Price from:
376 USD
Experience the real Middle Earth and discover your moment of magic with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour
Tour Duration
13 hours
Tour Summary
Experience the best of New Zealand in one unforgettable day with this luxury private tour from Auckland, combining two of the country's most iconic attractions. Visit the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, a must-see for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, where you’ll step into the charming world of the Shire, and then journey to the magical Waitomo Caves. Glide along an underground river illuminated by glowing glowworms, creating a truly mesmerizing experience. With a café-style lunch included and luxury transport throughout, this highly sought-after tour is perfect for those looking for an immersive, premium experience of New Zealand’s most famous sights.
Tour Highlights
- Visit New Zealand’s world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves.
- Explore the stunning 12-acre Hobbiton set with captivating stories from your guide.
- Enjoy 360-degree views of the rolling Kaimai ranges and lush Waikato farmland.
- Step into the iconic Lord of the Rings film set and capture amazing photos at Hobbit holes.
- Relax with a drink at the cosy Green Dragon Inn, a true Hobbiton experience.
- Glide silently through the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves on a boat, surrounded by magical glow-worms.
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring stalactites, stalagmites, and the Cathedral Cave's acoustics.
- Learn about the unique geology and rich history of the Waitomo caves from your expert guide.
Journey Inclusions
- Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland.
- Pick up and drop off from Auckland.
- Refreshments and water onboard.
- Complimentary high-speed internet onboard.
- English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey.
- Luxurious temperature-controlled private transportation.
- Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities.
- Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish.
Tour Inclusions
- 2.5 hours guided group tour of Hobbiton Movie Set.
- Complimentary beverages at Green Dragon Inn.
- 45 minutes guided group tour of Waitomo Glow worm Caves.
- Boat ride through the Glowworm grotto.
- Cafe style lunch or buffet lunch at the Hobbiton party marquee (subject to availability).
Tour Requirements
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
- Easy and good fitness level required.
- This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as Hobbiton is the perfect place to get some great travel photos.
- You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.
- No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
Booking Notes
Kia Ora!
Thank you for booking with ExperienceKart, we’re really looking forward to hosting you.
We hope you enjoy the experience as much as we do.
Below are a few important details to ensure everything is well prepared for your experience.
We kindly ask that you review this information prior to travel and keep your voucher accessible during your experience.
Should you have any specific preferences or requirements, please feel free to let us know.
If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to reach out, we’re here to help.
# Departure Information
- Thank you for selecting your pickup location. We'll reconfirm your exact pickup time closer to your travel date to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Please be ready at your designated location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time on the day of your tour.
- If you have not confirmed any hotel pick up with us, or any changes to your pick-up location must be confirmed with us with at least 24 hours prior to your tour departure.
- Please call us or contact us by email to confirm. You will find our contact details in this confirmation email.
# General Information
- Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat.
- Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
- Tours operate in all weather conditions; umbrellas are provided in the event of rain.
- There is uneven terrain on the set; approximately 75% is wheelchair accessible.
- We can accommodate a stroller or a pram, provided it is fully collapsible and can fit in the luggage compartment of our buses.
- The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
- We stay dry – the tour does not involve using a wet suit or abseiling or river rapids, it’s very easy.
- The tour takes place in the outdoors and cave temperatures are cool even in summer (10°C/50°F) so we do recommend bringing a jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
# What to bring
- Comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions; warm layered clothes work best.
- A comfortable shoes with a good grip.
- Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Sun hat.
- Bring your camera to click the best shots.
- A light rain jacket (just in case).
- Essential personal items.
# Tour Requirements
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
- Easy and good fitness level required.
- This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as Hobbiton is the perfect place to get some great travel photos.
- You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.
- No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on the tour.
We look forward to having you aboard!
Ngā mihi nui,
ExperienceKart
Phone: 0800 EXP KART | 0800 397 527 | +64 21 026 60993 (Outside NZ)
Office Hours: 07:00am - 07:00pm (Mon - Sun)
Email: bookings@experiencekart.co.nz
Website: https://www.experiencekart.co.nz/
Cancellation Policy
# Cancellation Policy
In case you have made a booking through an agent or affiliate, please refer to the cancellation terms and conditions as applied by your agent or affiliate. If you have made a booking with ExperienceKart directly and not through an agent or affiliate, the following terms will apply to your booking.
In the event, you have purchased a premium/private day tour and subsequently wish to cancel it, ExperienceKart may refund your booking at its sole discretion, in which event you will be charged a cancellation fee as follows:
- Bookings cancelled more than 60 days from date of travel will incur no cancellation fee.
- Bookings cancelled more than 30 days and less than 60 days from date of travel will incur a cancellation fee of 50%.
- Bookings cancelled less than 30 days from date of travel will incur a cancellation fee of 100%.
# Booking Amendment Policy
- If you need to modify your booking, please reach out to our reservations team via email as soon as possible.
- Changes can be made up to 24 hours before your tour departure time.
- Please note that all changes are subject to availability. If your preferred date or time is unavailable and you choose to cancel, a cancellation fee will apply as per our cancellation policy.
- There is no amendment fee for changes to your small group tour or premium/private tour bookings as long as you provide a 24 hours notice.
- An amendment fee of NZD $250 will apply for changes to overnight tour bookings to cover our administration and communication costs. We may also need to pass on any amendment/cancellation fees as imposed by our suppliers.
# Terms & Conditions
- All reservations and changes must be made by contacting our reservations department.
- You agree to indemnify ExperienceKart Limited against any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by ExperienceKart Limited, its officers, employees, agents or related companies as a result of any claim by any third party whose claim arises from your use of your ticket or your acts or omissions while travelling on any ExperienceKart Limited tours & services.
- For full Terms and Conditions see https://www.experiencekart.co.nz/terms-and-conditions
These terms are subject to rights and remedies you have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 2003.