Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waiotapu Small Group Tour from Auckland
4.9 / 5 · 535 traveler reviews
Want to see more of New Zealand than Auckland? This is the day for it. Start in the rolling countryside of the Waikato at Hobbiton Movie Set, then swap green hills for the bubbling mud, steaming craters, and surreal colours of Wai-O-Tapu. Two completely different landscapes, two very different sides of New Zealand, all in one day from Auckland—without hiring a car or figuring out the route yourself. While the destinations you will be visiting are spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life, sharing their stories and background knowledge, and run in modern minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Your experience
Stop 1
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
Stop 2
Be driven through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, on a fully guided journey to your next attraction. During the trip you will encounter stunning scenery, might rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and see several different farm animals along the way.
Stop 3
Board one of the big green Hobbiton buses to depart on a two & a half hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub The Green Dragon Inn.
Stop 4
Famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Capital of the World' because of the many unique Corrugated Iron sculptures and building this town never fails to get a look and a laugh. Our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
Stop 5
Experience Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, considered one of the most surreal places on earth. Here you will see the famous Champagne Lake, Devil's bath, local mud-pools, geothermal craters and other geothermal wonders. The colours and activity will take your breath away.
Stop 6
Champagne Pool is one of Wai-O-Tapu’s most iconic geothermal features, known for its vivid orange, yellow and green hues created by mineral-rich waters. With steaming waters reaching around 74°C, the colourful pool is a striking example of Rotorua’s volcanic landscape.
Stop 7
To finish off our Rotorua experience we do a guided driving tour seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths.
Stop 8
Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland including secret stops along the way.
What’s included
- Fully Guided Small Group Tour with local driver/guide
- Booster seat
- Bottled water & snacks
- Hobbiton Movie Tour & Waiotapu Entry
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off in Auckland CBD (select locations only)
Not included
- Lunch (opportunities to purchase at own expense)
- On-board restrooms
Before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
- Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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