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Private 2 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua Geothermal Valley & Hamilton Gardens
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2 days
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Sightseeing
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2-day trip from Auckland
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groups
Maximum 20 people
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2 days
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Private
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Multi-day
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Fully Guided
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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.
Destination
Waitomo, Rotorua, Hobbiton & Hamilton
Available Languages
English
Included
Pick up & drop off at any hotel, airport or cruise port in Auckland, Complimentary Snacks & water, Professional tour guide/driver, 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
Duration
2 days
Group Size
Maximum 20 people
Transport Mode
Driving, walking
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 (or equivalent, subject to Availability).
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
EXCELLENT 
1899 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor 
JOHN F
25 January 2026
Hole in the Rock Long but very enjoyable day. Some light showers and wind made for bit bumpy ride on the ferry but there is an enclosed deck for fair weather travelers. Jon our driver was superb. Excellent service dropping all in our group back to our hotels in the evening. Good taste of Bay of the islands wanting a longer stay but great for a day trip!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Amanda C
25 January 2026
You better hope you get Jon as your driver!! Jon was our driver today and he was great. Very informative on the drive in regards to Auckland and very friendly!!The boat trip was great, got to see multiple dolphins and see the islands. Such a great day!!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Climber45511056256
21 January 2026
Great I had Adil as my tour guide. Great tour and smooth journey to and from!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Gladys T
20 January 2026
Lovely trip Nice trip we enjoyed it very much it was worth the money . It took all day from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm . It was raining on the day but the guide provided the amberellas . The trip was well organised and timed The tour guide Nancy was lovely, funny so knowledgeable she added more fun to our trip
Posted on Tripadvisor
N1C0L3TT3
19 January 2026
A scenic but long day from Auckland. Well worth it though! A long day but worth it to see the Northland and Bay of Islands landscape especially if you do not have your own transport. Raymond the driver/guide was educational and pleasant and the mini coach was pleasant with just 5 other passengers.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Jshah21
19 January 2026
Awesome! This tour was an absolute highlight of our New Zealand trip, and Andy made it truly exceptional. From start to finish, he was knowledgeable, engaging, and incredibly thoughtful about every detail of the day. His storytelling brought Hobbiton to life in such a fun and immersive way—even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it’s impossible not to be enchanted.Andy managed the schedule seamlessly, making sure we never felt rushed while still fitting everything in comfortably. At Waitomo, he provided great context and history beforehand, which made the glowworm cave experience even more magical and meaningful.What really stood out was Andy’s genuine care for the group—he was approachable, funny, and happy to answer questions, take photos, and make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. It felt personal, not scripted.Highly recommend this tour, and if you can request Andy as your guide, do it. You’ll walk away with amazing memories and an even deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s beauty.
Posted on Tripadvisor
William N
18 January 2026
Exceptional experience with Paul! We had an incredible time with Paul as our guide. From start to finish, he was incredibly attentive and made sure everyone in our group was comfortable. He went completely out of his way to show us extra sites we hadn't even expected to see, which really made the trip feel special. His passion for the area is obvious, and he truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience. Highly recommend!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Dirk K
17 January 2026
Great experience at Hobbiton! My partner and I enjoyed the Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour from Auckland.Our driver, John, was incredibly friendly, punctual, and attentive. He shared fascinating tidbits during the journey, making the ride engaging and fun. Upon arrival at Hobbiton, he guided us clearly and efficiently, never overbearing, just perfectly helpful.The tour of Hobbiton itself was wonderful. The experience was well-organized, informative, and just the right length to soak in the magic of Middle-earth. On the return trip, we encountered an unexpected delay due to an accident and the highway was closed. John kept us informed and ensured we had plenty of water and snacks to stay comfortable.Overall, it was a fantastic day out, and I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting New Zealand! A perfect blend of adventure, storytelling, and hospitality.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Letitia D
17 January 2026
Epic day trip with a magnificent guide - Nancy . Stories in words and images, enough pit stops to refresh and toilet Our guide Nancy was amazing, caring, helpful and punctual but mostly knowledgeable! She engaged all of the participants and ensured everything is on time and smooth!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Jim A
17 January 2026
Great Auckland Intro Shirt but super intro to Auckland. Our guide was informed and really a joy to interact with. Really set up our trip well on our first day here
5 reasons to book this tour
Four Icons in Two Days
Waitomo, Rotorua, Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens.
Private and Flexible
Your own guide and a pace that suits you.
Accommodation Included
One night in 4-star Rotorua accommodation (or equivalent, subject to Availability).
Group Rates Available
Per-person price drops for larger groups.
All Admissions Included
Entry and guided tours at every stop.
Flexible Cancellation Policy
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Private 2 Day Tour start and finish?
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We offer complimentary pick ups and drop offs from any Auckland Central accommodation.
Is accommodation included?
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Yes, one night in 4-star Rotorua accommodation (or equivalent, subject to availability) is included in the tour.
What is the minimum age for this tour?
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There is no minimum age for this tour.
How many guests can join the Private 2 Day Tour?
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Our Private 2 Day Tour is highly flexible, welcoming solo travellers, couples, families, or groups. We can accommodate from 1 up to 20 guests per tour.
What kind of vehicles do you use for private tours?
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All our vehicles are luxurious, modern Mercedes-Benz, customised for VIP touring. Each vehicle features air-conditioning, leather seating, charging stations, and onboard Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.
What makes your Private 2 Day Tour different from a group tour?
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All our tours and experiences include knowledgeable, local guides who share insights into New Zealand's history, culture, flora, and fauna. Private experiences offer more flexibility: guests can modify the itinerary before or even during the tour. Private tours also include lunch, allow deeper personal connections with the guide, and focus entirely on your interests.
Can you tailor the Private 2 Day Tour for families and multi-generational groups?
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Absolutely. All our private tours and experiences are easily tailored for families of all ages, ensuring activities and pace suit everyone. For more details, our team can assist in planning the perfect multi-generational experience.
Do you offer multilingual private tours? What languages are available?
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Yes. Our tours are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, German, Russian, and Italian.
Do you offer flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies?
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Yes. Cancellations and rescheduling are possible, with fees based on how much notice is given. Contact our team as early as possible to make changes. See our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Do you cater to dietary requirements?
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Certainly, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements at the time of the booking.
Do you offer luxury transfers and tours from Auckland Airport?
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Yes. We provide private luxury transfers and tours directly from Auckland Airport for convenience and comfort.
Auckland & Beyond tours are always
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.
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.
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.