How to Plan Your Auckland Tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

New Zealand is a small country that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty and breathtaking sights. One of the country’s most famous attractions is the Hobbiton Movie Set, which was used as a filming location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. The Waitomo Caves, known for their famous glowworms, are another must-see destination.

If you’re traveling to Auckland, you can easily combine both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves into one unforgettable day trip that includes lunch. Here’s how to plan your Auckland tour to Hobbiton and Waitomo:

Experience

This day trip is 11 hours long and takes you from Auckland to two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions – the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Your day starts with pickup from your central Auckland hotel, and you’ll travel south for panoramic views of the Waikato Region and the scenic Hauraki Plains.

Itinerary

The tour’s itinerary includes the following stops:

Hobbiton Movie Set (guided tour walk)

The Hobbiton Movie Set is located in Matamata, about two hours’ drive from Auckland. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the movie set, which includes a walk through the Shire and a visit to Bilbo Baggins’ house. You can also grab a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, which serves specially brewed beverages.

Waitomo (lunch)

After your visit to Hobbiton, you’ll travel to Waitomo for lunch. The town has a variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from, and your tour guide can suggest some options.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves (guided tour walk)

Following lunch, you’ll head to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which are known for their stunning formations and glowing worms. You’ll take a guided tour of the caves, and you’ll have the chance to take a boat ride on the underground river to see the glowworms up close.

Auckland

After your visit to the Waitomo Caves, you’ll return to Auckland, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of this day trip:

– 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 guide

Includes

The tour includes the following:

– Hotel pick-up and drop off (downtown Auckland hotels only)
– Transportation
– Local driver-guide

Booking

To book this tour, visit the GetYourGuide website.

Conclusion

Taking a day trip from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves is an unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty with movie magic. By following these simple steps, you can plan your trip with ease and enjoy a stress-free day exploring some of the best that New Zealand has to offer.

The Insider’s Guide to Auckland

Auckland, commonly referred to as the ‘City of Sails,’ is New Zealand’s largest city, with a population of over 1.6 million people. The city offers visitors a mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, historical sites, and a thriving food scene. Auckland is also an excellent starting point for exploring the North Island’s treasures, with the nearby Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton being a popular day trip from the city.

Local Attractions

Auckland has a range of attractions to suit everyone’s interests. A must-visit site is the Sky Tower, which offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city from 328 meters high. The tower also has a restaurant and a SkyWalk experience where you can walk around the tower’s outside edge. For those interested in history, a visit to Auckland’s War Memorial Museum is essential. The museum displays the country’s military history, including Maori history and culture.

Nature lovers should head to the famous Auckland Domain, a 75-hectare park located in the heart of the city. The park has several walking trails, a beautiful winter garden, and several art installations. The Waitakere Ranges is another excellent nature spot that offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of Auckland’s west coast.

Dining Spots

Auckland’s food scene has something to offer for everyone, with a wide range of cuisines available. The city is home to numerous seafood restaurants, with the Auckland Fish Market being a go-to spot for fresh fish. For a more upscale dining experience, head to the Viaduct Harbor, where you’ll find several restaurants serving excellent food and drinks.

For a casual bite, stop at Auckland’s many food trucks that serve a range of dishes, including traditional Maori food. One should also try the classic Kiwi favorite, fish and chips, which can be found in various spots around the city.

Cultural Experiences

Auckland is a multicultural city, with over 200 ethnicities represented in the population. Visitors can explore this diversity by visiting the Auckland Art Gallery, which hosts regular exhibitions of both international and local artists. The gallery also has an extensive collection of Maori and Pacific Islander art.

Auckland’s Maori culture is an integral part of the city’s history and identity. Visitors can experience Maori culture by attending a cultural performance or visiting a Marae, a traditional meeting place. One can also attend the Auckland Lantern Festival, a four-day event held annually to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Local History

Auckland has a rich history that dates back to the early 14th century when Maori tribes first settled in the area. Visitors can explore this history by visiting the Auckland Domain, where the remains of an ancient Maori village and a 17th-century gun emplacement can be found. Another historical site worth visiting is the Parnell Heritage Cottage, which is one of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in Auckland.

The city also played a significant role in New Zealand’s involvement in both World Wars. Auckland’s War Memorial Museum is an excellent place to learn about the city’s wartime contributions and the country’s military history.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

For those looking for unique experiences, Auckland offers several off-the-beaten-path suggestions. One can take a trip to the Goat Island Marine Reserve, where visitors can snorkel or scuba dive and explore the underwater world. The Mangere Mountain volcanic reserve is another unique spot, where visitors can walk around the volcanic cones and learn about geology.

Auckland’s islands are also worth exploring. Visitors can go on a day trip to Waiheke Island, just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, where they can explore vineyards, beaches, and art galleries. Rangitoto Island, an extinct volcano, is another great island to visit, and the hike to the summit offers panoramic views of Auckland’s skyline.

Conclusion

Auckland’s mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, historical sites, and food scene make it an ideal city to visit. The nearby Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton offer visitors a chance to explore New Zealand’s natural and cinematic treasures. Auckland is undoubtedly a city worth exploring and is a great starting point for any trip to New Zealand.