Auckland is the buzzing gateway to New Zealand’s North Island, but beyond the city’s skyline lies two of the country’s most magical experiences — the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour and Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour. Both can be experienced in just one adventurous day, making this one of the most unforgettable day trips from Auckland. From exploring an underground world lit by millions of sparkling glowworms to strolling through the lush green hills of Hobbiton straight out of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this journey is the perfect balance of nature, fantasy, and cinematic wonder.
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand’s most celebrated natural wonders, drawing explorers from all over the world. Waitomo is located about 2.5 hours’ drive south of Auckland via State Highway 1 and State Highway 3. Do note that visiting Waitomo Glowworm Caves early in the day allows you to both enjoy the caves before crowds arrive and leaving more daylight for the journey to Hobbiton!
While many travelers choose to rent a car for the flexibility, coach tours also operate daily combining the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set, making it stress-free for those who prefer not to drive.
Upon arrival at the Waitomo Visitor Centre, you will check in with your pre-booked tickets and join your assigned tour group. Tours are timed to maintain small groups and the atmosphere of discovery, so securing bookings in advance is essential, especially during peak travel months. Pre-book your tickets via the link below to avoid disappointment, as tours are popular and spaces fill quickly.
The first part of the adventure takes you on a guided walk deep into the caves, where limestone formations tell a story millions of years in the making. Towering stalactites hang from the ceiling while stalagmites and flowstone rise and curl at your feet. The guides share fascinating insights into how these structures developed over time, building anticipation for the next stage of the experience!
The climax of the Waitomo tour is the serene boat ride along the underground river. As the boat drifts into complete darkness, the cave roof comes alive with thousands of glowworms shimmering like a starry sky, creating one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of New Zealand. The silence enhances the magic, as you float gently in this galaxy-like world before returning to the surface.
Note: Photography and video are NOT permitted inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, so sharing personal images from inside is not possible—this magical spectacle is something that visitors must experience for themselves.

When it’s time to step back into daylight, the memory of this cosmic-like journey remains etched in every traveler’s mind, an unmissable New Zealand highlight that feels almost spiritual!
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour
Hobbiton, nestled within farmland near Matamata, is one of the most immersive film sets in the world, meticulously preserved since the filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. From the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton is around a 1.5-hour drive northeast through scenic Waikato farmland. After immersing yourself in Hobbiton, it’s a two-hour drive back to Auckland, making the full-day circuit both rewarding and manageable in one trip.
You will begin your journey at the Hobbiton Movie Set Visitor Centre in Matamata, where check-in and ticketing take place; check-in is recommended at least 20 minutes before your tour. Pre-booking is absolutely essential, as guided tours operate on strict schedules and often sell out weeks or even months in advance, depending on your time of travel. Shuttle buses then transport tour groups from the visitor centre through the rolling Waikato countryside to the Shire itself. Secure your spot via the link below to guarantee your tour time and enjoy a seamless check-in experience at Hobbiton.
Once inside Hobbiton, the experience unfolds with a fully guided walking tour. You will weave through winding paths and lush gardens, discovering the iconic hobbit holes, each uniquely decorated with colorful doors, tiny garden tools, and details that bring Middle-earth to life. The guide shares behind-the-scenes stories of the filming process, revealing how Peter Jackson and his team transformed this pocket of New Zealand into Tolkien’s world. Standing before Bag End, the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is a highlight for fans and newcomers alike, providing countless photo opportunities.





The tour concludes at the Green Dragon Inn, where you are invited to sit at rustic wooden tables to enjoy a complimentary Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage — ales, ciders, or even non-alcoholic options brewed exclusively for Hobbiton visitors. This final touch immerses guests deeper into the fantasy, offering a moment to savor the journey before boarding the return shuttle. Walking back through Hobbiton leaves travelers with the perfect sense of having stepped right into Middle-earth, a memory that lives vividly long after leaving Matamata.


Auckland is a vibrant city with countless experiences to offer, but few compare to the combined wonder of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set in a single day. Whether you are awed by the underground galaxy of glowworms or swept away by the magic of Tolkien’s Shire, these experiences connect nature and storytelling in unforgettable ways. For travelers seeking both beauty and imagination, this day trip is the chance to experience two of New Zealand’s most beloved attractions, all within reach of one remarkable journey.
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This itinerary is based on our personal experiences and recommendations. All information is provided for general guidance only and may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Travellers are encouraged to independently verify details and make choices according to their own preferences and safety considerations. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by anyone using our itineraries.