian Spa – Relax in the natural geothermal hot pools
- Government Gardens – Beautiful landscaped gardens near Lake Rotorua
- Rotorua Lakefront & Eat Street – Scenic views and great food options
You can choose which attractions to explore, and our driver will tailor the schedule accordingly.
No, tickets to Rotorua attractions (such as Te Puia or Polynesian Spa) are not included. You can purchase them directly at the venue, or we can help pre-arrange them for you.
Our modern Supervan can accommodate up to 11 passengers (excluding the driver), making it perfect for small groups, families, or private charters.
Yes, we can make stops for light refreshments or lunch breaks. Your driver will explain the options before starting the tour from Auckland.
The Supervan Shuttle offers private tours only. Private tours provide flexibility in timing and itinerary.
Yes! Photography and video recording are allowed throughout most of the Hobbiton Movie Set, so you can capture every magical moment.
Applicable for all Private Tours — Full Day, Half Day and Multi-Day Tours
At Supervan Shuttle, we understand that travel plans can change. To ensure fairness and transparency, the following terms apply to all private tour bookings.
1. Cancellation Fee
Once a booking is confirmed and paid for, cancellations made
at least 15 days prior to the collection time
will incur a $90.00 administration fee per
booking, plus a non-refundable 3.5% credit
card surcharge (if applicable).
2. Late Cancellations
• Cancellations made at least 7 days prior to
the collection time: 50% of the booking fee will be
refunded.
• Cancellations made within 7 days of the
collection time: no refund will be issued.
However, such bookings may be converted to an open-dated
ticket (subject to availability), valid for
12 months from the date of change, without
incurring any cancellation fee.
3. Amendment Fee
• There is no fee to amend bookings for
different dates or times if changes are made at least 15
days prior to the scheduled pick-up time (subject
to availability).
• Amendments made 14 to 7 days prior to the
collection time will incur a $90.00 amendment fee per
booking (subject to availability).
4. Non-Refundable Private Tours
Any private tour booking made within 7 days of the
collection time will be
non-refundable.
5. No-Show Policy
No refunds will be provided in the event of a
no-show.
Our team will attempt to contact the booked individual, but the
van will wait a maximum of 60 minutes beyond
the scheduled collection time.
6. Accurate Information Requirement
All passengers must provide accurate information at the
time of booking.
By submitting a booking, passengers agree to this
requirement.
Supervan Limited will not be responsible for
any inconvenience or missed service caused by incorrect
information, and no refunds will be provided in
such cases.
7. Booking Cancellation by Supervan Limited
If Supervan Limited cancels a booking for any
reason, including circumstances beyond our control, passengers
will receive a 100% refund of the service cost.
8. Sickness, Accidents, or State of
Emergency
If a passenger is unable to attend a booked tour due to
sickness, accident, or a declared state of
emergency, a full refund
(excluding the 3.5% credit card surcharge, if
applicable) will be provided.
To qualify, passengers must submit supporting
documentation (e.g. medical certificate or similar
evidence).
Failure to provide documentation will result in no
refund.