Volcano Travel · Tour
Green Hills to Devil's Bath: Hobbiton and Wai-O-Tapu in One Day from Auckland
Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
AucklandThe two landscapes on this day have nothing in common, which is the argument for putting them together. The morning is green. The Hobbiton set sits in Waikato farmland, 12 acres of it, and the green buses run you in for a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour: the pastures of the Shire, 44 hobbit holes, the gardens, the stories of how the films were made here, and a cold drink at the Green Dragon Inn. The afternoon is not green. Wai-O-Tapu is mud at the boil, craters venting steam, the Champagne Lake and the Devil's Bath in a green that does not look like it belongs on this planet. Between them, Tirau, the corrugated iron capital of the world. Doing this on your own means a hire car and a route to work out. Cheeky Kiwi Travel does the driving in a small group and a modern minibus, and the guide talks the whole way. The day closes with a guided drive through Rotorua, past the lake, the museum, the Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) and the Blue Baths, with a souvenir stop and Manuka honey if there is time. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
What's included
- Fully Guided Small Group Tour with local driver/guide
- Bottled water & snacks
- Hobbiton Movie Tour & Waiotapu Entry
- Air-conditioned vehicle
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- Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
Itinerary
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Auckland Central
Auckland is the starting point, and the drive out serves as an introduction to both the city and the day.
Waikato Region
A fully guided drive through the Waikato countryside, called the most extensive farming area in the world, with rivers, mountains, animals and places worth a photograph on the way to the next stop.
Hobbiton Movie Set
One of the big green Hobbiton buses takes the group into the 12-acre set for two and a half hours with a Hobbiton guide: the Shire pastures, 44 hobbit holes, the gardens, the stories behind the films, and a cold drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Tirau
The corrugated iron capital of the world, where the sculptures and buildings get a laugh from every group, and the guide points out the ones that matter.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu, among the strangest looking places on earth: the Champagne Lake, the Devil's Bath, mud pools, geothermal craters, and colours that come from the minerals in the water.
Rotorua
Rotorua at the end, seen from the vehicle: the lake, the museum, the Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring), the Blue Baths. If the clock allows, a discounted souvenir stop with Manuka honey.
Auckland
Then north, still guided, with a stop or two that are not advertised.
Not included
- Lunch (opportunities to purchase at own expense)
- Restroom on board
- Children below 8 are required to travel in a booster/safety seat. Hire for NZ$20 or provide your own
Good to know
- 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
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- 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
- Up to 15 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
Reviews
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Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor