Hobbiton, Rotorua & WaiOTapu Small Group Guided Day Tour
About This Experience
The combination most first-time visitors want out of Auckland: the Hobbiton Movie Set at Matamata in one half of the day, Wai-O-Tapu in the other, with a run through Rotorua in between. Both entries are included, and the group travels by minibus rather than a full-size coach.
At Hobbiton you get the guided walk through the Shire set and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. At Wai-O-Tapu the walking is self-guided and takes in the Champagne Pool, the Devil's Home and the Devil's Bath — the colour features on the short loop, which is what the timing allows for.
Expect nine to thirteen hours depending on the day's routing and traffic. There is a lot of walking on uneven ground at both sites, so it is not a good fit for anyone with limited mobility, and the operator asks for children's ages at booking so seats can be arranged.
Highlights
- Explore the 12 acre Hobbiton Movie Set on a fully guided Hobbiton tour
- Soak up the atmosphere at the famous Green Dragon Inn
- Discover the 'most surreal place on earth', Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park
- See the world famous Champagne Pool - a highlight of colours and ethereal steam
- Enjoy entertainment throughout the whole journey from your knowledgeable guides
What's Included
- ✓ Fully guided group tour from Auckland
- ✓ Entry and fully guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
- ✓ Complimentary beverage at the famous Green Dragon Inn
- ✓ Shire's Rest
- ✓ Entry to Wai-O-Tapu, including Champagne Pool, Devil's Home and Devil's Bath
- ✓ Rotorua city highlights tour
- ✓ Snacks and water
- ✓ Transport in modern and comfortable minibus
Not Included
- Food and drink (unless specified)
What to Bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
Good to Know & Caveats
- This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility due to the amount of walking over uneven ground
- Please advise the ages of any children on the booking. Child seats are needed for children under 7. Rental fee is $20 per seat or you can supply your own
- 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
Not Suitable For
- People with mobility impairments
Meeting Point
Pickup from central Auckland hotels — twenty-six options including the Hilton, Cordis, SkyCity, Sofitel Viaduct, Park Hyatt, JW Marriott, Pullman, InterContinental and Grand Millennium.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 503 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Really enjoyed the tour. Simon was informative, polite and made it a great experience. Highly recommend
— Rohan, August
Hanols' service was excellent!! The only thing is that they gave very little time to be at the places. You couldn't see them well.
— Vera, July 12
Hadoz was the best tour guide; he made the trip very entertaining and fun
— Francisca Yevenes, July 4,
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour include both Hobbiton and Wai-O-Tapu entry?
Yes — the guided Hobbiton Movie Set tour with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and entry to Wai-O-Tapu including the Champagne Pool, Devil's Home and Devil's Bath. Other food and drink is at your own cost.
How long is the day?
Nine to thirteen hours from Auckland depending on routing and traffic. It is a full day: two major sites plus a Rotorua city highlights run.
Do you see the Lady Knox Geyser on this tour?
Not reliably. The 10:15 am geyser presentation sits awkwardly against a Hobbiton-first itinerary — if the geyser matters to you, a Rotorua-based tour or the entry ticket is the safer booking.
Is it suitable for limited mobility?
No. Both Hobbiton and Wai-O-Tapu involve a good deal of walking over uneven ground. Mobility scooters and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be carried.
