Private 2 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua Geothermal Valley & Hamilton Gardens

schedule 2 days auto_awesome Sightseeing location_on 2-day trip from Auckland
schedule 2 days
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schedule Multi-day
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hotel Accommodation Included
eco Eco-conscious

Two unforgettable days through Waitomo's glowworm caves, Rotorua's geothermal valley, Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens!

Escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland on an unforgettable two-day journey through some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Combining natural wonders, geothermal landscapes, cinematic scenery, and cultural experiences, this tour offers the perfect balance of relaxation, discovery, and adventure.

Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves

Your journey begins with a tour of Auckland before travelling south through the rolling countryside of the Waikato region to the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Enjoy a guided exploration through the ancient limestone caves.
Board a peaceful boat ride beneath thousands of magical glowworms illuminating the cave ceiling like a star-filled sky.

Continue onwards to Te Puia in Rotorua, where you will discover New Zealand’s:

Fascinating geothermal activity.
Bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers.
Native kiwi birds.
The renowned Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Overnight Stay: After a full day of exploration, relax overnight in your comfortable 4-star accommodation (or equivalent, subject to Availability) in Rotorua.

Day 2: Hobbiton Movie Set & Hamilton Gardens to Auckland

On day two, travel to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set for a fully guided tour through the enchanting movie set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Wander through the charming Hobbit Holes.
Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the films.
Enjoy a complimentary beverage at the iconic Green Dragon Inn.

Later, visit the stunning Hamilton Gardens, known for its beautifully themed garden collections and tranquil surroundings, before returning to Auckland.

Please note that venues are subject to change based on availability. The order of venues visited may vary each day.

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Destination
Waitomo, Rotorua, Hobbiton & Hamilton
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Available Languages
English
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Included
Admission & Guided Tour Inside Waitomo Glowworm Cave, including a Boat Ride, Admission & Guided Tour Inside Te Puia Geothermal Valley in Rotorua, 1 Night Accommodation in Rotorua (4 Stars or equivalent, subject to Availability), Admission & Guided Tour Inside Hobbiton Movie Set, Complimentary Drink (Alcoholic or Non) at Green Dragon Inn inside Hobbiton Village, Hamilton Gardens visit
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Duration
2 days
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Transport Mode
Driving, walking
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Category
Private multi-day tour

What can you expect

1

Day 1: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Travel south through the Waikato to the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a guided walk through ancient limestone and a boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms.

2

Day 1: Te Puia, Rotorua

Continue to Te Puia in Rotorua to discover bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, native kiwi birds and the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, before an overnight stay in 4-star accommodation.

3

Day 2: Hobbiton Movie Set

Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

4

Day 2: Hamilton Gardens

Visit the stunning Hamilton Gardens with their beautifully themed collections before the return to Auckland.

Plan Timeline

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local guide. Feel free to personalise this offer.

Day 1: Auckland Departure

Pickup from your Auckland accommodation and drive south.

Day 1: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Guided cave walk and glowworm boat ride.

Day 1: Te Puia, Rotorua

Explore geothermal wonders and Māori culture, then overnight in Rotorua.

Day 2: Hobbiton Movie Set

Guided tour of the Shire with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Day 2: Hamilton Gardens

Wander the themed gardens before heading home.

Day 2: Return to Auckland

Drop-off at your Auckland accommodation.

*Note: Our itinerary is flexible and may change on the day so we can give you the best possible experience.

Reviews from guests

5 reasons to book this tour

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Four Icons in Two Days

Waitomo, Rotorua, Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens.

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Private and Flexible

Your own guide and a pace that suits you.

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Accommodation Included

One night in 4-star Rotorua accommodation.

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Group Rates Available

Per-person price drops for larger groups.

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All Admissions Included

Entry and guided tours at every stop.

Flexible Cancellation Policy

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Plans can change — we get it

Cancellations made more than 3 days before your tour date are eligible for a partial refund, with fees varying based on timing.

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New Zealand countryside

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accommodation included? keyboard_arrow_down
Yes, one night in 4-star Rotorua accommodation (or equivalent, subject to availability) is included.
Are meals included? keyboard_arrow_down
Meals are not included, though a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn and all attraction admissions are. Your guide can recommend great places to eat.
Can the itinerary change? keyboard_arrow_down
Venues are subject to change based on availability, and the order of venues may vary each day to give you the best possible experience.
Is this tour private to my group? keyboard_arrow_down
Yes. This is a fully private tour with your own guide and vehicle, so you travel at your own pace with no strangers in the group.
What should we pack for the overnight stay? keyboard_arrow_down
Pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, toiletries and comfortable walking shoes. Your 4-star Rotorua accommodation provides the essentials.

Auckland & Beyond tours are always

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Safe and comfortable

Your safety is our priority. We travel in a modern fleet of Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles with high safety ratings, and our guides are experienced in assisting travellers of all ages and mobility levels.

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Fully guided by local experts

Our guides don’t just drive you from A to B. They share rich stories about Aotearoa’s history, natural wonders, Māori culture, and wildlife — so you understand and feel the places you visit.

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Eco-conscious

Sustainability is a core value. We run eco-conscious tours, use modern low-emissions vehicles, and support local communities and conservation wherever possible.

Other things to do near Auckland

NZ$5900 per person
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