Auckland · LUNCH EXPERIENCES

The 15 Long Lunches in Auckland That Are Worth the Drive

30 tours  ·  from $124

This is the shortlist you would text a friend: 15 long lunches worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch - The Green Dragon Inn and the included lunch
1-Day Tours, Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

1.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,677 reviews · from $229Our pick

Leave Auckland at 6:30 am for Hobbiton’s movie set and Waitomo’s glowworm-lit caves. A local guide such as Liam, Shelley, Martin, or Matt handles the long drive, commentary, and timing. Expect a 12-hour day, a café lunch, a Green Dragon drink, and plenty of walking.

“An absolutely perfect schedule to see two of New Zealand’s most loved tourist attractions. Our guide Shelley made a gray weather day shine bright with her fun attitude and interesting anecdotes along the way. Highly recommend!!”

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From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch - The road from Auckland to Hobbiton
1-Day Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

2.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,505 reviews · 11 hours · from $221

Travel in a small group from central Auckland to Hobbiton and Waitomo. Walk through The Shire, enter Bagshot Row, enjoy a Green Dragon drink, eat a light Kiwi lunch, then glide beneath glowworms with guides such as Danny, Shelley, Stephen, or Nelson.

“Danny was the best tour guide ever! Extremely helpful, knowledgeble and caring for each and every traveller. It made my NZ experience unforgettable!”

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Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch - Arriving at the movie set
1-Day Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews

Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch

3.Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,431 reviews · 8 hours · from $182

Travel from Auckland to Hobbiton with a GreatSights driver guide such as Rachel or Marty, then tour Bilbo Baggins’s Bagshot Row home, sip a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and eat a generous buffet lunch. Expect a long but comfortable coach day with about 3 hours 45 minutes at the set.

“As a Hobbit/LOTR fan, and general fantasy lover, this was so magical! Bucket list moment. I Highly recommend as a trip to book. It’s been my highlight. Also lots of vegetarian options for the buffet lunch. Very filling wholesome food! 10/10”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland - The Waikato countryside on the way south
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

4.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,117 reviews · from $235

Leave Auckland at 6:00 a.m. for a full-day small-group trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Expect a comfortable minivan, a two-and-a-half-hour Hobbiton visit, cave formations and glowworms, lunch in Otorohanga, scenic stops, and lively guides such as Timmy, Pearl, Simon, or Grant.

“I thought the Hobbiton tour might be cheesy, but they did a fantastic job with it! It really does transport you into the movies and make it feel like a real place. The fact that the whole layout of the village matches the movies was really cool. They also built actual hobbit homes that we were able to walk through, even though these weren’t featured in the movies. They still used the same movie designers to create them and the attention to detail was amazing! You will not regret the experience. The glow worms were cool too… looked like the night sky lit up with bluish stars. Ale was a…”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch - The countryside drive to Matamata
Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

5.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 796 reviews · from $271

Travel from Auckland by coach to Waitomo for a guided cave tour and silent boat ride beneath the glowworms, then continue to Hobbiton near Matamata. You’ll walk through the Shire, see the Mill and Green Dragon Inn, enjoy lunch and a drink, and return to Auckland after about 12 hours.

“This is a good day trip where 2 activities are combined - Waitamo Glow worms followed by Hobbitton set tour. Waitamo glow worms cave was a bit of letdown and we give only 3 out of 5 stars. The guide at the cave was trying to be funny and didn’t have much to talk. The glowworms are few in number and the entire cave experience is less than 30 minutes if you exclude the waiting time. The Hobbitton set tour was fantastic and is easily a 5 out of 5 star. If you are a fan of LOTR or Hobbit movies, this tour is worth every penny. You will be…”

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From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch - The Auckland to Waitomo ride
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch

6.Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 789 reviews · 11h 30m · from $261

Travel from Auckland to Waitomo and Hobbiton by premium air-conditioned coach. A guide such as Rachel, Dave, or Kenny may add local stories along the way. You’ll take a cave boat beneath glowworms, enter Hobbit holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn, and receive a picnic lunch.

“Rachael was an amazing guide with lots of knowledge about the land and its history. Hilarious and insightful commentary for the drive made the journey to each activity go fast. Both the glow work caves and Hobbiton were delightful and the guides at each location were fantastic.”

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Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch - Hobbiton’s 12-acre movie set
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch

7.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 607 reviews · 13 hours · from $226

Travel from Auckland in a 16-seat minibus with guides such as Grant, Aled, or Timmy, then tour Hobbiton, stop at Lake Karapiro, enjoy lunch in Otorohanga, and float beneath Waitomo’s glowworms. It is a long but well-paced day for film fans and nature lovers.

“The Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves trip was absolutely fantastic; a perfect blend of fun and learning. It was definitely time well spent. A big shoutout to our guide, Aled, who made the experience even better with his knowledge of New Zealand and the places we visited. He kept us engaged throughout the journey, was incredibly friendly, and made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Thank you, Aled!”

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Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch - Arriving at a working sheep farm
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch

8.Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 488 reviews · from $254

Travel from central Auckland to Matamata in a small Mercedes Sprinter with a local guide such as Chris, Damien, Jason, or Michelle. Tour 44 Hobbit holes, visit Bag End, enjoy a Green Dragon drink, and eat a buffet lunch in the Party Marquee. The trip lasts about nine hours.

“Hobbiton is exactly as you expect as a movie set - only better. The location is beautiful and the staff excellent. Tons of people but they manage it so well you never feel you’re standing around wasting time.”

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Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue - Getting from Auckland to Matiatia Wharf
Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waiheke Island Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue

9.Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 370 reviews · from $170Best value

Meet your Waiheke guide at Matiatia Wharf for five hours of wine, scenery, and local stories. Visit three boutique vineyards, taste Rosé, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Bordeaux blends, then enjoy lunch and a glass of wine at 372 on Onetangi Beach.

“Great service and excellent wineries 🍷 and the lunch excellent food and location”

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From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch - The Auckland or Rotorua pickup
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Rotorua Day Trips from Auckland, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch

10.From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 281 reviews · 11 - 13 hours · from $286

Travel in a small group of up to 12 with FlexiToursNZ to Hobbiton and Waitomo. Enjoy a guided movie-set walk, Green Dragon drink, buffet lunch, and a quiet boat ride beneath glowworms. Guides such as Peter, Michael, Chris, and Herms add local stories along the way.

“Absolutely amazing experience with great tourguide Cris with the C. :) Even tough we are big fans or any fans in fact of the LotR, we still enjoy Hobbiton so much, and the glowworms? Waaau ❤️”

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Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch - Starting at Matiatia Wharf at 9:45
Food, Food & Drink, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waiheke Island Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch

11.Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 267 reviews · from $185

Meet your English-speaking Ananda Tours guide at Matiatia Wharf for three boutique vineyard visits, local tastings, and a family-style lunch overlooking the vines. Guides such as Nick, Michael, Craig, Simon, and Fleur share island stories, then give you time in Oneroa Village before returning you to the wharf.

“Our tour guide, Michael was excellent and super friendly. Very knowledgeable.”

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Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch - Mercer Bay Loop and the day’s hardest walk
Auckland Kauri Forest Walks, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch

12.Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 264 reviews · from $192

Travel from Auckland with a local guide such as Ian, Annie, Paul, or Meredith to the Waitakere Ranges, Mercer Bay, and Piha Beach. Expect three short hikes, Maori carvings, giant kauri trees, black sand, a picnic lunch, and about seven hours outdoors. Good fitness is required.

“A lot of walking but not difficult. Felt so good to be out and about. The guides were great - lots of information but also not overwhelming. Didn't feel like they were saying the same things over and over but very good communicators. Such beautiful scenery and also a great way to get a glimpse of NZ life.”

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Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland - The early road to Hobbiton
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

13.Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · from $316

Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 13 to Hobbiton and Waitomo. Walk the film set, enjoy a Green Dragon drink and buffet lunch, then take the boat through the glow-worm grotto. Guides such as Wayne, Damien, Milton, and Murray are known for lively commentary and thoughtful service.

“Be prepared for a lot of drive time on this tour! While it was enjoyable to see more of the country outside of Auckland, it was definitely a long day. While not a die-hard LOTR fan, I did really enjoy the Hobbiton tour. Amazing what the set designers created and have been able to maintain! The tour company did a great job of gettting us on an earlier tour so that there weren't too many people walking around in front of us and the (quite delicious!) buffet lunch was not crowded yet when we arrived. But that earlier tour means a very early departure from AKL. The Waitamo Caves were…”

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Waiheke Island Wine Tour with Tastings & Gourmet Beachfront Lunch - Cable Bay starts the wine tasting at 11am
Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waiheke Island Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island Wine Tour with Tastings & Gourmet Beachfront Lunch

14.Waiheke Island Wine Tour with Tastings & Gourmet Beachfront Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · from $186

Meet your guide at Matiatia Ferry Terminal for a five-hour Waiheke wine tour with tastings at three vineyards and lunch at Three Seven Two on Onetangi Beach. Guides such as Caleb, Nooroa, Debbie, Rob, Shirley, and Karen share island stories while you travel between stops.

“Noorora was a fantastic guide. He was personable, informative, and made the tour a memorable experience. Would recommend him and the Gourmet Food and Wine tour!”

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland - The 7:15 am departure at Hobson Street
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland

15.Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $189

Travel from Auckland to Matamata by air-conditioned coach, then tour Hobbiton’s hobbit holes, Mill, and Green Dragon Inn with a local guide. The package includes entry, a drink, and a hot buffet lunch. Drivers such as Rachel, David, and Tako are known for adding useful New Zealand commentary on the road.

“It was amazing. The guide Sam was incredible. The food was amazing. We really had the best time. The driver Rachel was amazing and educational and the entire experience well worth it.”

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