Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves One-Way Private Tour

Step through the pest-proof gate into another world, where an ancient forest tower majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Explore the Sanctuary at your own pace or with an experienced guide who will help you spot the wildlife, including kākā, takahē, tuatara, kiwi, tīeke and more. Relax in the clearing or take an optional walk up the 16-metre observation tower, offering a unique perspective from within the forest canopy. Sanctuary Mountain is located in the heart of the Waikato, and as a not-for-profit, every visit helps make our conservation efforts possible. So come and share the mauri and mana of Maungatautari. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.

Experience Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

Make the first footsteps in the morning dew on the Movie Set as part of our first tour of the day. Your tour guide will escort you through the 12 acre movie set, recounting fascinating details from filming the trilogies and pointing out the most iconic sites and scenes. After a visit to The Green Dragon™ Inn where you will be offered a complimentary beverage from our exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range, follow your guide back over the double arch stone bridge to The Millhouse, just across the water from The Green Dragon Inn, where you will be treated to a breakfast spread fit for a Hobbit. After you've had your fill, it's time to make your way back to The Shire's Rest, after all, this is only the second of a Hobbit's seven daily meals.

Come on an electric adventure along the majestic Waikato Te Awa, New Zealand's longest river. Join us for a curated 1-3 day experience on Te Awa 'The Great New Zealand River Ride' or Waikato River Trail. This incredible journey begins or ends at the northern trailhead, just an hour from Auckland International Airport in Ngāruawāhia & takes you through key attractions such as The Hamilton Gardens, The Velodrome, and Cambridge before concluding or commencing at Lake Karapiro. Choose from our carefully crafted packages that include everything you need for a seamless Mighty Waikato River experience. From bikes to kayaks, thrilling jet boat rides, delicious meals, accommodation & transport – we have it all covered. Welcome to River Riders.

Discover Waikato’s world class facility, centered around a purpose built 250m wooden with a guided tour. A great opportunity to learn about the history of the Avantidrome and find out more about the facilities and programmes we have on offer. While you are here, grab yourself a spot in the stands and watch New Zealand’s track cyclists train or perhaps rub shoulders with one of the Waikato/BOP Magic players or All Blacks Sevens team in the tunnel. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of New Zealand’s Olympic heroes hanging around. Avantidrome Tours take place on a weekly basis. Private bookings of a minimum of 10 persons welcome outside designated tour times.

Our small group tour to Hobbiton starts by going South from Auckland, your guide will give you commentary with information about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the background to the movies. On arrival at Hobbiton we get a specialist Hobbiton guide to take you on your walking tour of the Hobbiton movie set. This location is the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. You can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house “Bag End” & explore inside a Hobbit home with the new interactive experience. After a visit to the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a free drink the tour includes a sumptuous lunch fit for a Hobbit in the Party Marquee.