1 Days Tour: Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Farm Set and Return

North Island Day Tours from Auckland

Duration

1 Day

Tour Type

Private Tour

Pickup From

Door to Door Pick-Up

Tour Description

Embark on a full-day adventure from Auckland and discover two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions — the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the world-famous Hobbiton™ Movie Set. This private return transfer offers a relaxed, comfortable, and personalised journey through the stunning landscapes of the Waikato region, known for its rolling hills, dairy farms, and lush countryside.

Begin your day by travelling south from Auckland to the enchanting Waitomo Caves, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate ancient limestone formations. Most visitors join a guided walking and boat tour (tickets not included) to experience the magical Glowworm Grotto — a highlight for nature lovers, families, and photographers.

After exploring Waitomo, continue on to Matamata, home of the legendary Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Set on a private working farm with spectacular views of the Kaimai Ranges, Hobbiton brings Middle-earth™ to life exactly as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Wander through 44 charming Hobbit Holes, iconic landmarks like the Mill and Party Tree, and beautifully kept gardens that make this the most famous film set in New Zealand.

Enjoy a fully guided walking tour (tickets not included), capture stunning photos at “Bag End,” and wrap up your journey with a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon™ Inn. With convenient pick-up and drop-off, spacious vehicles, and a private itinerary tailored to your group, this Auckland to Waitomo and Hobbiton private tour is the ideal way to explore two unforgettable destinations in a single day.

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

  • Waitomo Caves entry tickets
  • 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$950.00
Up to 6 People NZ$1050.00
Up to 11 People NZ$1100.00

*All prices include GST. Private transfers only — no shared shuttle for this route.

Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Auckland to Waitomo Caves takes approximately 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and pick-up location.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are famous for their thousands of glowworms that light up the underground caverns. Most visitors join a guided walking and boat tour to see the Glowworm Grotto. The experience is magical and suitable for all ages.

No, Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set entry tickets are not included in the shuttle fare.
You can book tickets directly from the official websites:
https://www.waitomo.com/
https://www.hobbitontours.com
Alternatively, the Supervan team can assist you with tour bookings upon request.

Yes, the Waitomo Caves guided tour is suitable for most ages. The walking tour involves some steps and uneven surfaces, but is generally accessible. Please check with the official Waitomo website for specific accessibility needs.

The Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour lasts approximately 2–3 hours, including a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary beverage.

Photography is allowed in most areas of Hobbiton Movie Set. In Waitomo Caves, photography is generally not permitted inside the Glowworm Grotto to protect the glowworms, but you can take photos in other areas. Please follow your guide's instructions.

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.

Our modern Supervan can accommodate up to 11 passengers (excluding the driver), making it perfect for small groups, families, or private charters.

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.