1 Days Tour: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Hobbiton Movie Farm Set

North Island Day Tours from Auckland

Duration

1 Day

Tour Type

Private Tour

Pickup From

Door to Door Pick-Up

Tour Description

Experience three of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions in one unforgettable journey with our Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. This full-day adventure combines glowworm magic, world-famous movie landscapes, and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders—making it one of the most popular and scenic tours in the country.

Your day begins with a comfortable drive from Auckland through the beautiful Waikato region, known for its rolling green farmland and rich cultural history. The first stop is the legendary Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll join a guided tour through ancient limestone formations. Marvel at the illuminated Glowworm Grotto as you glide silently on a boat beneath thousands of sparkling glowworms glowing overhead like a starry night.

The journey continues to the world-renowned Hobbiton™ Movie Set in Matamata. Nestled on a picturesque private farm, this magical location brings The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies to life. Enjoy a fully guided walking tour as you explore Hobbit Holes, the Mill, the Party Tree, the double-arch bridge, vibrant gardens, and the charming paths of The Shire. Relax with a complimentary drink at the iconic Green Dragon™ Inn—a perfect moment for photos and memories.

After the Hobbiton experience, your adventure continues to Rotorua—New Zealand’s geothermal and cultural heart. Enjoy scenic views as you enter a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and rich Māori heritage. Depending on your itinerary, you may have time to explore Rotorua’s lakeside charm, geothermal parks, or cultural attractions.

This Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo and Hobbiton tour is the perfect way to experience the very best of the North Island in a single, well-planned journey. With seamless transport, guided tours, and breathtaking scenery throughout the day, it promises a truly magical New Zealand experience.

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$295.00
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.