Hobbiton & Waitomo or Spellbound Caves Combo - Private Transport
- Duration: 12 Hours (approx.)
- Location: Waitomo, Waikato
Hobbiton & Waitomo combo day tour
Time required: 12 hours including Auckland pick-up & drop-off.
Additional hourly charge may apply if you are visiting multiple caves, black water rafting activities or stop over's during the journey.
Drop off's in Hamilton, Rotorua or other towns & cities available
Hobbiton is one of New Zealand's most popular must see attractions suitable for all ages and especially important for any Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit fans.
The two hour guided tour with a local Hobbiton guide for will take you through the movie set exploring the many Hobbit holes, bridges and gardens before stopping off at the Green Dragon Inn for a local ale. I also highly recommended the pie! If your a fan a of the movie's, the detail and history behind the movie set is incredible and it's nice to see up close and personal the real thing normally only seen on the big screen.
The Waitomo region is one of New Zealand's most popular destinations due it's diverse and unique activities on offer. Suitable for all ages the glowworm caves is an amazing must see experience and this is just the beginning.
Make the most of the day by exploring the Ruakuri and Aranui caves, both popular add-on's after the most popular Waitomo glowworm caves.
Spellbound caves is a 2 hour informative cave tour with less crowds and highly recommended alternative.
Feeling a little more adventurous? book one of the more extreme black water rafting tours.
A typical day in Hobbiton & Waitomo:
The trip takes on average 2.5 hours each direction from Auckland past the rolling hills of the Waikato region through beautiful farming towns, mountains and forest. It is your choice whether to start at Hobbiton or Waitomo depending on the exact activities you wish to do and ticket availability.
After your first tour is complete there is a 90 minute drive to the next. Lunch breaks and other sight seeing along way is recommended.
Once your day of the most popular North Island activities is complete we can transport your group back to Auckland or another nearby city of your choice. The most popular option is Rotorua of which we can design an itinerary for you outlining that cities most popular attractions.
Glowworm caves including boat tour (45 minutes):
The 45 minute glowworm cave tour is a must see and is the most popular. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance.
Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.
Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambiance and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
Ruakuri Cave guided tour (2 hours):
Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, and marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries. Hear the distant thunder of the subterranean waterfalls and get up close to the glowworms.
Ruakuri Cave is New Zealand's longest guided underground walking tour and an experience that must be seen to be believed. It will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature.
Aranui Cave guided tour (1 hour):
Aranui Cave has a natural cave entrance and is the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's three main caves. As a dry cave without a river running through it, it houses very little life past its entrance. However, just inside the entrance is a colony of native New Zealand cave wetas and further into the cave is the most beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations.
Aranui Cave is a magical, mystical place that is steeped in Maori myth and legend.
BLACK WATER RAFTING TOURS.
Black Abyss (5 hours):
The ultimate Waitomo adventure and is the caving tour of choice for natural born adrenaline junkies everywhere.
Descend into the seemingly bottomless black depths of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave. This five hour expedition combines abseiling the 35 metre tomo, climbing, whizzing down a flying fox and cave tubing underneath glow worms into one unforgettable journey.
At every stage you're accompanied and supported by experienced caving guides from The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. who know and love this totally unique and mind-blowing environment.
Black Labyrinth (3 hours):
This is the original Waitomo subterranean adventure that will have you climbing, black water tubing, leaping, through Ruakuri Cave. Over three hours you'll take leaps of faith over cascading waterfalls and float serenely down an underground river as you enjoy the glow worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above.
Your journey concludes when you emerge into the sunlight of the Waitomo forest.
Additional info:
- Transport price listed here does not include tickets, these can be added at the next step
- We recommend departing Auckland by 6:30AM in time for the 9:00AM tour arriving back in Auckland late afternoon / early evening
- Waitomo caves are very popular in the summer months and tickets should be pre-booked a day or two in advance. If they are sold out we will contact you as soon as possible to make other arrangements.
- The Black Water Rafting tours do involve a good level of fitness offering a range of physical activities. More information available upon request.
