10 Tours in Waitomo District That You Shouldn't Miss

September 1, 2021 Jacquiline Darosa

Discover the best top things to do in Waitomo District, New Zealand including Private Charter: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Combo, Private chauffeured Tour of Waitomo Caves, Waitomo Glowworm Caves + Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua Pick Up Day Tour, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience, 10-Day 'Vibe of the North' Epic Summer Tour for 18-30s!, Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour incl BBQ Buffet Lunch from Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri & Aranui Cave - Triple Cave Experience, Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Small Group Tour from Auckland , Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird, Off the Beaten Track - Glowworm Caving Adventure Tour in Waitomo.
Restaurants in Waitomo District

1. Private Charter: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Combo

New Zealand Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a Private Charter Tour from Auckland just for your group! Two of New Zealand's most popular attractions, With transport in a 2016/17 Luxury Mercedes vehicle. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Where you will travel by boat along an underground river through the mesmerizing Glowworm Grotto. You'll gently glide through the impressive underground caverns in silent darkness amid the beauty of twinkling glowworms overhead. The Hobbiton Movie Set You take a fully guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set, which was created in impressive detail for the filming of the hobbit films! And where Bilbo Baggins and Frodo live! ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogies. Enjoy a complementary drink in the Green Dragon

Inclusions: Transport by small 2016/17 mini van with air-conditioning, Professional offical Hobbiton guide, Boat ride at the glowworms cave, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Lunch

Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

2. Private chauffeured Tour of Waitomo Caves

Flylink Services
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Overview Acknowledged for years of unfailing tours service, we guarantee you a memorable and flawless experience throughout your tour from and to the destination. Waitomo is a Maori word made of two parts – ‘Wai’ means water and ‘tomo’ means entrance of hole, and the Waitomo tour as such leads to adrenalin action and selfie-taking stops. The Caves are world renowned for its huge population of glowworms which illuminate the interiors. There is plenty to discover including the free walking tracks and the scenic reserves with gushing rivers and the lush green hills. This is transport only, entry fee not included

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Local taxes, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, Gratuities, Entry fee to Caves

Reviewed By X3909TIjohnw

Driver was waiting for us in arrival with name displayed and took us strait to our hotel .Location of where to find could be better

3. Waitomo Glowworm Caves + Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua Pick Up Day Tour

New Zealand Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore two of New Zealand's top attractions in one day with this fantastic guided tour from Rotorua! Waitomo Glowworm cave's in the morning and "The Hobbiton Movie Set" in the afternoon! The start of the day is a pick up from your accomodation and travel to Waitomo to visit the Glowworm caves! Take a magical boat ride through the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves, from here we Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Relax and join this small group full day tour in a modern air conditioned mini van with your driver guide!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Complementary at the Green Dragon Inn in Hobbiton

Exclusions: Food is available to purchase from Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton

Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

4. Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand ExperienceKart
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

New Zealand prides itself as one of the few countries in the world with an incredibly wide range of natural resources and wonderful attractions. The Waitomo Glow-worm Caves are a major drawing card for the region as its natural beauty is something to admire. Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. Ride a boat beneath thousands of tiny glow-worms inhabit the cave and put on a mesmerising light display likened to the twinkling night sky.

Inclusions: Fully guided return transfers from Auckland, Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD, Complimentary refreshments and water on board, A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour, Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus, Admission to fully guided experience Waitomo Glow Worm Cave, Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the 45-minute tour of the Glow-worm Caves, Be captivated by the thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat, Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics, Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide, Witness the history created over thousands of years, See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head!

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge

Reviewed By ivris2019

Highly recommend Started off with Guided Tour with Mark definitely a must do . Came away with more knowledge of my country ????❤️ Finished off with relaxing in Mud Bath and spa omg Heaven ???? Definitely going back again ????

5. 10-Day 'Vibe of the North' Epic Summer Tour for 18-30s!

229 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Kiwi Vibes
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

The photos, the stories, the FOMO! You can’t beat New Zealand’s North Island in summer time! The ‘Vibe of the North’ is our most popular tour ever, and you’re about to see why! From digging a natural bath at ‘Hot Water Beach’, to doing ‘bombs’ off the rocks into the crystal clear river in Coroglen, even an unbeatable Taranaki vineyard wine tasting overlooking the West Coast of NZ, you’re about to experience a Kiwi summer the way the locals do! Throw in a visit to Hobbiton, optional bungee and skydiving, and a HEAP of other activities, and you’ve got yourself the real ‘Vibe of the North’!

Inclusions: All accommodation is included (clean, quality, Kiwi hostels), All taxes, fees and handling charges, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Breakfast is included each day, as well as many delicious lunches and dinners!, Local, expert guide with unmatched personality. We're pretty funny too!, Transport by coach around New Zealand., Breakfast

Exclusions: Flights to New Zealand not included., Travel insurance is the responsibility of guests.

Reviewed By azheat120

My friend and I have just booked our 'Vibe of the North' with Kiwi Vibes for November this year! While we obviously haven't been on the tour yet, we've been so impressed with all communication and assistance so far from the KV team. They've been more than happy to help us answer any questions we've had and made us even more excited for our trip with them! Bring on November in NZ!

6. Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour incl BBQ Buffet Lunch from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

Experience the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set plus the Waitomo Glowworm Caves all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Secret Animal Viewing Stops • Waikato Farming Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This tour is less rushed than others, making it the ultimate Auckland day tour, and is led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets, Bottled water, Snacks, BBQ Buffet Lunch, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Waitomo

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

7. Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri & Aranui Cave - Triple Cave Experience

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand ExperienceKart
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Waitomo Caves is one of the must-see natural attractions in the North Island of New Zealand. Explore Waitomo's three main cave systems with this bundle package combining the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave for one great price. There’s so much to do! Above ground attractions combine with underground attractions to create Two Landscapes and Twice the Fun! Fresh air, rolling green fields and untouched native forest await, but the real attractions lie out of sight, in the huge cave system. The mystical region of Waitomo is home to a triad of caverns that hold one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets – these three spectacular cave systems allow visitors to trek through and explore the unique formations for themselves!

Inclusions: Fully guided return transfers from Auckland, Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD, Complimentary refreshments and water on board, A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour, Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus, Admission to fully guided 45 minutes experience Waitomo Glow Worm Cave, Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glow worm Caves, Admission to fully guided 75 minutes experience Waitomo Ruakuri Cave, Admission to fully guided 75 minutes experience Waitomo Aranui Cave, Experience top best North Island destinations in one day on an all-encompassing tour, Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the iconic Glow-worm Caves, Be captivated by the thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat, Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics, Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide, See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head!, Discover Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour as you explore Ruakuri Cave, Leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature, Marvel at unique rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glow-worms, Go deeper into the story as you descend the dramatic spiral entrance, Discover the stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations of Aranui Caves, Marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations, Encounter the Cave Wetas insects that are unique to New Zealand

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge

Reviewed By ivris2019

Highly recommend Started off with Guided Tour with Mark definitely a must do . Came away with more knowledge of my country ????❤️ Finished off with relaxing in Mud Bath and spa omg Heaven ???? Definitely going back again ????

8. Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Small Group Tour from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Experience the Waitomo Glowworm Caves plus the Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Secret Animal Viewing Stops • Waikato Farming Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This tour is less rushed than others, making it the ultimate Auckland day tour, and is led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry ticket and fully guided tour - Hobbiton Movie Set, Entry ticket and fully guided tour - Waitomo Caves, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Hobbiton

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

9. Private tour from Auckland - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bird

Auckland & Beyond Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We have Combined 3 of New Zealand's unique experiences in this tour around the Waikato; Zealong Tea Estate, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Otorohanga kiwi Sanctuary. The tour starts by picking you up from your centrally located Auckland hotel, the first stop is the Zealong Estate where you will have the opportunity to explore New Zealand's only commercial tea estate selling organic tea. Learn all about the history and making of the tea and of course try it! You will also walk along the trail and see unique sculptures and scenery. The next stop is Waitomo caves where your guide will take you on a 50 mins group tour teaching you about these creatures and enjoy a magical boat ride through the caves. Followed by a lunch at the iconic open air restaurant Finally the last stop is at New Zealand's largest free-flight dome aviary, here you can get up close to New Zealand Native birds and reptiles at Otorohanga Kiwi House before driving back to Auckland for drop off.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, Snacks, All entry tickets & guided tours

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Reviewed By AdiS491

The tour of the set was excellent. The place is a well oiled machine from ticket office to bus ride etc. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the movies and all other aspects . The movie set was awesome and the gardens amazing . Even if you’re not a movie buff the experience and sheer brilliance of PJ et al is totally worth it . Having a drink ( free) at the Green Dragon ???? was fantastic.

10. Off the Beaten Track - Glowworm Caving Adventure Tour in Waitomo

1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti 3985, New Zealand Glowing Adventures
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5.0 based on 154 reviews

The top rated, most intimate, and most personalised glow worm cave tour in Waitomo. Our awesome Waitomo adventure is tucked away “off the beaten track” on our family farm and we LOVE it that way and so do our guests. Our “Glowing” Highlights • Amazing glow worm displays! • Just the right amount of adventure • Away from the crowds • Small group sizes • Cameras welcome • Authentic eco experience • Family owned and operated • Photos, tea, coffee and biscuits included • #1 Trip Advisor rated tour in the Waitomo District

Inclusions: See the caves just as nature intended. All caving equipment and warm clothing including: thermal top, thermal pants, fleece top, shorts, gumboots, socks, helmet and headlamp. A local guide with a deep connection to the caves and a wealth of information to share. Tea, coffee, and a snack. An email with awesome photos of your adventure. Proper Kiwi hospitality!

Exclusions: We can not pick up or drop off. There is no public transport so you will need to have your own transport to 1199 Oparure Road.

Reviewed By 407clareb

Our personalised tour was one of the highlights of NZ! Learned a lot about the biology of the caves and the glow worms themselves - nature is amazing! Ash was very friendly, hilarious and informative and made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!

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