13 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Spend a day exploring must-see cultural highlights on this full-day tour from Auckland. Explore the Shire at the renowned Hobbiton™ Movie Set: stroll through well-tended gardens, visit hobbit holes, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Then, explore Te Puia Geothermal Park, with blue baths and geothermal springs, as well as a Māori cultural tour. Discover local history and culture on this family-friendly tour with included hotel pickup.
Operated by
Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.88
/ 5
32 traveller ratings
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Journey to the Shire
allendelmundo_, Apr 2026
It was the best! The drive there was smooth and our driver Trent made sure to keep us all comfortable with some snacks and water along the way. He also made sure to inform us of the time, where to meet, and what to do to make sure the entire trip would go without a hitch. Hobbiton was the best and we thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want more time we would suggest getting a somewhat private tour to really get into the world of the Hobbits and enjoy it freely. All the admission fees were already included in the package though, so we can’t complain. One thing we would have wished for Te Puia would have been to experience the cultural presentation and see the Haka. Unfortunately the tour only included the first package. We suggest upgrading even just to the higher package next to it to avail of the cultural performance which we think will tie up the whole experience and make it better. Aside from that, the tour was amazing. Worth enjoying a full day of driving, seeing the sights, and learning more about New Zealand.
Outstanding tour guide Cam Mans who really took care of everyone the whole way through. Well planned and well executed
rumi00, Mar 2026
Well planned and comfortable vehicle
This was a fun and...
PatriciaGayle_F, Feb 2026
This was a fun and informative tour. Simon our driver/guide provided information about New Zealand and what we would see along the drive. Hobbiton was amazing, it boosted the memories of LOR movies - so much that we have started to re-watch. Te Puia cultural park was informative about Māori cultural plus there’s a huge geyser and we saw 2 kiwi birds. Long by great day!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Kia ora Patricia, Sounds like a full day in the best way. Great to hear Simon set the scene well on the drive and helped make it both fun and informative. Love that Hobbiton sent you back to rewatch the films, that’s usually a good sign the visit hit the mark. And Te Puia offers something quite different again, from the geothermal activity to learning more about Māori culture. Seeing kiwi birds is always a bonus too. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel ????????
Wonderful holiday experience
Roam32460604868, Dec 2025
Hobbiton Tour Such a magical experience! Hobbiton is absolutely beautiful and feels just like stepping into the movie. Te Puia An amazing cultural and geothermal experience. The geysers and Māori culture were fascinating and well presented. Thanks again to Jeoffey for the smooth drive and great guidance throughout the day. A truly memorable visit!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Kia ora, It really does feel like stepping straight into Middle-earth, doesn’t it. I’m glad Hobbiton lived up to that magical expectation and that the day flowed nicely from there into Rotorua. Te Puia is such a special contrast to Hobbiton, with the geothermal landscape and the depth of Māori culture adding a whole other layer to the experience. Lovely to hear that came through clearly and felt well presented. Jeoffrey does a great job keeping the day smooth and relaxed while sharing just the right amount along the way, so I’ll be sure to pass that feedback on. Thanks for choosing to spend your day with us and for taking the time to share your experience. We’d love to welcome you back again in the future. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel ????????
Itinerary
Auckland Central
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.
Waikato Region
Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and a variety of farm animals along the way.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Arriving at the first feature attraction ‘Hobbiton’ you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses and depart on a two and 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 complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.
3 hoursAdmission IncludedTirau
Departing for Rotorua we pass through Tirau on our adventure. Dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
Te Puia
Arriving at our second feature destination, Te Puia, you will receive a fully guided tour to best experience the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders including: Pōhutu Geyser, Māori Architecture, The National Māori Arts School, geothermal craters, geothermal events and even the chance to view a Kiwi bird in the Kiwi viewing house.
2 hoursAdmission IncludedRotorua
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. If there is time, we may even visit a special souvenir shop for some discounted shopping and to try Manuka Honey.
Auckland
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.
5 minutes
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Hobbiton Movie Set & Te Puia Guided Tours
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- 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
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can provide your own or one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Minimum numbers apply - if minimum numbers are not met you will be offered an alterative tour, reschedule, or full refund
- The legal drinking age is 18, and ID may be required
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.