Auckland · WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES TOURS

The 15 Best Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours from Auckland

40 tours  ·  from $35

The glowworm grotto is fifteen quiet minutes in a boat, so the rest of the day is what you are choosing between. These 15 cover the plain cave entry, the Ruakuri and Aranui add-ons and the Hobbiton doubles, priced and clear on driving time.

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
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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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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland - The Waikato countryside on the way south
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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

3.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

4.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
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From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch

5.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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Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland - The 6:00 am start and the road south
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Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland

6.Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 681 reviews · from $253

Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 15, stopping through Waikato before a guided Waitomo cave visit and Te Puia’s geysers, Māori culture, and kiwi encounter. Guides such as Ben, Matt, Simon, and Jeoff add local stories, while snacks, water, hotel pickup, and entry fees simplify the 13-hour day.

“Thank you Cheeky Matt!!! The day was phenomenal. The drive is filled with beautiful scenery, got to try some delicious meat pies, saw some glow worms (definitely a must see). Went to the Te Puia Center that was filled with so much to see and learn about. The guide that took us in Te Puia was very knowledgable and truly made the whole experience. Hearing him speak in his native tongue teaching us of the land was very much informative. If you have the time you should definitely do this tour. Our driver Matt was a delight and was very knowledgeable about NZ as well as other things to do…”

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Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch - Hobbiton’s 12-acre movie set
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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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Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland - Hobbiton: three hours in a built Middle-earth
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Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland

8.Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 556 reviews · from $279

Leave Auckland at 6:00 am for Hobbiton’s film set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your small group travels by air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, snacks, and commentary from guides such as Adil, Andy, Dave, Raymond, and John. Expect a full 11-hour day with lunch not included.

“Raymond was our tour guide, he was knowledgeable and professional. We learned a lot about New Zealand’s culture, economy and nature resources. Hobbiton town and glowworm are must visit attractions in the area. Highly recommended”

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From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch - The Auckland or Rotorua pickup
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From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch

9.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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Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland - The early road to Hobbiton
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Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

10.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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Auckland: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Te Puia Small-Group Tour - Crossing Waikato and the King Country
Rotorua Day Trips from Auckland, Te Puia and Maori Cultural Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Auckland: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour

11.Waitomo Caves & Rotorua – Te Puia Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 223 reviews · 13 hours · from $244

Travel from Auckland to Waitomo and Rotorua in a small, air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide such as John, Liam, or Ben. You’ll glide beneath glowworms, see Pōhutu Geyser, visit Te Puia’s Māori arts school, and spot kiwi birds. It is a full, early-start day with snacks and water included.

“The guide John made the journey , comfortable, interesting and helpful with loads of tips”

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From Auckland: Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch - The early ride south through Waikato
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From Auckland: Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch

12.Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 126 reviews · 12 hours · from $304

Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 13 to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You’ll tour the Shire, enjoy a Green Dragon drink and buffet lunch, use a $10 shopping voucher, then glide beneath thousands of glow worms. Guides such as Damian, Murray, Wayne, and Kelly add local stories along the way.

“I had a wonderful time on this tour, making the best of my only day in Auckland! It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hobbiton was an absolute beauty & the experience of floating down the underground river under the shining glowworms in the Waitomo Caves is truly something I will never forget. My guide Murray was also wonderful & incredibly kind! I was traveling alone & got sick on my way back to the hotel; Murray stayed with me until I could get help & made sure I was ok. They even reached out the next day to confirm my condition! Truly a wonderful company & experience. 10/10 I highly recommend…”

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Auckland: Spellbound Glowworm Caves Explorer Tour - The road from Auckland to the King Country
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Auckland: Spellbound Glowworm Caves Explorer Tour

13.Spellbound Glowworm Caves Explorer Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 115 reviews · 9 hours · from $194

Ride from Auckland to Spellbound Glowworm Caves with a small group of up to 11. Guides such as Dean, Hop, Ross, and Jamie explain the caves and glowworms before a quiet boat ride beneath the lights. Allow nine hours, bring warm clothes, and budget separately for lunch in Otorohanga.

“Our driver Deane was very personable, knowledgeable, had a great sense of humour and took great care of the group. I had asked him earlier on the long drive where all the sheep were and on the drive back he kept an eye out for the sheep and pointed them out to me. He also kindly accommodated my request for an ice cream stop on the return journey. Our cave guide “Hop” was knowledgeable and funny. He provided a lot of information about the glow worms and their habitat as well as about the caves we visited. He was very kind in offering to take photos of everyone to make…”

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Auckland: Inner-City Glowworm Experience in Ancient Volcano - Meeting at the Wintergarden Cafe
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Auckland: Inner-City Glowworm Experience in Ancient Volcano

14.Inner-City Glowworm Experience in Ancient Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 109 reviews · 1 hour · from $35Best value

Walk about 1.3km through Auckland Domain with guides such as Marius, Jonti, Millie, or Caleb, using headlamps to reach glowworms near a stream and waterfall. This one-hour, $35 experience offers close, barrier-free viewing in open bush, but includes steps, roots, gravel, and dark, uneven ground.

“Great way to see glowworms in the city centre. Very knowledgeable and helpful guides, would definitely recommend!”

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Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland -Smaller Groups - Te Puia: Māori arts, boiling ground, and a useful lunch stop
1-Day Tours, Rotorua Day Trips from Auckland, Tour Reviews, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland -Smaller Groups

15.Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland -Smaller Groups

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · from $316

Travel from Auckland in a leather-seat minibus of up to 15 people, stopping at Te Puia for Māori arts, geysers, kiwi, and a buffet lunch before a boat ride through Waitomo’s glowworm caves. Guides such as Chris, Edson, Bunty, and Pete add local stories along the way.

“Great tour. Our driver and tour guide Pete is a good guy, he seems has lots experiences to lead the tour. Everything is on schedule. Enjoyed the trip. Thanks.”

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