Explore the magical world of Middle-earth at Hobbiton and marvel at the enchanting glowworms in the Waitomo Caves on this unforgettable day tour from Auckland. Immerse yourself in iconic New Zealand beauty.
We’ll visit the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, stroll through the lush Shire, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. At Waitomo, discover the mesmerizing glowworm caves with a guided boat tour, creating memories of natural wonders and cinematic charm in small, friendly groups.
Days
- 1 day
Group size
- Max 24
Start / finish
- Auckland / Auckland
Return
- See itinerary for details
Transport
- A modern air-conditioned mini bus with a local guide from Auckland and back, plus Hobbiton's own buses on the set and a boat through the caves.
Meals
- A morning tea stop and complimentary refreshments on board, plus a cold drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Route
Included experiences
- Hobbiton — a two and a half hour fully guided tour of the 12 acre movie set
- The Shire — 44 hobbit holes, the gardens, and the stories behind the films
- The Green Dragon Inn — a cold drink at the Hobbiton pub, included
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves — stalactites, stalagmites and lime columns underground
- The grotto river — a boat cruise with thousands of glow worms sparkling overhead
- Lake Karapiro — a photo stop at one of New Zealand's first hydro dams
- Otorohanga — passing through the Kiwiana capital of New Zealand
- Big Bird petting farm — the animals come to the fence to meet the guides
- Waikato — the drive south through farmland, rivers and racehorse country
- Secret stops — the guides add their own along the way
Reviews
5.0
Based on 764 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 764 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the tour guides for their knowledge, friendliness and entertaining commentary throughout the long day, with drivers keeping groups comfortable through frequent breaks for coffee, snacks and meals. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves stand out as genuinely impressive destinations that exceed visitor expectations, with the glowworm boat ride through the illuminated caves proving particularly memorable and awe-inspiring even for those unfamiliar with Lord of the Rings. The main recurring caveat is that the tour involves a lengthy drive of around twelve to thirteen hours total, with some travellers feeling the Waitomo Caves visit itself is relatively brief compared to the time spent travelling, and a few noting that meal stops occasionally felt rushed.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“Amazing highly recommend”
Really enjoyed this tour — Trent had great local knowledge and shared plenty of helpful tips along the way.
“Would book again”
Hobbiton was excellent, the caves were good if not quite as impressive, and lunch was outstanding. Our guide Trent was friendly, funny, and full of useful information, making the whole day easy to enjoy. Would happily book with him again.
“10/10 for Cheeky Kiwi and Trent”
If you're heading from Auckland to Hobbiton, ask for Trent as your guide. He's friendly, knowledgeable, and wove in his own Māori heritage throughout the day, which added a lot to the experience. He timed the drive well, building in a coffee and breakfast stop and later a great lunch recommendation, and dropped everyone home right on schedule with good music playing the whole way.
“Beautiful Easy Tour”
A great tour with guide Trent, who was punctual, communicative, and worked hard to keep everything running smoothly. Both Hobbiton and Waitomo were beautiful stops.
“Happy grateful”
Great guide with a nice vibe and a well-curated playlist. The itinerary ran to time and the food was decent.
“Wonderful tour to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Cave”
An excellent tour with a wonderful guide, Hanoz. Loved both the Hobbiton visit and the Waitomo Cave tour to see the glowworms.
“A fantastic time, totally worth it!”
A long day but well worth it — the tour includes a proper lunch stop plus snack breaks, and the drive down is scenic with bits of New Zealand history along the way. Hobbiton is beautifully run, letting you take it at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed, and the Waitomo glowworm caves, while a shorter visit, were stunning and awe-inspiring. Our guide Sam went out of his way to help when my wife felt carsick, stopping for fresh air and offering acupressure wristbands. Great value overall, and a smart way to avoid driving unfamiliar roads yourself.
“Unique and worthwhile”
Both stops on this tour are unique and well worth it — Hobbiton is a treat for Lord of the Rings fans, and the Waitomo cave is unlike anything else. Our guide was warm and engaging, which made the drive time fly by, and the lunch and snack stops were excellent. A great small-group tour overall.
“Fantastic tour”
A genuinely pleasant day out — Hobbiton was beautiful and engaging, and the Waitomo glowworm caves were remarkable and peaceful. Both are must-sees for anyone visiting Auckland. Our driver Matt was patient, funny, and skilled behind the wheel, and we'll be recommending Cheeky Kiwi to friends and family visiting New Zealand.
“We can't recommend Cheeky Kiwi Travel Tours highly enough!”
Everything about this tour was well organized from booking through to pick-up, which was right on time. Our guide Geoff was outstanding — knowledgeable about New Zealand's history and culture, funny, and used a headset so his commentary was easy to hear throughout the van. He went out of his way to help a fellow guest who spoke little English get a translation app working, took photos for everyone, and even sent follow-up links after the tour. The van was clean and comfortable, lunch was excellent, and we'd happily book with Cheeky Kiwi again.
“Amazing experience”
A wonderful experience with Cheeky Kiwi — the tour was well organized, ran to schedule, and included lunch and snacks. Our guide Dave was amazing. Highly recommend.
“A Experience worth doing”
A really well-organized and managed experience. Our guide Vicki was knowledgeable and fun to spend the day with, and Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves are both must-dos if you're visiting New Zealand.
“Had a great time”
Had a great time without a single issue. Guide Vicky explained things clearly and gave an entertaining rundown of Hobbiton, Auckland, and New Zealand and Māori history, plus played good music in the van. There was also a fun surprise ice cream stop on the way back. Would definitely recommend her.
“Exceptional Tour, Amazing Guide, and Immersive Experiences!”
A great experience from pick-up to drop-off. Grant was an excellent guide, sharing plenty of insight and history about Auckland and Aotearoa that made the long drives more engaging, and he drove so smoothly some of us managed a nap. Short stops for coffee and affordable ice cream were a nice touch, and being in a small group with everything taken care of — tickets, directions, lunch — made it easy to just relax and enjoy the day.
“Cheeky Kiwi is amazing”
A great experience from the moment Simon picked us up to drop-off. The drive was scenic and beautiful, and we enjoyed learning about Auckland's history, agriculture, and culture along the way. Would highly recommend this tour to friends and family.
“Unforgettable Memories”
Feedback from a guest who joined the tour on the day of writing: the guide was kind, warm, and genuinely caring, and put together a truly special sightseeing experience. Happy to recommend this tour to anyone looking for something unforgettable.
“Wonderful day!! Great food! Beautiful drives and excellent…”
A great experience overall, with easy pick-up and drop-off and a wonderful day out.
“Best for solo trip travellers!”
A really enjoyable trip with driver and guide Alessandro, whose detailed commentary added a lot and who kept things fun throughout. Both attractions were well worth the time, and it's a great tour for solo travelers too — easy to make new friends along the way.
“Family Tour with Cheeky Kiwi”
Just finished the Hobbiton and Waitomo caves day tour, and our driver Simon was fantastic — friendly, warm, and thoroughly professional. Pick-up was hassle-free too. Highly recommended.
“Must do if you are in Auckland”
Our guide Matt was fabulous and really helpful. It's a long day, but everything ran smoothly without any hiccups and never felt rushed, and Hobbiton itself was world class — authentic and true to the films.
“Wonderful experience!”
Our guide was lovely and full of enthusiasm — would happily join this tour again.
“Great Auckland Day Trip”
A great, fully-packed day out with guide Dave, taking in both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves with lunch included. Highly recommended.
“Great experience with Cheeky Kiwi”
Our guide today was really helpful, sharing detailed and interesting information about the sites we visited and New Zealand generally. The scenery was great and, being off-peak, there were no crowds or queues, and the included lunch exceeded expectations. I rarely write reviews, but Cheeky Kiwi earned this one.
“Wonderful Adventure”
A great day — guide Grant was friendly and shared plenty of interesting facts about New Zealand. The tour started on time and everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
“What a great day and tour!!!”
A wonderful day — our driver and guide Steven was kind, patient, and gracious throughout.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo trip.”
A great family day out with our host Grant, who was knowledgeable about the region's history and kept us entertained on the roughly two-hour drive up. At Hobbiton he handed us over to the on-site guide Tom, who shared fun trivia and film references, while Grant sorted our pre-ordered lunch, which we picked up at The Thirsty Weta in Ōtorohanga with generous portions. The Waitomo caves were a shorter but impressive stop — no photography allowed, partly for cultural reasons — and the drive back ran late due to traffic, which wasn't anyone's fault.
“Fantastic day would highly recommend”
A fantastic day trip from Auckland out to Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves. Our guide Ark was friendly, funny, and full of local knowledge, and the whole tour was comfortable, with snacks, water, and a standout lunch included. Highly recommend.
“Best tour!”
An excellently organized tour — our driver and guide Matt picked us up right on time and kept us entertained with stories throughout the drive. Worth noting the Waitomo Caves are quite chilly inside, so dress accordingly. Lunch was included and, despite what some reviews claim, was generous — a choice of two items (pies, sandwiches, salad, or dessert) plus a drink. Comfortable vehicles and top-notch organization throughout; highly recommend.
“An unforgettable day”
An impressive and amazing day out, guided by Timmy, an experienced and passionate guide whose arrangements were clear and easy to follow.
“Terrific day tour not to be missed”
Loved this tour of Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves — seeing the movie set come to life in person was fantastic, and the caves offered a completely different but equally great experience. Our driver-guide Geoff was excellent with the details.
“Highly recommend”
Really enjoyed this tour and would recommend it to anyone. Matt made sure we had everything we needed for a great day, and even gave good advice for the rest of my trip.
“Just nice for a day trip”
Thanks to our guide and driver Simon for a nice day — lunch was good, if generously sized, more than my wife and I could finish.
“Online schedule for great timeline control and comfortable…”
A relaxed, leisurely day out.
“Incredible, unique tour with knowledgeable guide!”
A great combo experience — our guide Mark was warm and knowledgeable and kept the day fun and seamless. Getting two one-of-a-kind experiences in a single day made the early start worthwhile, especially arriving at Hobbiton ahead of the crowds. Included lunch at a café had plenty of options. Top notch, and would book again.
“Fantastic day with Simon our guide,amazing scenery and two…”
An amazing day, with a comfortable bus ride through beautiful scenery. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were great, and the included lunch had plenty of menu choices. Thanks to guide Simon for a great day out.
“Having a real guide made a real difference”
The early start was easy to forgive thanks to the anticipation of the day and our guide Mark, who was informative about the destinations, life in New Zealand, and the route we took. Hobbiton was a delight, full of rolling hills and impressive attention to detail, and lunch was at a genuine local restaurant rather than a tourist trap. The caves were a revelation, if a little too brief. Overall a great day of unique New Zealand sights, thanks to Mark's energy and knowledge.
“Great job!”
Cheeky Michael did a great job keeping everyone entertained, with occasional stops to stretch our legs, and we picked up plenty of Kiwi trivia along the way.
“Great day.... Amazing tour.”
Totally blown away — this tour exceeded expectations in every way. Our guide-driver Ark was personable and efficient, genuinely happy to be there, and worked hard to keep everyone comfortable and make the long drive pleasant, getting us to each stop on time and ahead of the lines. Hobbiton was magical, the Shire setting felt like a dream, and Waitomo was equally impressive. Couldn't have asked for a better day.
“Very perfect”
Our guide was careful and thorough with explanations, and the whole trip was pleasant, comfortable, and a lot of fun.
“A beautiful day”
A perfect day, thanks to a great driver whose introduction and driving made everything run smoothly — unfortunately I can't recall his name, but everything about the day was beautiful.
“Wonderul driver and guide Hanoz”
Our guide and driver Hanoz was wonderful throughout and recommended some great places to check out before the tour wrapped up. My only gripe is that we could have used a bit more time inside one of the hobbit houses to see all the rooms and take photos, but overall Hanoz made the journey a great one.
“Great experience, tour recommended”
A really great, well-organized day with efficient communication throughout. Our guide Liam was excellent — a lovely young man.
“Fun, well planned tour”
A fun, well-planned day — Trent kept us on schedule and did a great job keeping everyone entertained throughout.
“Beautiful place”
An amazing experience — our driver was skilled and explained everything about the trip along the way.
My wife Laura and I had a great time on this tour. Our guide Hanoz was exceptional, and the trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves was well worth the time.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour”
An amazing tour — we really enjoyed visiting both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, the lunch was good, and Cheeky Kiwi provided a great guide.
“Day trip”
A wonderful day out — our guide Arahia was informative and made the whole trip a lot of fun.
“A great must do for first time visitors!”
A wonderful excursion — our driver Simon was courteous, informative, and went well beyond what we expected. Highly recommend.
“We went on an adventure!”
Simon was an excellent guide, striking a great balance of knowledge, laughs, and beautiful scenery. At the Waitomo Caves, Stephen was equally great — welcoming and fun. Both clearly know what they're doing.
“Great experience”
A great experience overall — Simon was a wonderful guide, and we'd definitely book with Cheeky Kiwi again.
“Great tour!”
A well-rounded, well-organized experience, with our guide Sam being incredibly nice throughout.
“unforgettable journey through middle earth”
An incredible tour we can't recommend highly enough. Our guide Sam shared plenty about Auckland and New Zealand — there's no substitute for a true local. Hobbiton felt completely surreal, brought to life by a local Māori guide whose storytelling made it feel like stepping right into the films, and the Glowworm Caves were another one-of-a-kind experience — no photos allowed, but the silence and natural beauty more than made up for it. A seamless, unforgettable day.
“Wonderful Experience”
Thoughtfully organized from start to finish, this tour ran smoothly and enjoyably throughout. Lunch was generous and delicious, and the ice cream stop was a nice bonus. Guide Mark was patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely attentive the whole way — a memorable trip I'd highly recommend.
“Happy”
A very enjoyable tour with destinations well worth the visit. Our guide Grant kept us happy, safe, and entertained on the long drive, and his recommendations for the rest of our trip were much appreciated.
“Two Special Attractions Together”
A great way to combine two special attractions in one day, especially if you're short on time or don't want separate trips. Our guide Hanoz was charming and funny throughout the long day and kept the group comfortable and well informed. I'm not a big Lord of the Rings fan, but the hobbit holes at Hobbiton were incredibly detailed — you can even sit on the furniture and examine items up close. At Waitomo, guide George explained that recent flooding had temporarily reduced glowworm numbers, though it was still a beautiful sight and they're expected to recover.
“Great experience with a fantastic tour guide”
A fantastic experience with a wonderful guide — great to learn about Māori history, the history of the caves, and how the Lord of the Rings films have showcased New Zealand.
“Wonderful Visit to Waitomo & Hobbiton”
A fantastic time with guide Liam, who was knowledgeable, personable, and made the whole day fun and easy. Everything ran seamlessly, letting us relax and enjoy both Hobbiton and Waitomo while picking up plenty of New Zealand history. Highly recommend.
“Amazing experience, great guide and smooth organization”
Definitely recommend this tour — yes, the early departure is a lot, but you're back in Auckland by early evening with the rest of your day free. The group was small (around 15 people) in a clean, comfortable minibus, and our guide was knowledgeable, funny, and explained every step clearly, with an equally excellent guide at Hobbiton. Lunch was a pleasant surprise — a proper pre-ordered café meal rather than a quick snack — and the Waitomo Caves, while a shorter 40-50 minute visit, paired perfectly with Hobbiton in a single day. A nice touch was watching part of the Lord of the Rings on the drive. Great for first-timers, LOTR fans, or anyone wanting an easy, well-organized day trip.
“The Cheeky Michael Experience”
A brilliant first Cheeky Kiwi tour. Pick-up was in Auckland CBD, followed by a breakfast stop at The Corner Stone Cafe (good options for various dietary needs), with our guide Cheeky Michael sharing historical facts along the drive. Hobbiton itself was stunning — guided by Mira, who clearly loves the Lord of the Rings world — before lunch at The Thirsty Weta in Ōtorohanga en route to Waitomo. The glowworm cave boat tour was a highlight, with guide Mary Francis pointing out native eels along the way, and the day wrapped up with an ice cream stop on the way back to Auckland. Would definitely book again and recommend to anyone visiting New Zealand.
“Great day trip, well organised, excellent guide”
Well worth the early start — Liam was a fantastic guide who made the whole day comfortable and enjoyable. Everything was well organized with no sense of rushing between stops. Great value for a small group tour.
“Hobbiton exceeded expectations, glow worms were delightful…”
Our guide Ari was fabulous — great communication ahead of the tour, prompt pickup, friendly, and a safe driver. She shared a wealth of information about New Zealand and Māori culture, was easy to talk to, and made the whole day a tremendous experience.
“Awesome tour”
Guide Liam was phenomenal and so knowledgeable — I came away having learned a lot about the history and culture. Hobbiton has always been on my bucket list and it didn't disappoint, and the glowworm cave was spectacular, like stepping into a different galaxy of stars. A great way to spend my last full day in New Zealand.
“Hobbiton & caves tour”
A great time — our guide was informative and happy to answer questions or take photos along the way.
“For fans of the Hobbiton and not!”
A great tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, with Cheeky Michael as a great driver and guide who picked us up right on time. We stopped for breakfast at a local café (the boysenberry sticky pudding is worth trying), then Hobbiton was beautiful — walking through the recently added hobbit homes where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed was a highlight. Lunch, courtesy of The Thirsty Weta, was generous, and the Waitomo caves were beautiful too. Good option for anyone who'd rather not drive the winding roads themselves — an enjoyable day overall.
“Hobbit houses and Glow worm really was cool”
A great experience overall — lunch was outstanding, and our guide Trent was excellent company with safe, careful driving.
“Those are mushrooms!”
An amazing experience — as long-time fans of Tolkien's books, visiting Hobbiton was a dream come true. Our guide Sam was kind and helpful to everyone in the group.
“A long day but worth it”
An excellent day trip to Hobbiton and then the Glowworm Caves. Pick-up was on time in a comfortable minibus, and our guide Matt was entertaining and informative throughout, sorting our Hobbiton tickets and timing while we grabbed coffee and even a second breakfast. Hobbiton itself lived up to every expectation, complete with a walk through a hobbit hole and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn to finish — even my husband, who isn't a Lord of the Rings fan, loved the scenery. After a proper Kiwi lunch en route, the Waitomo Caves were beautiful, with a boat ride past the glowworms and a Māori guide who sang in the dark to demonstrate the cave's acoustics — a genuinely moving moment. A long twelve-hour day with an early start, but great value and well worth it.
“Hobbiton!!!”
Enjoyed both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves, with a great lunch included. Guide Grant did a good job.
“Must Do Solo traveling worth it!”
A great time with good company and amazing staff — highly recommend. The food was great too, with generous portions.
“A must-do tour!”
A wonderful day out exploring Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves. Guide Liam was exceptional — energetic, knowledgeable and kind, keeping the group on schedule, well-fed and caffeinated throughout the long day, with an ice cream stop near the end. Both Hobbiton and the caves were beautiful, one-of-a-kind places to see. A must-do tour.
“Wonderful day out”
A great experience from start to finish, with pick-up right on time. Our guide Ari was friendly and knowledgeable, navigating early morning traffic to get us to Hobbiton in plenty of time, and shared plenty of Māori and New Zealand history and landmark pointers along the way. Lunch was excellent and the Waitomo Caves were great too. Definitely recommend, even though it's a long day.
“Worth every minute!”
A fantastic tour even without being a big Lord of the Rings fan. The countryside along the way was spectacular, Hobbiton was pure magic in its detail, and the glowworm caves had an almost spiritual atmosphere. Guide Dave made the whole day easy, informative and perfectly run.
“Great experience.”
Guide Ari was fantastic and full of facts. Highly recommend this tour.
“Excellent, not to be missed”
A long, early-starting day that's absolutely worth it — having done this trip once before, they loved it just as much the second time round. Booking with the local agency was smooth and communicative, and driver-guide Cam kept the day running well: friendly, informative and on schedule. Lunch at a small local restaurant was simple but good, with an ice cream stop on the way back.
“Hobbiton & the Waitomo Caves Day Tour”
A brilliant day tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves from start to finish. Guide Sam was wonderful throughout, sharing his knowledge of Auckland and the surrounding sights on the drive. Hobbiton exceeded expectations and the caves were breathtaking, both well worth the early start; the morning coffee break and lunch were also appreciated, rain and all.
“Enjoyed the tour with tour guide and members”
A wonderful experience with a very nice group.
“This tour is exceptional. Both Hobbit-on and the Glowworm…”
Guide Sam from Cheeky Kiwi was excellent — knowledgeable and professional. The Hobbiton Movie Set was magical, and the Glowworm Cave was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Tour is highly recommended!”
Booked somewhat last-minute after other plans fell through, and it turned out to be well worth the price. The group of 16 was a good size, and guide Liam was full of stories and facts about Auckland and New Zealand, happy to answer any questions. Hobbiton was beautiful and well-guided, lunch portions were good, and the Waitomo Caves — not originally on the itinerary — turned out to be a highlight too, with an ice cream stop on the way back.
“Magical Day!”
An excellent day with a perfectly sized group. Visiting Hobbiton and Waitomo were two of the best things they've ever done, and guide Ari was superb.
“We went on an adventure”
Fantastic from the early morning start to the evening return. Guide Liam shared plenty of knowledge on the drive, with a coffee-and-pie stop along the way. Hobbiton was brilliant, lunch was generous, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves that followed were also excellent, finished off with an ice cream stop on the way home.
“Amazing day!!”
Amazing from start to finish. Guide Timmy was wonderful, and there was even a stop for ice cream on the way back to the city. Highly recommended.
“Excellent guided tour to Hobit movie set”
The driver was great, sharing detailed information along the way, including New Zealand history and the significance of various landmarks.
“Safe n worth travel mode for solo traveller .”
A great first solo-travel experience with Cheeky Kiwi — good value, well-timed and felt safe throughout, with guide Matt following up on every detail and keeping things running on schedule. The Hobbiton movie set tour was detailed and fun, including a walk inside a hobbit house and a refreshment at the Green Dragon Inn. At the Waitomo Caves they learned about the glowworms and took a boat ride to see them, which was fascinating.
“Best Auckland Tour Guide”
Guide Ari was amazing, showing them around beautiful New Zealand, making them feel welcome and sharing insight into the culture. Despite the long day, she made the time fly by.
“Perfect intro to New Zealand and Middle Earth!”
Guide Timmy gave them an excellent introduction to their New Zealand trip through Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves — a great mix of information and humour, with an extra stop added to try some local specialties. The company was great to deal with and the day went off without a hitch. Highly recommended.
“A Day to Remember!”
A full-day tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves that was a real highlight of their New Zealand trip. Hobbiton charmed them with its rolling green hills and attention to detail, even without having seen the films, while the glowworm caves offered a completely different kind of magic drifting through the illuminated darkness. Guide Jeoff made the day feel effortless, organised and engaging, sharing his knowledge of New Zealand with wit and humour throughout.
“Exceptional travel experience”
Guide Jeoff was knowledgeable with a great personality, always happy to answer questions.
“excellent tour guide, great experience”
Guide Ari was excellent throughout, for a great overall experience.
“JEOFF- thank you. 10 stars +”
Guide Jeoff, nicknamed Yoda, was incredible and really elevated the experience — thoughtful, knowledgeable, intelligent and funny.
“The tour was great the activities were fun loved hobbiton…”
Guide Clarke was great — friendly and full of good information that added real depth to understanding the area's history.
“Excellent!”
Guide Grant was fantastic. The tours through Cheeky Kiwi are well organised with friendly guides who explain what to expect before arriving at each stop — highly recommended.
“Great tour, Kim is awesome”
A wonderful time visiting Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves with guide and driver Kim, who was pleasant and professional handling some extra needs within the group, as well as friendly, funny and clear with directions.
“The ring of delight”
A great experience, enjoyed every minute. The guide was nice, patient, helpful and also a great driver.
“Brilliant!”
A great trip overall. Driver-guide Kim was fun, informative and friendly, while at Hobbiton, guide Flavian was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The Waitomo Caves were magical too, guided by a member of the Maori family who originally found them — an excellent day all round.
“Hassle free way to see New Zealand special sites.”
A great way to see two special New Zealand sights without the hassle of renting a car. Driver Kim was great, and lunch was very good.
“Amazing”
A wonderful tour and a good choice booking with Cheeky Kiwi. The van was comfortable, and driver Rich was punctual, friendly and safety-conscious on the long drive there and back. Hobbiton was spectacular, lunch (included) was delicious, and the Waitomo Caves were also well worth it — pricey, but worth every penny.
“Highly recommend this tour”
Highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi. Pick-up was on time and the driver-guide was professional, nice and helpful, with a well-paced schedule that included washroom and snack breaks. Lunch was good, and both the Hobbiton and cave portions of the tour were enjoyable — a very satisfying day.
“like a Hobit”
A great tour that felt like stepping into the movie. Guide Simon was kind and professional throughout.
“Hobbiton and glow worms”
Loved the Hobbiton experience — a must for any Hobbit or Lord of the Rings fan visiting New Zealand. The glowworm caves were also quite interesting.
“Got to visit if in Aukland”
A great, fun trip, highly recommended. Guide Matt was knowledgeable, friendly and courteous, making everyone feel welcome for an amazing overall experience.
“Amazing!!!”
An awesome experience — the guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. Fully recommend Cheeky Kiwi for a spectacular adventure.
“A delight from beginning to end!”
Hobbiton was magical and the glowworm caves were a one-of-a-kind experience. Tour manager/driver Vickie was on top of everything, communicating ahead of time to make sure all was in order, with perfect timing throughout the day.
“A fabulous experience at Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glow Worm…”
An excellent tour. Driver Mark took great care of the group, keeping everyone on schedule and fuelled with snacks and water, plus door-to-door pickup and drop-off. At Hobbiton, guide Noelle was wonderful and knowledgeable about both the films and the set itself, while at the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, guide Danny kept things entertaining and informative — the glowworm display was spectacular. Would definitely book with Cheeky Kiwi Travels again.
“Absolutely magical!!”
A truly magical, mesmerising experience — the level of detail in each hobbit hole was amazing. A one-of-a-kind day.
“An Unforgettable Blend of Movie Magic and Culture”
A fantastic day at Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves. Beyond the scenery, the guide stood out for her deep knowledge of Maori history and its connection to the land, giving the day real cultural depth alongside the sightseeing. Hobbiton was beautifully detailed and the glowworm caves felt otherworldly — a tour that balances fun with genuine education.
“Must see!!”
Guide Jayme was awesome, sharing plenty of knowledge, with the tour running smoothly and on time. She even came back afterwards to return an umbrella left behind — a lovely excursion all round.
“Simply WOW”
Would have rated 5/5 if the tour had been offered in French — otherwise everything was perfect: the guide, punctuality, the two sites visited and the meal.
“Amazing!”
Loved the whole experience. Guide Jenny was friendly and excellent, the van was comfortable, and the lunch and snacks were great too.
“Amazing tour!”
An amazing experience overall. The driver shared great local history along the way and drove safely. The Hobbiton tour exceeded expectations with all the set-building detail, though the glowworm tour felt a bit slow-paced despite the caves themselves being very impressive. Would still highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
“Awesome tour guide”
Highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi — the guide was friendly and accommodating, and Hobbiton was amazing. Worth doing even without being a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan; even a non-fan in the group enjoyed it.
“Hobbiton/Caves”
A great tour with guide Vicky. Loved both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, plus a delicious lunch at the Thirsty Weka — highly recommend.
“Thank you, Cheeky Kiwi Travel!!!”
Booked a private tour of the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton for a group of 8, meeting guide Jeoff straight off a cruise ship. He showed them around Auckland before heading to Waitomo, fitting in a quick bite before an interesting cave tour, then on to Hobbiton, which they also enjoyed. Jeoff kept up commentary throughout and got them back to the ship in time for their final meal — Cheeky Kiwi were also efficient and responsive by email.
“Greatful”
Guide Nelson impressed with a constant stream of interesting facts while also getting to know everyone in the group by name. Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were beautiful and well worth visiting, though lunch could have been a bit better — overall, very grateful for the guide's professionalism.
“Great! Ready to tour with Matt and Cheeky again!”
Driver-guide Matt was outstanding — knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, including assisting with mobility on and off the van, while keeping the group unhurried and on schedule.
“Hobbiton & Waitomo”
A super fun day — both the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton are great, especially for Lord of the Rings fans. The bus was comfortable and the guide was nice.
“Great tour with a knowledgeable and passionate guide”
The guide's passion for the job really came through, with detailed explanations throughout and thoughtful, attentive service that made for a relaxing, enjoyable trip.
“Great trip”
A great, smooth tour with guide Vicky. Definitely recommend Cheeky Kiwi and looking forward to other tours already booked with them.
“If you're able to, book it and go, a great day out.”
Driver Matt was engaging, prompt and friendly, with convenient pickup close to the hotel. The Hobbiton portion was the highlight of the day even with heavy rain, and the glowworm cave, while a shorter stop, was well run by a knowledgeable team — beautiful caves, though no photos allowed.
“Amazing experience with Cheeky Kiwi - Thumbs up to Cam :)”
An amazing time on the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour. Guide Cam was punctual, organised and informative, making the day easy and entertaining, with a coffee stop, a detour to the Arapuni swing bridge, a generous included lunch, and an ice cream stop at Pokeno before heading back to Auckland.
“Amazing! Waited half a lifetime to get here and it exceeded…”
Guide Dave smashed it — both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves exceeded long-held expectations. He also fit in a stop at Kiwi House on the way back, complete with tuatara and kiwi birds. A super personable, friendly guide full of good advice — best tour yet.
“Must do!!”
Guide Cam was the best. Both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves were incredible, finished off with delicious ice cream — a great day.
“Very interactive and well guided”
A very immersive, interactive tour with entertaining guides who knew their subjects well. The caves were beautiful and well maintained.
“Engaged at Hobbiton”
Guide Dave even helped with a surprise engagement at Hobbiton. The tour was fun, engaging and well-paced, and Dave had great recommendations for ice cream, chocolate and restaurants in Auckland — highly recommended.
“Overall experience (Driver, food, comfort and time)”
A perfect day out with driver Alejandro, who was knowledgeable and kept the group engaged throughout, plus offered tips on making the most of the Shire. There were snacks and water from the start, a coffee break, a good lunch, more snacks on board, and an ice cream stop at Pokeno. Nothing felt rushed and everything ran to schedule — a very comfortable, delightful tour, highly recommended.
“Great tour and great guide”
A great tour — both Hobbiton and the glowworm cave were amazing. Lunch was included with a budget to choose their own meal, and guide Grant was knowledgeable and helpful, kicking things off with fun introductions and a snack, and offering good recommendations for things to do and eat in Auckland, right down to a favourite ice cream flavour.
This reviewer did the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour with guides Liam and Richard, praising the great locations, amazing guides, and how well organized everything was.
“Metallica Week and the Hobbiton and Glow Worm Tour, thanks…”
A great tour of the Glow Worm Caves and Hobbiton with guide Cheeky Michael, who was professional, drove well and was very entertaining throughout. The caves were pretty cool, and the highlight was around 2.5 hours exploring the Hobbiton set, with a free drink at the Green Dragon Inn and lunch included. The drive back to Auckland took a little longer due to Friday traffic but still made it back in good time — a well-run, enjoyable day with snacks, water and power outlets on the van.
“Bucket List Adventure”
Guide Matt was amazing. A big day but well worth it — Hobbiton is incredible and the Waitomo Caves are also a must-see.
“Great tour!!!”
The glow worm caves were fantastic, and Hobbiton lived up to the hype even for someone who hasn’t seen the movies. The farmland surrounding the set is stunning in its own right. Their guide was friendly and made great use of the time available.
“Hobbiton and waitomo caves”
An incredible experience from start to finish — well organised, informative and genuinely enjoyable, with plenty of time to explore, take photos and soak in each stop without feeling rushed.
“MAGICAL TRIP OF THE YEAR”
Guide Dave was great and full of cheer throughout the day. The Waitomo Caves were insanely beautiful and the Hobbiton Movie Set tour was pure fun, with an added stop at a swing bridge and an ice cream shop.
“An excellent way to see and learn more about New Zealand in…”
Booking this tour was the first thing on the to-do list after planning the trip, and Cheeky Kiwi Travel exceeded expectations. The drive was comfortable with plenty learned about the country and the sites visited, comfort stops on each leg, and an outstanding lunch stop. Would consider them again for future tours in the area.
“worth every penny and more”
Very comfortable throughout, with refreshments and snacks provided on the long drive. The driver was knowledgeable and friendly — a great tour for Lord of the Rings fans.
“Fantastic tour!”
Guide Matt was amazing and very knowledgeable about New Zealand history, adding real depth to the day. Hobbiton was fun, with a ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn and a great lunch stop, followed by the amazing glowworm caves and a stop for local honey on the way back — a fantastic day, highly recommended.
“10/10 would recommend”
Guide David was upbeat from the early morning pickup, sharing plenty of background on the Auckland area on the way to Hobbiton, and added a stop to see kiwi birds after the glowworm caves. Coffee, bathroom, and ice cream breaks were well timed throughout, making for a smooth, enjoyable day.
“Excellent tour and excellent guide”
A thoroughly excellent tour with Dave as guide — well organized, informative, and nothing they’d change. They’d happily recommend it to friends.
“Hobbiton tour”
A wonderful day tour with knowledgeable guide Simon — lunch was excellent, the glow worms were mind-blowing, and Hobbiton was amazing.
“A fun day!”
Grant was a knowledgeable, entertaining guide who kept everyone laughing while getting the group efficiently between stops. Nice not to have to drive themselves to see Hobbiton and the glow worms — a fun day overall.
“Another fun day with Cheeky Kiwi”
Another fun day with Cheeky Kiwi, visiting the glow worm cave and the Hobbiton movie set — stunning scenery whether or not you’re a fan of the films. Guide Matt made the long drive enjoyable with his deep knowledge of New Zealand and included a nice lunch at the Shire cafe.
“Great Tour Experience Again”
Second time using Cheeky Kiwi Travel and just as good — driver guide Mike was great, and both the Waitomo Glowworm cave and Hobbiton were amazing. Will be booking with them again on a future NZ trip.
“Recommended tour for a weekday”
Good scenery and a careful driver in Alfredo, though lunch could have leaned more into the film theme or local NZ flavor. Guides were enthusiastic and logistics ran smoothly, but the group was larger than expected (14 in the van) and both Hobbiton and Waitomo felt crowded (22-30 people), making it hard to hear the guide and leaving little time for solo photos.
“Trip worth taking”
Guide Alessandro (Ale) was exceptional — a pleasure to listen to for nearly the whole day. The vehicle was comfortable and the drive smooth, rounding out a very enjoyable trip with great insights from the guide.
“Great way to spend a day”
Guides Liam and Richard made for a memorable day — Liam in particular was kind, thoughtful, and full of knowledge. Hobbiton was fascinating and the glow worm cave was nature at its best. Strongly recommended.
“Best tour guide and highly recommended experience”
Guide Grant was excellent — knowledgeable and attentive to the group’s needs. Visiting Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves was a great experience, and the included lunch was very good too. Highly recommended.
“Fantastic!”
A fantastic day out with guide Hanoz — thoroughly enjoyed Hobbiton, the Waitomo caves, and a delicious lunch in Otorohanga.
“Nice day trip”
Guide Ali was professional and attentive from the early 5:55am pickup, making sure meals and bathroom stops were well organized throughout a beautiful day.
“We love the caves both: man-made and natural.”
A well-organized tour that went deep into both a mountain cave and an underground cave, with plenty of laughs and enjoyment along the way.
This reviewer found the glow worm caves and Hobbiton tour incredible, crediting guide Jeff — kind, funny, and informative — for making the day even better. They're glad they chose Cheeky Kiwi and were grateful for Jeff's genuine care throughout.
“Great different experience! Definitely a must in NZ.”
A great, different kind of experience — guide Timmy nailed the timing and delivery throughout, and the treats, water, and food were all excellent.
“Great guide, great time”
An absolutely fantastic day with guide Shelly, who was knowledgeable and a genuine New Zealander — a delight to have as their host. Hobbiton was an incredible experience for a longtime fan, and the glow worm caves were very cool, though that portion felt a bit short.
“N/a”
A wonderful experience beyond expectations, with the weather allowing plenty of time to enjoy the walks and scenery around Hobbiton. Driver Hanse was very professional, sticking to the speed limit and never rushing or cutting through traffic — a perfect 10.
“Must go in Auckland”
An amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience — special mention to guide Cam, who was very friendly and helpful throughout.
“Great day!”
A very fun experience — got to see everything they wanted without the hassle of renting a car, learning to drive on the other side of the road, or worrying about timing.
“Great trip!”
Grant was a fantastic guide, and both the glow worms and Hobbiton were great experiences — a wonderful trip all round.
“The best experience”
A gorgeous location with everything handled smoothly and every detail taken care of. The guide was friendly, easy to talk to, and happy to answer questions — highly recommended.
“Solo Traveller Approved”
Travelling solo for work but wanted to fit in seeing Hobbiton, and this tour delivered — felt welcomed right away, with plenty of stops for snacks and breaks while still keeping good time. It’s a long day but well worth it.
“Great Tour!!!!”
Guide Cam was great — informative, punctual, and friendly. The scenery was spectacular and Hobbiton was amazing on a well-guided tour. Highly recommend to any visitor to NZ.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Day Trip”
Guide Nicky was amazing and kept things informative throughout the journey to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves and back. It’s a long day but well worth it, with a generous included lunch at The Thirsty Weta and a cold beer to go with it — highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
“Our driver/ guide is a great guy!”
Guide Ken was cheerful, communicative, and helpful throughout. When the Waitomo portion of the trip was cancelled due to weather, he made up for it with a stop at Eden mountain and an ice cream suggestion — appreciated the effort to make up for the loss.
“An Amazing Trip with a Wonderful Guide!”
A great trip — guide Chris was patient and friendly throughout, making even guests who didn’t speak English feel his sincerity. The group came from many different countries but got along well, keeping the atmosphere cheerful throughout. Highly recommended.
“cheeky Kiwi, trustworthy tour guide”
Well worth a visit for any Lord of the Rings/Hobbit fan. Guide Chris was welcoming and looked after everyone in the group well, and the Waitomo caves were a nice addition, even though it’s a long journey to get there — the bus was comfortable enough to make it easy.
“Professional”
Their guide Kim was professional and kept everyone informed during the drive, even suggesting good spots to eat and visit around Auckland.
“The best trip”
A brilliant time with Cheeky Kiwi Tours — seamless pickup, fun facts from the driver along the way, and a surprise ice cream stop to finish off the day. Very professional with great service throughout.
“Great tour”
A smoothly run, well-organised day. The driver was knowledgeable and friendly, and the guides at both Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves were excellent throughout.
“Fabulous experience”
Guide Simon was personable and made sure everyone felt included. Hobbiton was amazing and the Waitomo Caves were gorgeous, with some extra countryside scenery along the way making for a great day overall.
“To our Guide Cheeky Chris and Cheeky Kiwi - What a Magic Day!!!!”
This reviewer had an unforgettable experience with guide Chris (‘Cheeky Chris’), who went out of his way to make their birthday special during the full day trip. Picked up before dawn and dropped off in the evening, they said Chris made the whole group feel cared for and connected. The visits to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were memorable thanks to his warmth and genuine enthusiasm. Having travelled widely, they rated Chris among the best guides they've ever had, and said they'd book with Cheeky Kiwi again and request him by name.
“A great tour!”
Guide Hanoz was courteous, informative and drove them through the day without a hitch. Running a little ahead of schedule, he even fit in a bonus stop that wasn't part of the official itinerary. They'd happily use the company and request Hanoz again.
“Amazing tour”
Despite a large group, guide Chris took great care of everyone and shared tips on where to get the best views and photos. Everyone in the group had a great time.
“Recommend and would go again”
They loved the glow worm cave tour and found it fascinating to see the effort that goes into maintaining the Hobbiton set. Overall it felt like a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Amazing tour experience!”
Their guide Cam was fantastic, keeping the group on schedule and offering some great recommendations along the way. They couldn't recommend Cheeky Kiwi highly enough.
“Amazing Sunday adventure.”
A brilliant trip all round — the guides were great, the bus was comfortable, and the reviewer rated the whole day a 10/10, happily recommending Cheeky Kiwi.
“Amazing journey to Hobbiton and Waitomo with Cheeky Kiwi !”
Both activities were great, and guide Jeoff was welcoming and full of interesting facts about the sites and New Zealand's history. They'd recommend booking with Cheeky Kiwi to friends and family visiting NZ.
“Great tour of Hobbiton and Waitomo caves”
They visited Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves with two drivers/guides who were friendly and knowledgeable, in a new, comfortable minivan. A tour they'd highly recommend.
“100/10 would definitely recommend!”
Tour guide Matt was fantastic — interactive with the group and very informative. Well worth doing.
“Nice full day experience!”
The reviewer found Hobbiton the highlight of the day, with the Cheeky Kiwi guides keeping everything running smoothly and looking after the group well. Highly recommended.
This reviewer took the Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave tour with guide Mike, calling it a great tour and Mike an excellent guide they'd recommend.
“A fun unique experience 🤗”
They loved both the Hobbiton and glow worm parts of the day. Guide Matt was efficient with all the logistics — pickup, lunch choices, snack stops and restroom breaks — and took great care of the group.
“A great journey!”
A great day thanks to their guide Michael. They found Hobbiton really interesting and the Waitomo Cave charming.
“A true 10/10 experience!”
Travelling with a friend, they rated every aspect of the trip top notch. Guide and driver Grant's knowledge and passion really made the day, and the guides at both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were excellent too. They've already recommended the tour to other travellers.
“really really enjoy！”
Hobbiton felt like stepping into the world of the films, which the reviewer found genuinely exciting, and the Waitomo Caves were beautiful too. They thanked guide Hannoz for his help throughout and for remembering their name.
“Holiday in Auckland”
A family of four joined the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves day tour and found the whole experience wonderful. Guide Michael kept them on schedule while explaining the history behind each stop, and added a surprise visit to a farm to feed emus and ostriches plus an ice cream break, which the kids loved.
“Tour Guide Ale”
Tour guide Ale was funny and went out of his way to make the day a great one. Definitely recommended.
“Great time with Kiwi”
Guide Mike was excellent. Hobbiton felt especially magical having seen the films, and the Waitomo Caves were a unique experience with plenty of glowworms to see.
“Awesome experience”
Driver Cheekymike was excellent, and Hobbiton impressed with its attention to detail. The glow worm caves were magical too — highly recommended.
“Habib Village & Firehole”
They enjoyed Hobbiton, though felt the visit was a touch short and crowded. At Waitomo, the guide's talk ran around half an hour but the actual glowworm boat ride was only 10-15 minutes — still worthwhile, but they wished it lasted longer.
“Very good experience!”
The guide was attentive and enthusiastic, and the whole group enjoyed the trip. Hobbiton was lovely and the cave was very interesting too.
“Perfect Day”
More than just sightseeing — driver Cheeky Mike kept the whole group entertained throughout. They felt it was well worth the money and especially educational during the glow worm cave visit.
“Into my dream day”
A cherished day trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, with everything running smoothly. Guide Liam's enthusiastic, insightful commentary kept things lively throughout, making it a genuinely memorable experience.
“Cheeky wiki travel Habib Village + Fireflies”
Driver Michael was friendly and attentive, and the schedule ran smoothly. Part of Hobbiton was under repair, which the company made up for with a complimentary drink. The glowworms at the cave don't fly or flash like fireflies back home in Taiwan, but there were plenty of them, which the reviewer found fascinating to learn about.
“.”
A wonderful day overall — both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves were amazing. Guide Mark kept everyone entertained with his knowledge of New Zealand and lively interaction on the bus.
“Amazing tour and guide!!!”
Guide Matt was kind and friendly, explaining everything clearly and always keeping the group informed about where they were headed. They'd definitely recommend Cheeky Kiwi, and enjoyed the included lunch at the native coffee bar.
“Get ready to take a lot of pictures and a beautiful…”
As a solo traveller, they found the driver especially comforting and caring throughout the day. A 10/10 experience they'd definitely recommend.
“What a great day!”
A fantastic day led by guide Mark, who was knowledgeable and good fun. They were picked up on time, and the included lunch and snacks were a nice surprise, as was the coffee stop before Hobbiton. Hobbiton itself was a hit with the whole family, and while the Waitomo Caves visit felt a little quick, it was still interesting and well worth the add-on. Overall a day they'd recommend.
“Great amazing experience but avoid when raining”
Seeing the Hobbiton set was amazing, and getting inside one of the hobbit houses was the highlight. The cave visit was a cool, quiet experience too, though the non-stop rain made the day a bit uncomfortable. Driver Simon was excellent and shared plenty of history along the way.
“Wonderful journey”
They were given plenty of time at each attraction, and the guide was thorough with the information provided. He also helped arrange the Chinese-language tour option at Hobbiton and kept everyone supplied with free bottled water along the way.
“A Seamless Tour with a Personal Touch”
Guide Simon added a real personal touch to a well-planned day, pointing out some amazing views along the way. His passion and knowledge were much appreciated — highly recommended.
A great day with Simon as their guide — amazing and knowledgeable, sharing plenty of interesting information during the drive. Breakfast was followed by Hobbiton, which was their favourite part of the day, then lunch and a visit to the glowworm caves, which they also enjoyed.
“Fun time!”
The hobbit holes lived up to expectations and the glow worms didn't disappoint. They even spotted a moa enjoying some cassava chips along the way. Guide Grant was passionate throughout, making for a great overall experience.
“Good trip with significant view”
The views along the way were amazing, and their driver Mark was an interesting, funny guy who shared plenty of knowledge about New Zealand with the group.
“Highly recommend this tour, hassle free and check's all the…”
Guide Jeff came across as a real ambassador for the country, with deep knowledge of New Zealand and a safe, comfortable driving style. They found the whole experience fulfilling and hassle-free.
“Don't miss this experience”
A thoroughly enjoyable day — Hobbiton now includes an indoor section that impressed them, and the caves were unlike anything they'd seen before. The guides were friendly, helpful and even accommodated a special request to pass through Cambridge. Well worth the money.
This day tour of Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave was timely and well organized, with guide Grant taking good care of the group's needs for water, snacks, and toilet breaks while sharing plenty of detail on the sights and history along the way. Due to recent rain raising the water level, the boat ride through the caves wasn't possible on this occasion, but the group was still guided in to see the glowworms from within the cave, which the reviewer still found quite interesting. Overall a delightful, enjoyable trip thanks to a lovely guide.
“Fun day out. Beautiful landscape and memories made.”
A great day with Simon as their driver, with everything running to plan and plenty of breaks along scenic routes. The Hobbiton set was charming, and guide Andrew made the visit memorable. The glow worm caves were a short but unique experience, with guide Tumi adding some fun with his humour. They'd book with Cheeky Kiwi again.
“Absolutely lovely tour”
A lovely trip with a small group of just five, including their guide, who took great care of everyone and shared plenty about New Zealand and the places passed along the way. He gave helpful tips about what to expect at each stop, making for a great day overall.
“Experience Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves with ease and comfort”
Their guide was experienced and generous with information, and thoughtful about comfort stops, water and snacks along the way. Transport ran on time throughout.
“Rain or shine thee tours are amazing and makes you see…”
They toured on a day of terrible weather, and while Hobbiton was cold and wet even with umbrellas provided, they still loved the movie set and their guide's enthusiasm, including getting hands-on inside one of the hobbit houses. The cave, with its thousands of glowworms, was amazing too, and despite the rain they were glad they went ahead rather than staying at the hotel. Driver Michael was described as relaxed and lovely to spend the day with.
“Great day in NZ!”
Guide Grant was great, sharing plenty of facts throughout the journey and even helping them get the best seats on the Hobbiton bus for the spectacular farm views.
“Well deserved trip”
A really enjoyable trip, with thanks to their guide Cheeky Mike. On their first visit to Auckland, the tour added a nice bit of colour to an otherwise business-focused visit, with some good bonus stops along the way.
“Great Leasure Experience”
Pickup was punctual, and guide Grant delivered excellent service — informative, friendly and helpful throughout. They found both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Cave well worth visiting, with beautiful scenery and a magnificent cave, and praised how well the company organised the whole trip.
“Packed day of Aukland, Hobbiton and Glowworm Cave”
Guide Mark was excellent, running the day flawlessly on time with some interesting stops along the way, including feeding an emu and an ostrich at a farm they passed. He also provided commentary on points of interest and New Zealand's history throughout — a great day.
“Great attractions and excellent guide.”
The day ran to schedule with good breaks, and water and snacks were provided throughout. Guide Grant was knowledgeable and patient, sharing plenty of interesting information while also giving everyone time to rest on the bus.
“Great Experience with Grant and Cheeky Kiwi”
They visited Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves with guide Grant, calling it an absolutely perfect experience. Grant's knowledge meant they learned a lot about the area and New Zealand generally, and the whole day ran smoothly — an unforgettable trip.
“Great experience in Auckland day tour to Hobbiton and…”
A five-out-of-five experience, with great communication from Cheeky Kiwi even though they booked the day tour last minute after arriving in Auckland. Guide Grant was knowledgeable, professional and full of good energy — an awesome day overall.
“Memorable tour to Waitamo caves and Hobbiton movie set.”
A fantastic day visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Caves, which they found well organised, comfortable and full of great insights. Guide Grant's friendliness, knowledge and humour made the day even better, and they'd highly recommend it for a memorable New Zealand adventure.
“A Must-Do While in Auckland!”
A must-do while in Auckland, with the whole experience feeling seamless, prompt and friendly from start to finish. Guide Dave was phenomenal, sharing fascinating insights about Auckland, Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, and his passion and knowledge made for an unforgettable, near-perfect day.
“Memorable and our best tour experience.”
Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were magical, and Cheeky Kiwi Tours provided outstanding service throughout. Their guide was authentic and caring, with impressively honest local knowledge.
“Great day trip from Auckland”
Their guide and driver were skilled and personable, and the small group made it easy to be as social or as quiet as they liked. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves felt well worth a full day out.
“Best day in Auckland”
An outstanding day with guide Michael, who was witty and happy to answer every question. They found Hobbiton a must-see, and combining it with the Waitomo Caves worked really well — having seen caves elsewhere in the world, they said nothing compared to the glowworms, especially the illuminated ceiling seen from the boat. They praised the professionalism of the tour overall.
“Great tour guide= Great experience!”
They saw both Hobbiton and the Waitomo glowworms on this tour, with guide Simon going above and beyond to make it an excellent experience — friendly and knowledgeable throughout.
“Family Fun at Hobbiton and Waitomo”
Having already enjoyed Cheeky Kiwi's hospitality on a previous Milford Sound trip, they had similarly high expectations for this one, and weren't disappointed. Guide Michael was very accommodating of their nearly three-year-old, even playing children's songs on the way back and never rushing the group. The day ran to plan and felt like great value, and they'd recommend it for families with young children.
“100% recommend”
Driver and guide Liam was knowledgeable, friendly and flexible, and particularly patient with their five-year-old. His honest opinions and good time management helped them get the most out of the day. The glow worms were a real treat, and the walk to see them wasn't too difficult.
“Great!!”
A jam-packed day with guide Grant, who was great throughout. Both Hobbiton and the cave were excellent, and they were lucky with good weather and no hitches.
“Amazing joruney”
The views were amazing, especially at the Waitomo glowworm cave. Their guide was attentive and caring, making for a lovely day with Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
“Hobbiton Set and Glow Worm tour”
Simon picked them up early with breakfast bars and water on hand, and shared plenty of New Zealand history along the way, staying pleasant and accommodating to everyone on the bus. Their visit to the Hobbiton set and the glowworm caves was fabulous, and they'd happily book with Cheeky Kiwi again, hopefully with Simon as guide.
“Wonderful Hobitton Tour”
Their guide's driving was great and friendly throughout. Travelling solo among families and couples, they appreciated being treated no differently, and were grateful the driver went out of his way to drop them at their hostel even though it wasn't an official pickup point. A fun, safe trip — thanks to guide Matt.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo”
They loved the experience, with guide Michael being funny, knowledgeable and going out of his way to make sure everyone had a good time. Seeing the attractions as part of a group added to the day, and they came away having learned a lot about New Zealand.
“LOTR/ Hobbit experience”
An excellent experience overall — their Cheeky Kiwi guide was wonderful, knowledgeable and clearly loved the job. The guide at Hobbiton itself was also very good, a German guide they thought was named Alice.
“Will come back again”
Matt, our driver and guide, was friendly, considerate and thoroughly professional throughout the day. Would happily recommend this tour to others.
“Best.”
A Korean traveller who was nervous about the language barrier said the guide and driver were warm and patient throughout, taking care of the group like family. Despite rain, they enjoyed the Hobbiton set and were amazed by the glowworms in the cave, comparing the lights to fireworks. A memorable, immersive experience they'd recommend.
“Great experience all around”
Both Hobbiton and Waitomo lived up to expectations, and the reviewer says Hobbiton is worthwhile even for non-LOTR fans. Guide Brendan was great, and Cheeky Kiwi runs a quality tour overall.
“Amazing views and experience”
A fantastic full-day tour with guide Michael, who was great at snapping photos for the group. Both the glowworm caves and the Hobbiton movie set impressed.
“Excellent day with great tour company!”
Cheeky Kiwi ran a smooth, well-organized day with punctual pickup and clear communication throughout. Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves were both excellent, and the tour director added extra stops to break up the long drive, kept things fun, and supplied water, snacks and regular bathroom breaks. The reviewer travelled solo and still made friends along the way — highly recommended.
“Amazing and very convenient”
Hobbiton was magical and the glowworm caves were stunning — both exceeded expectations. The guide (possibly named Chad) was welcoming, informative and did a great job.
“Exceptional Service & Kindness”
The reviewer had a memorable experience with guide Alexander, praising the tour as insightful and well-organized. Alexander went out of his way after the trip to track down and return an item the reviewer had left behind, which they found genuinely touching and a sign of real care for guests.
“Fabulous!”
A fabulous trip led by guide Liam, who shared plenty of historical and background information along the way. The comfortable bus and small group size made it feel personal, and the reviewer plans to book with Cheeky Kiwi again.
“Excellent”
Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves were both magical in their own distinct ways, and everything was well prepared for an enjoyable, comfortable day out.
“Hobbiton and glow worm cave trip”
A solid trip overall — the driver was informative and explained things well, drove safely, and pickup/drop-off were punctual and hassle-free.
“Interesting day trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves”
Grant was an experienced, knowledgeable guide and driver who connected well with the group and looked after everyone. Clearly a professional who takes pride in his work.
“Worth every penny”
Guides Ale and James were fantastic — entertaining company who made every part of the trip enjoyable.
“Don't miss out on this opportunity!”
The weather wasn't great on the day, but it didn't spoil the trip. The guide and driver spoke slowly and clearly, which the reviewer appreciated.
“The best”
Guide Alessandro was excellent, and the reviewer loved seeing both the Shire and the glowworms. A great tour with a great group.
“Fantastic guided tour service”
Both stops were great, and finishing a bit early at each left extra time to browse the gift shops. Guide Dave was fantastic, sharing plenty of interesting facts during the drives between sites.
“Hobbits, Glowworms, and Alessandro: The Ray of Sunshine We…”
An unforgettable combination of the two sites — Hobbiton felt like stepping into a fairytale with its detailed hobbit holes, while the boat ride under the glowworms at Waitomo offered a completely different kind of magic. Guide Alessandro was warm and charismatic, sharing engaging facts without overdoing it and even setting a great soundtrack for the journey.
“Great 2-in-1 activity for a short trip in Auckland”
A perfect 2-in-1 activity for a short Auckland stay, combining two must-see attractions. Guide Alessandro was extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand and added extra insights beyond what the on-site guides at Hobbiton and Waitomo provided.
“Must Do”
A great double-header of Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves with a small group led by guide Nicky, who was funny, knowledgeable and kept everyone on schedule. Hobbiton turned out far less kitschy than expected, with a good stop for beer at the Green Dragon Inn and plenty of time to browse the gift shop. The Waitomo cave tour featured a professional, entertaining Maori guide and a silent boat ride beneath the glowworms (no photos allowed). The early pickup and fixed schedule are the trade-off for letting someone else handle the driving — well worth it for seeing both sites in one day.
“Our favorite excursion”
Hobbiton exceeded expectations with its attention to detail, from the gardens to a walk-through hobbit hole and a drink at the Green Dragon. It made for a long, action-packed day (over 12 hours), guided expertly by Graham, and was the highlight of a three-week trip. The glowworm caves were a fun bonus on top of an already worthwhile visit.
“Pick this!”
Both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves were fascinating, with guide Alfredo keeping things informative and funny throughout.
“Highly recommended”
A great day with friendly, professional guides throughout. It's a long twelve-hour day, but totally worth it.
“Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves - wonderful time with Liam”
A wonderful, educational and entertaining day at Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves. Guide Liam shared plenty of historical and cultural background, was patient in answering questions, and kept a can-do attitude throughout.
“Our tour guide squeezed in many extras to the scheduled…”
The van ran a bit late picking up (some guests were at the wrong spot), but driver/guide David made up the time on the drive to Hobbiton. He kept a group of fifteen on schedule while still fitting in extra stops for food and sightseeing, and shared plenty of knowledge on New Zealand and Maori culture along the way, plus tips for things the on-site Hobbiton guides didn't mention. The reviewer found Hobbiton fascinating even beyond its Lord of the Rings fame, though felt Waitomo Caves, while interesting, wasn't quite a must-see on its own — still, credit to David for making the long day engaging throughout.
“It might be Cheeky, but it's the Best!”
As first-time visitors to Auckland, the reviewers found both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves exceeded expectations. Guides Cheeky Mike and Aled were great hosts with a dry sense of humor, accommodated a custom pickup/drop-off, and got the group to Hobbiton by 9am to beat the crowds. They were mindful of the long drive with extra rest stops, good restaurant recommendations, and plenty of snacks and water — an all-round great experience the reviewers highly recommend.
“Lovely Day”
A lovely day overall, with the Waitomo glowworm caves being the highlight. Hobbiton was well organized but felt a bit rushed and busy, with limited time to explore.
“Wonderful Trip!”
A great day thanks to driver Paul, who gave clear directions and shared plenty of New Zealand history. The bus was clean and comfortable, and the reviewer felt well looked after — happy to recommend Cheeky Kiwi to friends and family.
“Cannot recommend enough”
An awesome tour with host/guide Jeff sharing relevant trivia in an engaging way. Everything ran smoothly on schedule, and the reviewer will be recommending Cheeky Kiwi to friends and family.
“Don't Miss It!”
An excellent tour with a great driver-guide, plus outstanding on-site guides at both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves. Well organized from start to finish.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Tour.”
A day well spent — Hobbiton was entertaining and the Waitomo caves turned out more interesting than expected. It's a long day, but worth setting aside the time for. Driver/guide Cheeky Michael was excellent.
“A fascinating and fulfilling experience!”
Both sites were incredible and shouldn't be missed on a New Zealand visit — pricey, perhaps, but worth every bit. Cheeky Kiwi Travel's driver/guide Dave was fabulous, taking great care of the group and helping them get the most out of the experience despite it being a long day.
“100/10 would recommend”
An amazing tour with guide Matt, who was knowledgeable and fun. A great time overall and well worth the price.
“We had a great time”
Driver Dave was fabulous and kept everyone clear on the timing for Hobbiton and the caves. The reviewer enjoyed the snacks provided (chips similar to prawn crackers) and suggests booking directly with Cheeky Kiwi rather than through Booking.com, since arranging pickup through a third party was difficult.
“Hobbiton Tour Surpassed Expectations”
A great experience with driver/guide Grant, who was informative, lighthearted and safe on the road. The Hobbiton tour involved a fair bit of walking (just over two miles) but was worth it for the chance to go inside some of the hobbit homes, with an enthusiastic on-site guide, James. The glowworm cave tour was unique, though the low light means you need to watch your step.
“Definitely book this tour and book early.”
Simon was great fun and an excellent guide, making for a wonderful day. One practical tip: bookings are charged in New Zealand dollars, so make sure your card doesn't carry foreign transaction fees.
“Varied experience”
A great trip with a good variety of stops — Hobbiton was interesting even beyond die-hard fans, and the glowworm cave was unforgettable, if a bit better remembered than photographed since cameras aren't allowed. The guide was friendly and entertaining throughout.
“Awesome!”
Mark was an engaging guide who made the tour a pleasure. Both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves were fantastic.
“Day trip in Auckland”
A strongly recommended trip with excellent guide Michael. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves are must-sees, with the glowworms in the dark cave being a particular highlight.
“Highly recommend this tour!!”
A dream come true for the reviewer, who had wanted to visit Hobbiton since childhood. The tour guide exceeded expectations, taking great care of the group with water and treats along the way — a really great time, highly recommended.
“Amazing time in NZ”
Plenty of photo opportunities with friends — the reviewer notes you don't need to have seen Lord of the Rings to enjoy Hobbiton.
“A beautiful sunny day...”
A genuinely lovely day thanks to a guide full of tips and information, and a well-run itinerary. It does involve a fair bit of road time, but there are plenty of stops along the way for drinks, ice cream, and other treats.
“Grant is awesome!”
Grant was a fantastic guide with an extraordinary depth of knowledge, keeping the commentary interesting, upbeat and funny throughout. The reviewers call him the best tour guide they've had and got everywhere smoothly.
“Alfredo was fantastic”
Guide Alfredo was superb — engaging, friendly, and full of history and information about Auckland during the drive.
“A wonderful experience”
A wonderful day with a very informative driver, Grant. The Hobbiton visit was well worth it, and although the cave portion was shorter than expected, it's still recommended — a good way to see two well-regarded New Zealand attractions in one trip.
“Great tour all around”
Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves are must-sees near Auckland, and this small-group tour made for a pleasant day despite the long drive. Driver/guide Cheeky Mike was friendly and knowledgeable, with several coffee and lunch breaks — including a well-loved ice cream stop on the way back.
“Great Tour Package and Tour Guide”
The guide gave great explanations throughout and was super friendly, making for a really good overall experience. The reviewer says it's a tour worth doing and hopes to catch up with the guide again someday.
“Super fun and informative!”
The Hobbiton portion was great fun, with guides knowledgeable about the set and the movie's production. The caves tour was equally impressive, with guides well-versed in the caves' history — the reviewer came away having learned a lot and thoroughly impressed by the glowworms.
“Great day with Alessandro”
Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves were great as expected, but the real highlight was guide/driver Alessandro — entertaining, knowledgeable and clearly passionate about New Zealand, which added a lot compared to self-driving. He also picked out the best cafe and ice cream stops along the way.
“This is a great tour!”
A wonderful trip with guide Jeff sharing plenty of knowledge about New Zealand and the surrounding areas. Hobbiton is a must for Lord of the Rings fans but still charming and fun even without that context, and the glowworm cave offers something you won't find anywhere else. The reviewer felt Cheeky Kiwi clearly put care into designing the day.
“Best way to see Hobbiton and glowworm caves from Auckland”
It's a long day (nearly seven hours in the van, and the back seats can get bumpy), but this is genuinely the best way to see Hobbiton and the glowworm caves together. There's time for a relaxed lunch and an ice cream stop on the way home, and the reviewer would happily do it again.
“The Perfect Day Trip from Auckland”
A great way to pack a lot into one day, with guide Brendan being friendly and knowledgeable throughout. Both stops were worthwhile, and water, snacks and regular bathroom breaks were all provided — highly recommended.
“Epic tour moment”
A wonderful day with easy, well-organized hotel pickups. There were plenty of stops for food, bathroom breaks and fun extras like emu feeding, and guide Brendan was funny and full of good advice — an experience the reviewer would happily recommend.
“Great service.”
Communication before the trip was great and pickup was prompt. Guide Grant was lovely and very informative, and the reviewer says Hobbiton is a must-see even for non-Lord of the Rings fans.
“Great excursion”
Guide Alessandro shared plenty of history about New Zealand and Auckland, making for a highly recommended tour. Worth noting the glowworm cave involves stairs that could be tricky for those with mobility issues, but the Hobbiton set was a pleasant surprise on top of an otherwise comfortable, if long, day.
“A must do experience with cheeky kiwi travel!”
A must-see tour — both locations were beautiful with helpful staff throughout. Guide David was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating, going out of his way to make sure the group enjoyed themselves. Highly recommended.
“Awesome”
A very good way to explore New Zealand — the tour was well organized and ran smoothly, with a considerate, detail-oriented guide.
“Dave’s Hobbiton/Glow worm tour”
Dave made the trip really enjoyable with fun facts and high energy, going the extra mile to keep the group taken care of and the day stress-free. The reviewer plans to request him again on a future visit to Auckland.
“A brilliant day, highly recommend!”
Hobbiton exceeded expectations — beautifully detailed and professionally run without feeling overly commercial. The guide was lovely despite the rain (umbrellas were provided), and there was a complimentary stout at the Green Dragon. Driver Grant was warm and efficient, and the Waitomo glowworm caves were equally impressive, floating through the dark beneath the glowing lights. Highly recommended, though it's a long day with a fair amount of walking and stairs, and one reviewer found the van's seatbelt latch uncomfortable.
This reviewer found the Hobbiton and Waitomo tour with guide Malcolm great — he was very knowledgeable and shared heaps of interesting facts.
“Super perfect day trip”
A genuinely fun day all around, with guide John getting high praise as one of the best the reviewer has had. Plenty of laughter throughout, and a strong recommendation for Cheeky Kiwi.
“Hobbiton & Waitomo Cave Tour”
A great trip with good weather — both Hobbiton and the glowworm cave were fascinating. The driver, John, was funny and knowledgeable about the landscape and towns passed along the way, and the on-site guides at both locations were similarly entertaining and informative.
“I enjoyed it.”
Driver Michael shared plenty of stories along the way that added context you wouldn't get travelling solo. The Hobbiton set was enjoyed in good weather with time for photos and behind-the-scenes stories, and in the cave the guide sang a Maori song that added to the atmosphere. The vehicle felt a bit cramped, but the reviewer — travelling alone — still had a great time.
“Great Hobbit tour”
A very cool day with guide Anne, who was great. The hobbit houses and glowworm cave were highlights, plus a fun extra stop to feed an ostrich and grab ice cream.
“Hobbiton and the Caves”
An excellent trip with a knowledgeable, well-liked guide. The visit covered Hobbiton and the caves, with several refreshment stops to break up the long journey.
“Hobbiton is Incredible”
A must-do while in New Zealand. The Cheeky Kiwi tour was fantastic from start to finish — Hobbiton felt like a dream come true, and the Waitomo glowworm caves were beautiful and fascinating.
“Very good experience, learning some interesting information…”
Made it easy to meet new people on the trip. The guide was friendly and welcoming, and the New Zealand scenery along the way was beautiful.
“A magical excursion!”
Our guide Mat looked after us wonderfully all day. The family had a lovely time visiting fairy-tale spots like Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves — a great way to start the new year.
“Epic journey to Hobbiton & Waitomo”
Don, our driver, was fantastic — hospitable, knowledgeable and great company for the whole day. Hobbiton was incredible and a must-visit, and Waitomo turned out to be a genuinely unique experience inside those caves. Highly recommend to anyone visiting.
“Great trip for the whole family!”
The bus driver kept a nice atmosphere going all day. The caves were magical, and the whole family came away very happy.
“Day Trip from Auckland with Dave”
Dave was a fun, enthusiastic guide on the trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo who clearly cared about the group having a good time. He adjusted the day to suit everyone's interests, with stops like a suspension bridge and ice cream, and had a good instinct for when to share stories and when to let the group rest. He also passed along plenty of restaurant tips for Auckland — a genuinely likeable, well-rounded guide.
“Great visit to Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves”
Pickup was on time, and our guide/driver Alessandro was fun, knowledgeable and drove safely, sharing great stories along the way. Hobbiton was well organised and never felt crowded despite the high season — the behind-the-scenes stories were a highlight, and the newly opened furnished hobbit holes were a real treat to explore. The Waitomo Caves were equally well run, though photos weren't allowed inside. The drive back to Auckland was smooth, and we'd happily visit Hobbiton again.
“A enjoyable day.”
The day's itinerary was very fulfilling and the guide managed the schedule really well — a productive, enjoyable day all round.
“Amazing Hobbit experience”
The highlight of our Auckland holiday. Well organised, well structured and worth every penny — an absolute must while in New Zealand.
“Wonderful Day with the Best Guide - Joseph!”
A wonderful day on the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland with Cheeky Kiwi. Our guide Joseph was excellent, checking in on everyone in the group regularly, offering snacks and keeping us updated on timing throughout. It was a long day but well worth it — highly recommended.
“The Key to a Good Tour”
Joseph was an outstanding guide — knowledgeable, friendly and a real highlight of the day. His presence made the difference between a good tour and a great one.
“Cheeky kiwi hobbit trip”
A long day made harder by heavy traffic, but our driver Grant kept things moving and entertained us with his knowledge and wit along the way. The venues themselves were great, with friendly staff — a great day thanks to Grant.
“Highly recommend your with great guide!”
The combined Hobbiton and cave tour was fantastic, kept lively throughout by our guide Joseph, with some good extra stops along the way. It's a long day, but well worth it — our family, including a six-year-old, all enjoyed it.
The Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tours were amazing according to this reviewer, with driver Alex proving to be a fun, easy-going, and energetic guide who clearly knew what he was doing.
“Great trip to Hobbiton and the Glow Worm caves”
We've booked many tours through Viator in different countries and this one went off without a hitch. Our Cheeky Kiwi Travel guide Don was fantastic — professional, helpful, and even treated us to some singing.
“Very enjoyable tour”
A great tour, and the glow worms were a particular highlight. Our guide Mark was very knowledgeable, giving us information on every stop and even places we passed along the way, plus tips for the rest of our time in Auckland.
“Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour”
A very good day trip from Auckland — the Waitomo Caves were amazing and the Hobbiton tour was fantastic, with a great vehicle, driver and guide throughout.
“A real tour guide driver”
Both stops were amazing and magical, well worth it for any fan. Our guide Joseph did a great job describing each location and kept things fun and relaxed for the group — ask for him if you can.
“Far Exceeded Our Expectations”
Both highlights — Hobbiton and the Waitomo glowworm caves — exceeded our expectations. Our guide Hanoz was superb: professional, knowledgeable and friendly, and the key reason the day was so enjoyable.
“Hobbiton & Glow worms”
Dave was a brilliant guide and made the day for us. We stopped along the way for delicious meat pies and some excellent Tip Top ice cream — a fantastic day out for our sibling trip.
“Comfortable tour, great guides”
A long but genuinely great day. This small-van tour beats a big bus tour — frequent stops for coffee, bathroom breaks and leg stretches, plus light snacks and water along the way. Our guide David was a delight for the full thirteen hours. A great way to tick off two must-see New Zealand spots.
“First Time Visitors!”
We learned a lot from our guide about New Zealand's history as well as Hobbiton and the glowworm caves. He was friendly and kept things running efficiently — a great day out.
“Great Cheeky Kiwi Guides!”
Cheeky Kiwi ran a well-organised tour and our guide Matt was knowledgeable and entertaining throughout. The caves were fascinating with engaging guides, though Hobbiton felt like a bit of a slog in the heat.
“Hobbiton & Waitomo caves”
Everything about the day was great, especially our driver Mat, who was really kind, answered all our questions and took plenty of photos for us.
“Definitely worth travelling with Cheeky Kiwi to see these…”
Our guide made sure everyone in the group was well looked after. Hobbiton was truly magical, with the guide's enthusiasm proving infectious, and the glow worm caves would be our top recommendation for anyone visiting New Zealand — one of the most beautiful natural cave systems we've seen, with knowledgeable, caring guides.
“Great tour guides and fun stops!”
Hobbiton was such a fun visit — seeing the set in person was well worth it — and the glow worms were a great bonus on top. Dave did an excellent job as our guide.
“Would have needed a little longer time to enjoy what we saw.”
The time allowed to eat felt a bit short and there was a longer wait for service than expected, but the driver was cheerful and fun, and the day was interesting overall.
“Mark, thank you!!”
Mark was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable and full of humour. A genuinely fulfilling day that we'd happily recommend to anyone.
“A Must Do day.”
Hobbiton is on par with Disney for attention to detail — the guides do a great job explaining the little extras, and the newly added, fully furnished hobbit hole (built to scale) lets you touch and hold items inside, a real treat for Lord of the Rings fans and non-fans alike. Being in a small group with people from other countries added to the fun. The glow worm experience afterwards was equally awe-inspiring, with knowledgeable Maori guides.
“Cheeky kiwi”
Our guide Grant was warm, chatty and full of information, from Maori and New Zealand history to good places to eat in Auckland. The glow worm cave experience was magical, and Hobbiton lived up to expectations. He also built in plenty of comfort stops along the way, including ice cream — a great day with a great guide, and we'd travel with this company again.
“Very great service”
Our guide Grant was lovely, informative about Auckland attractions, and very easy to get along with — highly recommend.
“Fascinating.”
A fascinating and enjoyable day overall. There were some audio issues that couldn't really be helped, but booking was straightforward and pickup was right on time.
“Had a great and memorable tour!!”
Beautiful scenery throughout, with everything running on time and refreshments provided in the van. Hobbiton was the highlight, though the side stops and Waitomo were great too, and the small group size made everything easy and unhurried.
“Cheeky Kiwi would make your trip EPIC!”
Our driver/guide Hanos was friendly and clearly experienced, quickly putting the group at ease with a few well-placed rest stops and a bonus surprise stop along the way. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were genuinely stunning, and travelling with Cheeky Kiwi made the whole day feel special.
“Great driving!”
A really enjoyable day — the drive was smooth, the guide entertaining, and the length of the trip felt just right. Thanks, Dean.
“Wonderful day trip”
A very well organised trip. Our driver/guide Don was extremely knowledgeable and shared plenty of New Zealand history along the way. With around twenty people on the tour, it felt like a friendly group outing, and the scenery was breathtaking throughout — a genuinely great day.
“Great experience!”
Everything about this tour was excellent — the guide was helpful, friendly and professional, and both the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton were beautiful. Highly recommended.
“Beautiful and magic trip !”
A wonderful trip with excellent service throughout — everything ran smoothly. Big thanks to Brandon, who was kind and showed us plenty of beautiful places along the way.
“Marvellous experience”
A lovely day out — we really enjoyed the Hobbit village, and our guide was knowledgeable and friendly throughout.
“Glow Worm Caves and Hobbit Homes”
The glow worms in the caves were fascinating — floating through in silence felt like gazing up at the night sky. Hobbiton was bigger than expected, with a beautiful farm setting, and walking through an actual hobbit home was a real highlight. Our guide Cameron from Cheeky Kiwi was informative and energetic; the only downside was some trouble hearing him over road noise from the back of the bus.
“Going on an adventure!”
A great tour that really makes you appreciate the work that went into the film set. Our driver Brendan was knowledgeable about other local attractions, and at Waitomo our guide Taylor explained the cave formations and the glowworms well, though the boat ride itself felt a little short. A bonus stop to see and feed local ostriches rounded out a great trip.
“Mind blowing”
The trip itself was wonderful — the worm caves left us in awe, and the Hobbiton set was completely captivating, even if we wished for a little more free time to explore. Our guide Mike was a great surprise too, with genuine, engaging conversation and good stories throughout the drive. Being a small group made it easy to make friends along the way.
“Excellent trip! A must do!”
A great day and a must-do while here — it's a long one, but well worth it. The glow worms were incredible and Hobbiton was fantastic. Our driver Don made it even better, brilliant and accommodating throughout (he'll even sing if you're lucky), and doubled as a genuinely entertaining tour guide with plenty of local stories and landmarks pointed out along the way.
“Cheeky Kiwi - John best tour guide ever!”
A big shoutout to our Cheeky Kiwi driver John — his humour and music choices made the day a blast, and his stories kept the group hooked the whole way through. He was considerate of our jet lag, built in some nice surprise breaks, and clearly has genuine passion for New Zealand and supporting local businesses. We'll be recommending Cheeky Kiwi to everyone we know.
“Both stops were amazing”
Both stops were amazing in their own way — the Waitomo Caves and glowworms offered a genuinely unique experience, and visiting the Shire and Hobbiton was just as captivating.
“Every thing was so smooth and we feel safe and comfortable”
The guide called it magical, and it really was — a lucky day with great weather that made the whole experience feel like a dream come true.
“Highly recommend for solo travellers”
A great day as a solo traveller. Our guide John was extremely knowledgeable, looked after our group of sixteen well, and had a good sense of humour to match his name. The van (a new Mercedes) was comfortable, and the day didn't feel rushed or too long. Waitomo caves were beautiful and so was Hobbiton, with some nice surprise stops — including ice cream — along the way. Highly recommend.
“Amazing day at Waitamo and Hobbiton”
A great day touring both the Waitomo glowworm cave and the Hobbiton movie set. Our guide Matt shared plenty of good information along the way and treated us to a few surprise stops between the two — couldn't have gone better.
“Great experience, great scenery, comfortable pace!”
The village we visited was beautiful and clearly well maintained. Our guide Michael did a great job looking after everyone in the group, including those who didn't speak the same language, and kept things fun throughout.
“Best NZ memory”
A brilliant day — loved the cave, the bridge and the hobbit house. Everything was great, though it would be nice if the bus had USB charging on board. A memory that will stick with us for life.
“Cheeky Kiwi Travel/Hobbiton/Glow Worm Caves”
Our guide was great — knowledgeable, friendly and happy to chat with everyone and answer any question. The glow worm caves were fantastic, though it was a shame photos weren't allowed inside. Hobbiton was excellent too, with plenty of time given for photos and questions.
“Excellent - Highly Recommended”
A fantastic experience — our guide Malcom was great company and gave good commentary going to and from the Hobbiton set, which we'd highly recommend. The Waitomo caves happened to be flooded on our visit (no fault of the operator), so we missed the boat ride, but the cave experience itself was still a fun addition before Hobbiton.
“What an Awesome Day!!”
An amazing day — our guide, Cheeky Michael, was wonderful and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Auckland; it's genuinely worth it.
“Brilliant Tour - Feel confident booking this”
We booked this together as a couple and had Cheeky Michael as our guide — excellent, informative and entertaining throughout. It's a fair bit of driving, but he made it fun and gave us good background on the areas we passed through, with a few stops to stretch, eat and use the bathroom along a well-run schedule, plus some welcome snacks and water. What really stood out was how smoothly Cheeky Kiwi handled all the tickets and entry at each venue. We'd book with them again and may try one of their South Island tours next time.
“Sunshine 🌞 ☀️ ⛅️”
A wonderful, unforgettable day thanks to our host Joseph, whose humour and energy made the trip lively for our whole group of ten. He even chased us down afterwards to return a couple of items we'd left behind — a really thoughtful touch to a great day.
An excellent Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton tour with an informative guide, Matt. The reviewer describes the glowworms as otherworldly, with one practical tip: bring a towel, since the boat seats at Waitomo can be wet.
“Good choice and good value”
A good trip with quite a bit of driving involved, but Ken and the team kept things moving along nicely. Getting into the attractions was seamless, with plenty of stops to stretch along the way.
“We had a great time and places visited were very interesting.”
A great time overall — our guide and driver Matt was fantastic, and we'd definitely recommend this to friends visiting Auckland.
“Awesome, Waitomo and Hobbiton experience”
Excellent, well-organised service from a kind and caring guide who supplied snacks and water and looked after us throughout. He stopped at a few extra interesting spots for photos and happily helped take group shots, sharing plenty of history about New Zealand and Auckland along the way — impressive given even a long-time local (living in NZ since 2001) still learned something new.
“It was amazingg!”
A really enjoyable day — the Waitomo cave taught us a lot about nature and history, and Hobbiton was fascinating for the film production side of things. Mike was easily the best guide-driver we've had.
“So glad I booked this one!”
A wonderful day with Malcolm, who embodied real Kiwi hospitality. We started at the glowworm caves, which was probably the highlight of the day, then moved on to Hobbiton, which impressed with its incredible attention to detail — enjoyable even without having seen the films or read the books.
“Great experience with Cheeky Kiwi tours”
A great day touring both the Waitomo caves and the Hobbiton movie set. Our guide Don was outstanding and made the day genuinely special — really glad we got to have him as our guide.
“Great family tour”
An informative, helpful guide made this long day pass quickly, with plenty of facts and information shared during the driving portions. Hobbiton was definitely the highlight.
“Hobbiton”
A genuinely appreciated experience — grateful for everything the team put into the day, and hopeful for another chance to travel with them again.
“"Nice tour."”
Donr, their driver and guide with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, stood out for the trip. He shared historical background along the way, threw in some fun surprises, and even sang for the group. A lovely tour overall.
“Amazing Experience!!”
Their guide Joseph was fantastic - knowledgeable and attentive to everyone's needs throughout the day. They strongly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves.
“Once in a lifetime experience!”
This was a day of pure bliss starting with an early 6am pickup. Guide Alessandro took the group first to Waitomo, with a coffee stop along the way to catch a beautiful sunrise, and the glowworms left a big impression despite the short visit. They then headed to Hobbiton, with a stop to feed ostriches en route, and enjoyed exploring the set before finishing with a ginger beer at the Green Dragon. Alessandro was funny, considerate, and full of stories about New Zealand throughout the day.
“Great tour with great guide”
Their guide Grant kept the group entertained and was extremely helpful throughout the journey. Both the caves and Hobbiton were a great time, with the extra stops along the way being the icing on the cake.
“Michael’s amazing Auckland”
The sights along the way from Auckland were amazing, as were the Hobbiton movie set and the Glowworm caves. Guide Michael was spectacular - his love and knowledge of the area really shone through, and he made the whole group feel like old friends.
“Great activities, Great guide”
Both activities on this trip were thoroughly enjoyed, but it was guide John who made the day - his funny yet informative style, plus a great road trip playlist, made it well worth the money.
“Great!”
A really enjoyable trip with lovely locations to see. The tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable throughout, and the reviewer happily recommends the tour.
“tino pai and worth every penny/cent”
Travelling as a family of four, they found the tour pricey but well worth the cost. Guide/driver Felix was passionate and knowledgeable about New Zealand's nature and culture, and they learned a lot travelling between the two main attractions thanks to his many stops along the way. Hobbiton and Waitomo were described as must-sees, and the whole trip was well organised with all the logistics taken care of. Recommended for solo travellers and families alike.
“Beautiful experience!”
A well planned and excellent trip with guide Felix, who was amazing and very knowledgeable. They came away thankful for a smooth ride and a great time.
“Book this excursion, you won't regret it!”
A brilliant day trip that the reviewer would recommend whether travelling in a group or solo. Guide and driver Michael was friendly and engaging throughout, made an effort to introduce everyone in the group, and was happy to help with photos for those travelling alone.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave”
A great trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo cave, made even better by guide John who went above and beyond - funny and knowledgeable throughout.
“A Wonderful Experience!!”
Their day trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves was incredible, with driver Greg giving a warm welcome and sharing plenty of New Zealand history, facts and funny stories along the way. He went out of his way to help passengers, even lending phone charging cords, and dropped them closer to their hotel at the end of a long day. Their only disappointment was that a family member missed out due to illness, but overall it was a fantastic trip with a great guide and lovely fellow travellers from around the world.
“Hobbiton and Waitimo Cave day tour”
Very impressed with the service - driver and guide Felix was professional and attentive to every detail, which made a long day genuinely enjoyable. Highly recommended.
“Fun visit to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves”
Guide John made for a fun trip to the Hobbiton area and Waitomo Caves, sharing interesting facts not just about New Zealand but about the various home countries of the group (11 travellers from 4 countries). The ride is long, but he kept it entertaining. Their one suggestion would be more time for breakfast and lunch, as they felt a bit rushed at meal stops.
“Fantastic day at Hobbiton and Waitomo”
Guide Felix was awesome and personable, sharing plenty of New Zealand history along the road and even offering tips for the South Island. Getting to Hobbiton early meant fewer other tourists around, and the Waitomo glow worm caves were just as amazing as the reviewer remembered from thirty years earlier. They'd definitely recommend Cheeky Kiwi and were glad to have had Felix as their guide.
“Greg is the BEST!!!”
Their first time doing a solo small-group tour, and they'd happily do it again with Cheeky Kiwi. Guide/driver Greg was one of the funniest people they'd met, relaxed and great at expanding their knowledge of New Zealand along the way. It was a great trip despite being in the country for business, and they've already recommended the company to friends and family.
“Fun adventure in Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves.”
Guide John did a good job showing them around Auckland and the Hobbiton area, offering good tips on places to eat. He was engaging and very entertaining throughout.
“:)”
Guide Malcolm was amazing - he made the trip relaxing and cheerful, with plenty of knowledge about the places along the route. The reviewer has already recommended the tour and Malcolm to friends.
“Great daytour from Auckland!”
A great day out on the tour, with a friendly and welcoming guide and seamless organisation throughout. The extra information shared about New Zealand during the drive was a nice bonus, and the trip fulfilled a long-held dream for the reviewer.
“Amazing day out with Greg and Felix”
Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were both incredible experiences. Special mention to guides Greg and Felix, who were full of information and fun facts, with enthusiasm that stayed contagious from the 6am pickup right through to the evening drop-off.
“Incredible”
Guide Josef was informative and friendly throughout. The Hobbit movie set was awesome and the caves were very cool - a highly recommended excursion.
“HIGHLY Recommended!”
High expectations were exceeded on this tour - the beauty of both destinations was stunning in person. After comparing several companies, they were glad they chose Cheeky Kiwi, with guides Greg and Felix proving personable, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile. The small extra stops along the way were an added bonus.
“10/10 this is your sign to tour with Cheeky Kiwi!”
A family of four enjoyed the tour of Hobbiton and the Waitomo glow worm cave, with guide Huzefa making the long drive worthwhile through plenty of New Zealand history and fun facts. The roughly 12-13 hour day includes pit stops along the way, snacks and water, and a proper lunch break. The Hobbiton portion runs about 2.5 hours with plenty of time for photos, and the Waitomo caves were stunning - a highlight for the reviewer was a quick stop to see ostriches at a local farm.
“Wonderful Guide and Amazing Tour”
Guide Jo was absolutely amazing - funny and informative. The reviewer and her sister had a memorable, thoroughly enjoyable day that they felt was totally worth the price, and they're hoping to book with Cheeky Kiwi and Jo again on a future visit.
“Amazing experience!”
Driver/guide Greg shared great stories about New Zealand along the scenic drive. At Hobbiton, a separate guide explained the Lord of the Rings background, and the ticket included a drink at the Green Dragon - the set itself was fantastic with amazing detail. After a lunch stop at a cafe Greg recommended, they headed to the Waitomo caves, which the reviewer called one of the most incredible experiences of the trip. The minibus was comfortable and always on time, there was no need to rush anywhere, and travelling solo, both guides were happy to take photos for her.
“A jam packed day that exceeded expectations”
Guide Joseph kept the group on schedule while still allowing enough time for photos, food and toilet breaks. He was full of great facts and stories, clearly experienced and passionate about the job. Once they added up the cost of admission to both attractions plus car hire and fuel, the tour worked out great value, fitting a lot into one day - especially recommended for first-time visitors who want to sit back and let someone else handle the driving.
A great tour with guide Grant, who took the reviewer to both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.
“Amazing Experience.”
Guide Greg was sincere, caring and entertaining while still driving carefully. Setting off early proved a good choice, with fresh landscapes and crisp morning air, and they were among the first to arrive at Hobbiton. Coming from Singapore, the combination of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves felt like stepping into another world, and they'd highly recommend both Cheeky Kiwi and Greg.
“Phenomenal tour”
Even starting out dark and foggy, guide John had plenty to share about Auckland, New Zealand and local culture. He was friendly, caring and professional with the mixed-nationality group on board. The 13-hour tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves went quickly thanks to John keeping everyone engaged and entertained.
“Amazing places and a trip full with laughter”
A well-rounded full day covering both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves. Guide and driver John picked the group up around 6:45am from one of several pickup points, with a short coffee stop on the roughly 2.5-hour drive to Hobbiton, sharing plenty of facts and funny stories without it feeling overwhelming. At Hobbiton, the guided Movie Set tour (about 2.5 hours) included time in the fully furnished hobbit houses before a lunch break. The Waitomo leg took visitors through the caves on foot and then by boat to see the glowworms lighting up like a night sky, with photography only allowed near the exit. John's warmth made the whole day feel like more than just a tour.
“Nice trip with John”
A beautiful place to visit, made even better by guide John, who was kind and funny throughout. Highly recommended.
“Habbiton Waitomo”
Both Hobbiton and Waitomo were beautiful, other-worldly experiences, and the tour guide was excellent - engaging and genuinely invested in giving a worthwhile day out. Recommended.
“Should consider it.”
A really good experience overall - Hobbiton was awesome, though the caves felt just okay to a reviewer who'd visited fifty years earlier and remembered them as more impressive. It's a long day with plenty of seat time, but there's a lot of pretty countryside to see along the way.
“Unforgettable Trip to Hobbiton!”
Pickup ended up moving earlier to 5:40am, but the day covered both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glow worm cave as planned. Snacks and water were provided along the way, and there was a stop to see ostriches on the return trip - a nice touch from guide Josh.
“Cool experiences to get out of the city and see the countryside”
A great experience with a prompt, professional company. Guide Brendan was excellent and clearly very knowledgeable as a local.
“A great highlight”
Guide Ann was amazing, with plenty of stories to share, and made sure the group was well looked after throughout the day. Highly recommended.
“Great Chill Relaxed Tour and a lot of fun”
A relaxed, unhurried day with a small group of seven. Driver/guide Grant, a proud local Aucklander, kept everyone informed and entertained with facts, stories and history about the places they passed and the local flora and fauna, in a friendly, fun way. There were rest stops and chances to grab lunch and snacks along the way, and the group arrived back in Auckland on time without traffic issues - a well-run, highly recommended trip.
“Unforgettable Hobbiton and Glow Worm Caves”
An unforgettable day trip to Hobbiton and the Glow Worm Caves, made exceptional by guide John. His knowledge, enthusiasm and attention to detail kept things both informative and fun, and the tour itself was seamlessly organised. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a proper taste of New Zealand.
“5 stars!”
A really great tour - guide Greg was excellent and the views were amazing. He also took the group to a few extra spots for photos, making the early start well worth it.
“Pricey but our guide made it good value.”
A long day starting with a 6am hotel pickup, shared with a dozen other travellers on a bus driven by Greg. Both Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton were fascinating and memorable, and Greg even squeezed in a couple of interesting hydro-electric dam sites along the way, keeping everyone informed and entertained with knowledgeable answers throughout - the reviewer never got round to the book they'd brought. Their one gripe was the price, at around NZ$375 per person covering both entry fees but not lunch, though they note New Zealand is generally an expensive destination.
“10/10 will recommend”
A great time overall - the trip felt prompt without ever feeling rushed, and guide Alessandro shared plenty about New Zealand along the way.
“Wonderful views and tours”
The weather and views were near perfect, with just a touch of autumn colour and a few light sprinkles. Driver Don did a fantastic job getting everyone there and back safely, adding history and songs along the way that made the day feel special. Their only complaint was that the seats were uncomfortable over the roughly ten-hour ride, but they said it was still worth it.
“Worthwhile and well run tour”
Guide Don made for a relaxed, enjoyable day. Pickup ran a little later than expected, but Cheeky Kiwi kept the reviewer informed throughout, and the itinerary ended up being rearranged so they visited the Waitomo caves before Hobbiton, with a stop at a swing bridge near a hydro power station along the way. At Hobbiton, tips about where to sit on the bus and grabbing one of the umbrellas offered came in handy, and Don shared plenty of New Zealand history plus a stop for ice cream on the way home. Recommended.
“Nice trip”
A great tour with Grant, who was informative and helpful throughout. Their only suggestion would be a bit more time for lunch at Hobbiton - around 40 minutes felt a little tight.
“Great Tour Guide, and Some Cool Sights.”
Driver and tour leader Grant was fantastic - cracking good jokes and sharing plenty of information about New Zealand and the day's activities, while making sure everyone in the van was comfortable. The Waitomo Glowworms were a real highlight, with a short cave walk leading to a raft trip past even more glowworms for a stunning sight. The drive out to the Hobbiton movie set was enjoyable too, and the guided tour there even included stepping inside one of the furnished hobbit houses.
“Great day out!”
A great day out with guide Grant, who was delightful, knowledgeable and funny, and made sure the group was well looked after from start to finish.
“What an amazing day”
A comfortable bus and a great trip overall, led by guide Cameron who clearly had real knowledge of and passion for New Zealand. Hobbiton was spectacular even for someone who'd never seen the films, though the reviewer felt the caves weren't quite worth the extra cost and, in hindsight, might have just done Hobbiton alone. They still strongly recommend doing a day trip like this with this company.
“Amazing trip to Glow Worm Cave and Hobbiton ! Must do on…”
The day started with a 6am hotel pickup and a roughly two-hour drive to the Glow Worm Cave, with a halfway stop for food and a bathroom break. The cave involves some stairs down and up (worth noting if you have leg trouble, though it's not too demanding), finishing with a fun boat ride. From there it was on to Hobbiton, with the driver sharing fun facts along the way, plus time for reasonably priced food and browsing the gift shop. The Hobbiton tour itself involves some walking up and down hills but nothing too strenuous, with plenty of chances for photos and a memorable look inside one of the hobbit holes, finishing at the Green Dragon Pub for a free drink. A genuinely fun day that they'd recommend to family and friends.
We joined this tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves with guide Ann, who was fantastic — knowledgeable, friendly, and made the day thoroughly enjoyable. We'd happily book with Cheeky Kiwi again on a future trip to New Zealand.
“An awesome ride with an awesome tour guide!”
Guide John was very good to the group, entertaining them with interesting facts and information throughout the long excursion. He was helpful and understanding, and comes recommended for anyone looking for a good tour guide.
“Don is the bomb!”
Guide Don was amazing - sharing just enough information during the drive without being overbearing. He was friendly and made sure everyone was comfortable, and the bus was comfy with snacks provided. The company comes highly recommended.
“Awesome experience! Must not miss”
A great trip to Hobbiton and the Glowworm caves, with everything running smoothly from pickup and the briefing through to a clean, comfortable vehicle. Guide Don was warm, sang songs and shared stories about New Zealand culture, and had a great way of keeping everyone involved so the reviewer, travelling solo, never felt left out. Recommended.
“Two enchanting destinations, well worth the visit!”
Both Hobbiton and Waitomo were on the reviewer's must-see list, and this tour solved the hassle of trying to reach them without renting a car. Their Cheeky Kiwi driver was well organised and kept them informed throughout the day, with smooth, well-timed handoffs to local guides at each site so nothing felt rushed. There were well-placed stops along the way for coffee, snacks and lunch. While they'd seen some reviews call the tour too expensive, they felt that once you factor in the entrance fees, hotel pickup/drop-off, and the six-plus hours of driving it saves compared to renting a car, it's absolutely worth the cost.
“Great tour- Worm caves the best”
A good tour with driver Don, who was awesome - pointing out interesting things along the drive and at each site, and looking after the group almost like a mother hen. He even sang along the way, which was a delight. The Waitomo cave experience was fantastic, and they suggest doing a little research beforehand to get even more out of it.
“Well planned and performed”
Everything about the tour ran spot on, with timely and accurate instructions throughout. The driver was entertaining, knowledgeable and safe, and the worm caves exceeded expectations - a real highlight of their trip.
“Hobbit Land with Glow worms”
Guide Don Rua was knowledgeable and kept the group entertained throughout. He even waited patiently at pickup after a mix-up, and once everyone was together the day got underway - a fun experience all round.
“A good experience!”
Hobbiton was amazing and the Waitomo Caves were interesting. The tour was well organised, with driver Dom being fun and friendly throughout.
“Fantastic & Memorable Day”
A really fun day with lots of photos taken. Guide Alessandro was great - friendly, kind, knowledgeable and very funny - and the reviewer is already looking forward to their next trip with Cheeky Kiwi.
“A very magical day”
A magical day from start to finish that they'd recommend to anyone even mildly interested in doing it. Special mention to guide Matt, who was awesome and a genuinely great guy.
“Great excursion!”
A 12-hour tour handled flawlessly by driver Allessander. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were amazing experiences.
“Great day”
A wonderful day visiting the Lord of the Rings movie set and the Glow Worm Caves. Highly recommended.
“Fun day in hobbiton and glow worm caves”
Driver/guide John was great, getting the group there and back safely and on time while keeping things fun. Along the way they learned plenty about the region's people, culture and food.
“Hobbits and glowworms”
A fun day that taught them a lot on their first visit to Auckland. Guide Simon was fun, informative and just plain amazing.
“A must for Hobbitan fans”
A very good tour with a great driver who kept the group entertained on the road. Driver Ann was great, and the tour comes recommended.
“Hobitt/ glow worm”
An excellent time on this tour - driver/guide Greg did an amazing job keeping everyone informed, and made a point of having everyone share their own experiences along the way.
“Brilliant day”
Be prepared for a long day, but it's well worth it - a highly recommended trip to both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves. Guide Cameron was very good and helped make the day a great one.
“Full day trip to Hobbiton and Worm caves”
Driver guide Don was fantastic and shared plenty of New Zealand history along the way, even singing for the group. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves were excellent, making for a trip this reviewer highly recommends.
“Do not miss this tour!”
Hobbiton is an absolute don't-miss, and the caves were another great visit. Driver/guide Malcom was wonderful, hotel pickup was on time, and he struck just the right balance of talking versus letting the group enjoy the experience.
“Knowledgeable and personable tour guide. Matt our tour…”
Guide and driver Matt was a fantastic source of Kiwi knowledge and drove very well. The tour was well organised, with a bonus stop at a walkable suspension bridge over a gorge, and the destinations themselves were wonderful.
“A great way to explore Middle Earth and beyond as a solo…”
Booked as a solo traveller for the Hobbiton and Glow Worm Caves tour and was a little nervous about being on her own, but guide John's icebreakers and dad jokes made everyone feel welcome and included. The day flew by, and both Hobbiton and the caves lived up to expectations. She'd strongly recommend it, especially for solo travellers wanting to meet like-minded people.
“Cheeky kiwi is the bomb!!!”
A great start to their New Zealand trip - driver John was informative, engaging, and got the whole group involved, keeping things fun and full of laughs throughout. They'll definitely book with Cheeky Kiwi again.
“Hobbiton for the dreamer”
Grant was a fantastic guide on the Hobbiton and Worm Cave tour from Auckland - punctual, patient, and genuinely funny.
“Not one negative”
Everything was taken care of on this tour, with no waiting in line for tickets. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and Hobbiton exceeded expectations - highly recommended.
“Hobbiton for all Tolkein Fans”
Good van, good driver, and a route that took in extra scenery along the way. Everything was well planned, with no waiting around and tickets ready on arrival. Hobbiton is called a must-see for anyone visiting New Zealand.
“This was a great adventure and worth the money!”
A great, worthwhile full-day adventure - just be sure to grab a comfortable seat in the van, since it's a lot of driving and some seats are tight on legroom.
“Long Day but worth every minute! Cheeky Kiwi top notch conoany!”
Cheeky Kiwi were great to deal with, quickly answering questions that weren't covered by the TripAdvisor/Viator listing. Pickup ran late and there was some frustration with cramped seating and a long extra stop for pickups, but driver/guide Gregg was accommodating, friendly, and kept things on schedule once underway. Hobbiton was enjoyable, though the reviewer felt a microphone system would help large groups hear the commentary; the natural, overgrown state of the rebuilt set was a highlight. The Waitomo glow worm caves were described as unbelievable and magical, marred only by a crying toddler disrupting the quiet of the boat ride. Overall an excellent tour, capped off with Tip Top ice cream.
“Excellent and worth the price”
A smooth, well-timed experience with an excellent driver and guides. Extra stops included Karapiro and an ice cream shop.
“Worthwhile for the money”
One of the most unforgettable experiences of the reviewer's life, even for non-LOTR fans - the glowworms were simply beautiful, especially watching them from a boat in total silence. Guide Greg from Cheeky Kiwi earned top marks for his hospitality.
“One of the Best Tours we've been on.”
A brilliant tour from start to finish. The drive to Hobbiton was long but worth it, with driver Grant's funny stories and local knowledge making the journey enjoyable; walking among the hobbit holes with guide Ben was a real highlight for LOTR/Hobbit fans. Afterwards they visited the caves, learned about Maori culture, and were amazed by the glow worms - no photography allowed, but the sight itself was more than enough.
“Great day in New Zealand”
A great, friendly driver/guide who ensured a good time at both locations visited, plus helpful suggestions for meals and things to do around Auckland.
“Amazing day at Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave with our guide Don”
One of the best trips of her stay in New Zealand. Guide Don Roa kept things well organised and on time, provided snacks and water, and shared plenty of historical facts on the drive to Hobbiton, including singing and teaching the group about Maori culture. His enthusiasm made a lasting impression, and she strongly recommends Cheeky Kiwi.
“Very good day tour”
A full-day trip from Auckland. The Hobbiton movie set was magical, with the Shire appearing right in front of them, and the Waitomo caves were equally fascinating thanks to the glow worms.
“Fantastic with an amazing host for the day.”
Driver Dom was a fantastic host with deep knowledge of Maori history and traditions, even singing traditional songs and explaining their meaning, which kept the mood fun throughout. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves were amazing experiences best seen in person - just don't sit at the back of the boat, or you might end up in a puddle.
“Wonderful Hobbiton Tour”
Driver and guide Grant did a wonderful job sharing his knowledge and hospitality on a great tour.
“An enjoyable day!”
A great day at the Hobbiton movie set with plenty of time for photos and a drink afterwards - the guide was a little hard to hear at times, but the scenery and set were fabulous. The glow worm caves made the day even better, with an incredible boat ride experience; guide John kept the long drive entertaining, and the ice cream stop was a nice bonus.
“Worth it even if you’re not a LOTR fan”
Well worth doing even for non-LOTR fans - recommends taking in both parts of the tour.
Don was an outstanding guide on our tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves. He was extremely knowledgeable and even sang to us throughout the trip, making for a truly wonderful day. Highly recommend this well-organized tour.
“Fabulous Hobbiton Tour”
A long-awaited visit to Hobbiton that delivered for this LOTR fan. Pickup was prompt, with a knowledgeable driver and an enthusiastic on-site guide leading them through the film set, including two specially built larger hobbit holes with real, tended gardens. The Green Dragon turned out to be a surprisingly large pub with a generous free drink included. At the Waitomo Caves, the Maori guide was knowledgeable and good-humoured, though photography wasn't permitted out of respect for the culturally sensitive site - the glow worms themselves were spectacular from the boat. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable day, and a must for Hobbit fans.
We did the Hobbiton and glow worm caves tour with guide Don, who was knowledgeable, accommodating and entertaining throughout. We booked through Viator and would highly recommend this operator.
“Pleasant way to look at New Zealand”
A fantastic tour with a friendly guide and great group. Hobbiton had lovely weather, and the Waitomo caves felt wonderfully mysterious.
“Hobbiton and Caves delight”
Did the tour with three friends and had a great time - driver/guide Simon was friendly and helpful, the smaller bus was comfortable, and snacks were provided. A coffee stop preceded Hobbiton, which the reviewer found beautiful and worth a couple of hours, followed by a lunch stop and then Waitomo, where a short walking tour led into a peaceful boat ride to see the glow worms. Recommends it for anyone in Auckland without a car wanting to tick off both must-see sights, despite the long drive.
Our tour to Hobbiton and the glow worm caves was a fantastic experience. Guide Don made it such a pleasure with his warmth and enthusiasm — we're grateful to have had him leading the day. Highly recommend this tour.
“Hobbiton/waitomo caves”
Guide Don was amazing and a great singer, making the trip fun by sharing insights into Auckland's culture and language, and even encouraged the reviewer to sing inside the caves - a memorable moment.
“Fully recommend”
Guide John from Cheeky Kiwi was knowledgeable and made some extra special stops that added to the experience. Transport and tickets were seamless, snacks and water were provided, and John picked a good spot for lunch.
“Great Times with Cheeky Kiwi and Friends at Hobbiton and…”
An excellent, memorable tour delivered by Cheeky Kiwi. Guide Don was enthusiastic and conscientious, even serenading the group at points, and his knowledge of local culture stood out; the guides at each destination were also excellent. Highly recommended.
Cheeky Kiwi gave us a memorable day visiting Hobbiton followed by the Waitomo Caves, both must-see stops covered in a single trip. Our guide Don was attentive, knowledgeable and entertaining, even singing several songs along the way. A genuinely impressive tour that we'd strongly recommend.
“Great time with Don the bus driver!”
Highly recommends this tour, done with driver Don, who was energetic and made the long drives enjoyable. It covers the highlights of both Hobbiton and Waitomo in a long but rewarding day, especially with Don along.
“A must do!”
A brilliant day for the reviewer and her husband. Guide Don was hilarious, helpful, and a great singer - even singing happy birthday to her. The caves exceeded expectations despite mixed reviews online, and Hobbiton was just as magical as imagined. Highlights included small groups, comfortable transport, frequent breaks, snacks on board, and the guide handling all tickets; the main downside was the long time spent in the vehicle on winding roads. Their group joined a larger group of about 40 at Hobbiton, and while the advertised petting zoo and dam stops didn't happen, they passed a lake and stopped for ice cream instead.
“Lovely drive and experience”
Both Hobbiton and the glow worm caves were amazing, with guide Hannoz adding a stop at a suspension bridge and a local ice cream shop - a wonderful, memorable day.
“Great tour to see two iconic locations”
An excellent day covering both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves, with the tour running smoothly throughout. Guide John was knowledgeable, quick-witted, and funny - highly recommended.
“A fun experience into another world”
A great experience overall, with guide Kenneth's knowledge and entertaining style making the tour highly recommended.
“Amazing trip, couldnt ask for anything more!”
A fabulous day that ran perfectly from start to finish - the guide was friendly and even helped plan future trips. Hobbiton lived up to expectations, and the Waitomo caves were interesting too.
“Katy Perry!”
A fantastic 10/10 experience with lots of laughs among a diverse group. Guide Cameron was knowledgeable about New Zealand and gave good recommendations for both islands, and the day wrapped up with ice cream and music.
“One day to remember for life”
Driver/guide Mike was professional, knowledgeable, and funny, making for a trip to remember. The van was comfortable overall, though a loose part in the back made an annoying banging noise for much of the ride - a minor issue in an otherwise great day with a friendly group.
“Heaven and earth”
Driver/guide Danny was outstanding, with pickup on time and an early return. His knowledge and hospitality stood out compared to guides elsewhere. Hobbiton was excellent, offering a walking tour of the Shire, while the Waitomo caves were something else entirely - guided by a descendant of the Maori discoverer of the caves, making for a truly memorable geological experience and a deeper appreciation of the land.
“Tip Top”
Driver Grant was friendly and full of interesting information, and took the group to authentic local spots, including Hokey Pokey ice cream at Tip Top to finish. Both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves are considered must-dos in New Zealand.
“Pretty!”
Hobbiton was great, and the caves were well worth it too, though photos aren't allowed until near the end of the cave visit.
“A great way to explore outside of the city”
A lovely tour with a knowledgeable, thoughtful, and friendly driver, Mark. The group was small - just a couple, another couple, and a solo traveller - and the long drives were made bearable by beautiful scenery and a good balance of commentary and breaks.
“One day tour of Hobbiton and The Waitomo Caves”
As long-time Lord of the Rings fans, the morning at Hobbiton and the afternoon at the Waitomo Caves were both fantastic. A must-do day tour for anyone visiting New Zealand, made even better by driver Grant and the group they shared it with.
“Great day trip!”
One of the best experiences of the trip, despite it being a long, tiring day. Small stops along the way added extra enjoyment, and both Hobbiton and the caves were highlights - highly recommended.
“Enjoyable trip”
Guide Grant was excellent and accommodating, making the trip really enjoyable, and the reviewer is already looking forward to another Cheeky Kiwi tour.
“A great way to see Hobbiton & Waitomo Worms!”
An excellent tour with guide Grant, including prompt hotel pickup and drop-off - highly recommends Cheeky Kiwi.
“Worth it”
Despite the early start and long travel time, the sights and the tour itself were informative and genuinely spectacular.
“Great experience with an amazing guide”
A really great tour all round, with an amazing guide (who also takes great photos) - highly recommended.
“Best day ever!”
Guide Cameron was excellent, and the sights themselves were breathtaking - recommended for anyone visiting Auckland.
“Unusual moment”
A lovely family trip with a warm welcome from the guide and beautiful scenery on the way to Waitomo.
“Boom with them.”
On-time hotel pickup with guide Grant, who made a real effort to interact with everyone on the bus and shared plenty of knowledge, including inside tips on the local ice cream. He also handled tickets at each stop and looked after the group's belongings, making for an easy, well-driven tour.
We toured Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves with Grant, whose attention to detail and enthusiasm were top notch. It made for a wonderful day out.
“Awesome day trip, highly recommended!”
A wonderful experience with guide Michael, who was fun, friendly, and full of helpful tips throughout. Stops for lunch at a local cafe and later for ice cream were a nice touch, and both Hobbiton and the glow worm cave were highlights worth repeating.
“Pit stop to Middle Earth on World Cup route.”
A great trip with driver Grant on the Hobbiton/Waitomo tour - a comfortable van, astounding views, and easy pickup made for a company well worth recommending.
“Great Day Long Tour in NZ!”
A relaxing way to see more of the North Island without needing a rental car. It's a long day, as advertised, but guide Grant kept things comfortable with frequent coffee, snack, and bathroom stops on top of the scheduled visits to Hobbiton and the glow worm cave. His insights into New Zealand along the way added a lot, making it a great option especially for first-time visitors.
“Trip of a Lifetime”
An amazing experience from start to finish, with an easy, punctual pickup by guide Grant, who was full of knowledge and happy to answer every question. A coffee stop, Hobbiton with guide Kiah, and a flexible lunch choice (a standout Thai meal) all added to the day, along with spotting some ostriches. The glow worm cave was an unexpected highlight the reviewer hadn't known about beforehand and found deeply moving, with an entertaining drive back with Grant to finish.
“Most fun you’ll ever have”
An outstanding 10/10 experience, with special thanks to guide Cameron for being fun, entertaining, and thoroughly deserving of praise.
“Fascinating Family Fun”
A multi-generational family, aged 10 to 81, all loved this varied full-day tour, with driver/guide Grant a real highlight - the Hobbiton and Glowworm Cave combination is not to be missed.
“Must Do Day Trip”
A must-do if time allows in Auckland, worthwhile even for non-LOTR fans thanks to the beautiful countryside. The glow worms were a cool sight, including watching one eat a bug, though the caves portion is brief - Hobbiton is really the main draw of the tour. Several stops along the way, including a cafe, ice cream, and a swing bridge, gave plenty of chances for bathroom breaks, and guide Jon was informative and funny.
“John-tastic Experience, do not miss it!”
Guide and driver John was fantastic, creating a great atmosphere and sharing detailed history of the towns and areas passed along the way, even taking photos of the group.
“Absolutely amazing! Words cannot justify it!!!”
If only one activity can be fit into an Auckland visit, this is the one to choose. Guide John was both knowledgeable about New Zealand's history and highly entertaining, making the day memorable and one to remember for a lifetime.
“Sensational double activity trip with a fantastic guide in John”
A must-do activity for anyone visiting Auckland, even for a less enthusiastic LOTR fan. The film set was larger and more impressive than expected, with some walking and light inclines involved, and an indoor hobbit cave was said to be coming later in 2023. The cave visit and underground boat trip afterwards were unlike any caves seen before. Driver/guide John's dry humour and knowledge stood out, and he added a stop for ice cream on the way home, plus a good lunch stop between the two destinations.
“Amazing tour - busy, busy day but so worth it!”
An amazing day overall, with guide Simon proving friendly and knowledgeable about New Zealand's history. Touring Hobbiton was a once-in-a-lifetime highlight, and while the Waitomo caves were interesting and unique, Hobbiton was still the favourite; the boat ride through the caves felt a little short, though not something attributed to Cheeky Kiwi. Worth getting plenty of rest beforehand given the long, full day.
“A great time at Hobbiton and Waitamo Caves”
A magical day, fulfilling a long-held wish to see Hobbiton, with the caves proving equally breathtaking - glad the tour combines both. Guide John was personable and made the journey fun, encouraging and helping with photos. Recommended for even moderate Lord of the Rings fans.
“Worth the whole day”
An easy, informative tour with driver/guide Grant, who was polite and shared plenty of knowledge along the way. The glow worm portion was enjoyed more than the Hobbiton movie set.
“Amazing day”
This tour was magical from start to finish, and the day flew by. Driver Cameron was super friendly and nice throughout, making the whole experience memorable.
“A perfect tour!”
A long day that flew by because it was so much fun. Hobbiton and the glow worm caves were both unique highlights, and the guide was informative throughout.
“100% worth it”
A well-organized tour at a fair price, led by an experienced guide who was knowledgeable about New Zealand and happy to answer any question. The reviewer was so satisfied that they booked a second tour with the company just two days later. Highly recommended, with a shout-out to guide Brendon.
“A absolutely magical day!”
Grant was an outstanding guide on this 12-hour excursion, sharing facts, history and local knowledge throughout. Hobbiton was magical and learning about Maori history alongside exploring the Waitomo caves and glow worms was fascinating. The small-group format worked well, and the reviewers were glad to leave the driving to a professional.
“Great Combo Experience”
Guide Danny, a native New Zealander, shared plenty of interesting facts on the drive to the Hobbiton set. The group of ten was a good size, and there was a stop for a fresh meat pie at lunch before continuing on with the rest of the day. Pick-up instructions were clear and the group felt well looked after throughout.
“Great tour guide and good experience”
The guide was friendly and pointed out landmarks along the drive. Credit to him for handling a tiring 12-hour day that included a bad traffic jam on the way back. Would definitely recommend this day trip - well worth the money.
“Great organized Tour with Grant”
Booked with Cheeky Kiwi and had Grant as the guide, who was excellent throughout. He was humorous and knowledgeable, struck a good balance with his commentary, and even helped with photos. Overall a great day.
“Wonderful”
A wonderful experience with guide Simon, who was friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. The trip was well organised and ran smoothly throughout. Both Hobbiton and Waitomo were amazing - worth every penny.
“Would do it again”
Would highly recommend this tour. Guide John was incredibly knowledgeable and lovely, and even took photos for the group at both stops that turned out great. The food stops were good, Hobbiton was beautiful, and the glow worm caves were magical.
“Great tour, amazing tour guide!!!”
Although several companies offer a similar tour, it was guide Cam and Cheeky Kiwi's service that made this trip memorable. The booking process was easy even with late notice, and Cam did a great job reading the group - mostly solo travelers - breaking the ice while also giving space to rest. When the reviewer lost their phone mid-tour, Cam went out of his way to help track it down and keep them calm. The reviewer is already looking forward to booking more tours with Cheeky Kiwi.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo caves experience with John B from…”
Travelled with Cheeky Kiwi to Hobbiton and the Waitomo glow worm caves. Guide John B's knowledge, good humour and passion for New Zealand and the sites visited made it an awesome day.
“Great Tour! Must do in Auckland!”
A must-do tour in the Auckland area, with guide John sharing plenty of history about Auckland and New Zealand along the way. Being on the first tour of the day at Hobbiton made for a great experience. The Waitomo caves were a pleasant surprise too, with a chance to see and learn about the glow worms. Highly recommend both the tour and John as guide.
“Best way to experience Hobbiton and the glow worm caves”
Guide John was great, knowledgeable, and had a pleasant sense of humour even if it was a bit lost on the group's under-caffeinated brains that morning. There's a fair amount of driving involved in this tour, so having an experienced guide leading the way was appreciated.
“Awesone Experience with Cheekykiwi Travel!”
An awesome experience with guide Simon, who was patient, friendly and knowledgeable. His commentary and positive attitude added a lot to the day. Highly recommended - thanks to Simon and Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
“Great day out with very different experiences, excellently…”
A wonderful day combining two very different experiences. Guide Simon struck the right balance between commentary and letting the group simply enjoy the scenery on the drive to Hobbiton, which lived up to expectations. The Waitomo caves weren't the biggest or deepest, but the boat ride past the glow-worms alone made the full 12-hour day worthwhile. Highly recommended.
“Long, Tiring, Enjoyable”
First visit to New Zealand, and the excursion out of Auckland was a hit with the reviewer's daughters. Driver-guide Grant made the long journey - about five hours of travel time each way plus the actual tours - much more enjoyable with fun facts and historical stories. Hobbiton was a highlight, especially for Lord of the Rings fans, though the Waitomo caves were a bit smaller than expected and a slight letdown. Overall still a good day out of the city.
“Hobbiton yes, caves no”
Good timing throughout, with Simon proving a great driver and guide. Hobbiton was a cool experience, though the caves were a bit of a letdown as the glowworm boat ride was quite short.
“ESSENTIAL MUST SEE EXPERIENCE”
A fabulous day out. The Hobbiton movie set lived up to the fairytale image, with a guided walk past the cottages and a free drink at the Green Dragon at the end. The Waitomo caves were an incredible visual experience too - walking down into the caves and taking a boat ride largely in the dark, with the glow worms looking like fairy lights on the roof, followed by beautiful garden surroundings and a coffee shop. Guide Grant provided excellent commentary, handed out free snacks, and went the extra mile to make sure everyone had a good time and got dropped off wherever they needed.
“Not a trip to be missed!”
This Cheeky Kiwi tour is fantastic and comes highly recommended for anyone wanting to see both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves. Guide Michael was great, sharing interesting facts about the areas the tour passed through between the two stops.
“Fun & memorable experience!”
Guide John was fantastic - funny and knowledgeable from the moment they met him. The Hobbiton tour was the favourite part of the day, though the glow worm caves were really cool too. Definitely worth the money.
“Exciting, fun, memorable”
An incredible, bucket-list-worthy day out with lots of fun along the way. The tour guide was fantastic and the group came away with plenty of beautiful photos.
“All smooth”
A well-organized, if busy, day out. Guide Cam was really nice and shared plenty of interesting insights along the way. The reviewer, who is gluten intolerant, appreciated that the company had arranged gluten-free snacks after being told in advance.
“A Must Do Excursion”
The trip is long but totally worthwhile. Grant was a knowledgeable and thoughtful guide, one of the best the reviewer has had. Hobbiton was unmissable for anyone who has read the books or watched the films, and the Glowworm caves offered a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The bus was comfortable and the day well paced.
“Great way to see Hobbiton and Glow Worm Cave!”
Guide Grant made this tour a huge amount of fun - it was extremely well put together and he kept the group engaged and entertained throughout. The little stops along the way were a highlight, giving everyone time to get to know their fellow travellers. The van was comfortable too, so the drive wasn't a bother. Highly recommend this day trip.
“Hobbiton & Glow Worm Cave”
Really enjoyed this tour, thanks to guide Cam's local knowledge and funny stories. Hobbiton was beautiful with plenty of photo opportunities, though there's a fair bit of walking involved. The glow worm caves were also great, with an informative guide there too. Overall a fantastic day, highly recommended.
“You Must Experience -Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves”
Booked the Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave tour for the family with Cheeky Kiwi and had a wonderful time, with Simon as a friendly, informative driver-guide who kept everything on schedule. It's a full 12-hour day, but the smaller group size (18 rather than 40) and the included water and snacks made it comfortable. The itinerary ran smoothly - a guided walk and history at Hobbiton with a stop at the Green Dragon, lunch at a local restaurant, then a guided tour and short glowworm boat ride at the Waitomo Caves, with an ice cream stop on the way back to Auckland. Highly recommends the company and Simon as guide.
“Interesting even if you have never watched any sort of…”
A great day out with guide John, who was knowledgeable, accommodating, and focused on making sure everyone enjoyed themselves. It's a long day with a lot to see, but it never felt rushed.
“Never, Never say NO to Hobbiton!!!”
Guide John P was awesome, friendly and informative, bringing Tolkien and Jackson's world to life on the scenic drive to Hobbiton. The group toured the movie set by bus with an orientation video, learned about its filming history, and walked through the land of the hobbits including the Green Dragon and stone bridge - a highlight even for a reluctant traveller who ended up loving the gardens and photo opportunities. The Waitomo Caves tour was also very well done, with the glow worms appearing like stars overhead during a quiet boat ride. The reviewer also praised Cheeky Kiwi for tracking down and returning a phone left on the bus, and notes the tour involves significant walking and stairs.
“Great experience when you don’t have much time”
A perfect option for those short on time in New Zealand. It's quite a drive to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, but well worth it, with good background information along the way and time for a nap too. Both stops were great excursions - would definitely recommend.
“Loved the experience”
Guide Cameron was a really cool, funny and knowledgeable guide who even handed out free chips in the afternoon. A lovely experience overall - the reviewer plans to book with Cheeky Kiwi again for another tour.
“A must do in Auckland!”
The tour was super organised, with guide Cam knowledgeable about both the sights and the stops along the way. The group arrived at both destinations on time, and Cam was always happy to answer questions and take photos. Regular stops meant the drive didn't feel as long as expected.
“Hobbiton day trip”
The little touches made the day enjoyable - snacks, water, and several toilet and food stops along the way. There was constant commentary on the locations passed through as well as the main tour stops themselves.
“Pleasant and grateful tour”
Bad weather meant this reviewer's group missed out on visiting the Waitomo Caves, but they still had a great time on the tour overall. They thanked the guide for safe driving and for sharing plenty of knowledge along the way, and would highly recommend the tour.
“Once in a life time”
The whole day was a breeze thanks to an amazing, knowledgeable guide who kept the group engaged for the full 12 hours. Both tours were worth the money and made for an incredible experience.
“Great time!”
Had a great time on this tour - the drive up to Hobbiton passed through lovely rolling green hills. Guide Cameron was wonderful throughout.
“Perfect tour to combine Hobbiton and Waitomo glowcaves”
A nice combination tour covering both Hobbiton and Waitomo, with stops in a few small towns along the way for lunch and ice cream. The guide shared plenty of Maori and New Zealand history, information on kiwi habitats, and a few good jokes.
“Fantastic!!!”
Driver Brandon was really good - kind and funny throughout. A fantastic experience that's highly recommended, and the reviewer is already looking forward to more trips around New Zealand.
“Cheeky is one of the best”
Impressed with how efficient Cheeky Kiwi Travel is and how well-paced the group tour was. The driver was very friendly, pointing out details about the sights and roads along the way. The reviewer plans to book with Cheeky Kiwi again in future.
“Almost perfect tour...”
Beautiful scenery on the way and great destinations overall. It would have earned five stars, but some comments from the driver made the reviewer uncomfortable.
“Had a wonderful day!”
A great trip with stunning views, recommended even for those unfamiliar with Lord of the Rings. The glow worms were beautiful and seeing the caves was a cool experience. Guide Grant was a standout, even helping the reviewer get ice cream when they didn't have local cash on hand - a genuinely great guy to have leading the tour.
“Definitely worth it!”
The tour was exactly as expected. There's a fair amount of driving involved, but seeing the countryside along with Hobbiton and the caves was a real highlight. The personable experience and all the knowledge shared made for a day full of exploration.
“Great sightseeing experience in one day”
Really enjoyed this tour. Pick-up wasn't exactly at the hotel, but the walk to the nearest pick-up point was short enough that it wasn't an issue. The guide was lovely and friendly, and combining both Hobbiton and the caves made for a great way to fit more into one day.
“Fun and informative”
A great tour with Grant as driver, who was very informative and handled the winding back roads well. Enjoyed both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves despite a bit of rain, and came away feeling like they'd learned something while having fun.
“Great tour; Super happy I didn't have to drive/navigate roads!”
Bought the Hobbiton and Glow Worm cave tours during a two-week work trip to New Zealand, and appreciated not having to drive themselves while still getting real insight into the landscape and culture. Guide Michael did a good job keeping a diverse group of strangers interested, though the rating was docked slightly because recent flooding meant they couldn't go all the way through the caves - through no fault of the operator. The reviewer pushed back on other negative reviews about the long drive, noting the guides are there to keep things engaging, and came away having met some great fellow travellers.
“Solo Female Traveler - Enjoyed my time!”
As a solo female traveller, this was an enjoyable experience with Cheeky Kiwi, who were easy to communicate with and made her feel well looked after. Yes, it's a long day, but that's made clear at booking - Hobbiton first thing, lunch at a good cafe, then the glow worms tour with an ice cream stop before heading back into the city. Recommends going in with an open mind.
“Loved the attractions, not so keen on the guide”
The attractions themselves were great - Hobbiton exceeded expectations and the glow worms and cave were amazing. The tour guide wasn't the best though, talking constantly without offering much useful information, and the bus felt cramped and stuffy.
“Great”
Guide Michael and the tour overall were great. The van could use more leg room, and the reviewer would have liked more time at the tavern stop, feeling a bit rushed out of there.
“Fabulous attractions and experience”
A long day, but well worth it. Hobbiton was a visual feast on a beautiful sunny day, and worth visiting whether or not you're a Tolkien fan. The glowworm experience in the Waitomo caves was spectacular, with more illuminated than expected, and guide John's professionalism and humour kept the long day from feeling arduous.
“Great tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo glowworm caves.”
A great tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo glowworm caves with guide Grant. Pickup was right on time, and as a solo traveller in the small van of 14, the reviewer was made to feel welcome rather than singled out. Grant was very informative, sharing plenty of facts about New Zealand throughout the drive.
“Hobbiton/Glowworm Caves WORTH IT!”
Both Hobbiton and the glowworm caves were wonderful experiences. Guide John made the most of the drive there and back, and the bonus stops at local eateries were a nice touch.
“Awestruck”
Thoroughly enjoyed the visit to both world-famous sites, and was particularly awestruck by Waitomo - an unforgettable experience. Guide John kept the group informed and entertained throughout the day, and Cheeky Kiwi came across as very professional.
“An amazing day!”
A very well put together tour of Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves, with enough time to explore each place fully at their own pace. Guide Grant was full of information and struck a good balance between keeping the group entertained and knowing when to give them quiet time to explore on their own. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to experience these two quintessentially Kiwi locations.
“Great tour of Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave.”
Guide John kept the group engaged and informed on the drives to and from Hobbiton and the Waitomo Cave. Both the Hobbiton and Waitomo portions of the tour were well done - definitely recommended.
“Good tour choice for Hobbiton & Waitomo”
Really enjoyed this full-day tour (door-to-door from 6:30am to 6:30pm) to see Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Guide John kept things interesting with anecdotes about the attractions as well as New Zealand and Auckland history, and the direct hotel pickup was a nice touch. Both stops were worth the day trip - Hobbiton made for great photos even for non-LOTR fans, and the cave was genuinely extraordinary.
“Exceeded our expectations”
A great day overall. The caves exceeded expectations and were a real highlight, while Hobbiton was every bit as awesome as expected, inspiring a rewatch of the movies. Guide John was cheeky and kept things lively, throwing in a few unexpected stops that made the day perfect.
“Long day! Well worth it!”
A long day, but the Waitomo Caves were fascinating and Hobbiton, which they weren't especially looking forward to, ended up blowing them away. Lots of driving involved, but the countryside scenery made up for it. Guide John was quirky and interesting.
“We’ll organized tour”
A solo traveller praises John for a punctual, safe pickup and transport to Hobbiton and Waitomo, with the day well organised and plenty of rest and coffee stops. John's inclusive, sociable style meant they felt part of the group despite travelling alone, and they came away having learned a lot about Auckland and New Zealand. Highly recommends Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
“Glad we took a Cheeky Kiwi tour”
Despite rain, a great day visiting Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves with a few surprises along the way. Guide and driver John was punctual, knowledgeable, and filled the long day with interesting historical and cultural information about the areas travelled through, all with good humour. He took photos throughout for the diverse group and shared them via WhatsApp afterwards. Highly recommended.
“great day moderate weather”
A great day out visiting Hobbiton and the Waitomo glow worm caves. Guide John was excellent, full of information, and good with the small group. Beats driving yourself - highly recommended.
“Must have if you be in NZ”
The guide kept things fun and informative on the road, happy to stop for breaks when asked. No need to worry about tickets or logistics - it was all taken care of. Loved the movie set and the caves, both must-sees in New Zealand.
“Cheeky to the core”
Guide Jason kept things light with commentary during the long drives to Hobbiton and Waitomo, and managed the day's logistics well. Overall a great experience.
“John, Paul, & Max were outstanding guides!”
John led the tour with patience, humour and a deep knowledge of Auckland. Paul's passion for his work brought Hobbiton to life, and Max gave a fascinating, educational tour of the Waitomo Caves that exceeded expectations. Would happily do it all again - highly recommended.
“Bucket list item ticked off”
A great way to experience the LOTR/Hobbit world, with enough time at each stop plus rest breaks along the way. The Waitomo caves and their tiny glowing inhabitants were a real highlight. Guide John shared plenty of information and travel advice and clearly loves the country. Already planning a return trip once the new hobbit homes open.
“A Cheeky hit of a tour!”
A smooth hotel pickup and a lovely drive down to Hobbiton, kept entertaining by guide Brendan throughout. Hobbiton itself was superb, rounded off with a drink at the Green Dragon. The group then moved on to the Waitomo Caves and glow worms, another highlight, before heading back to Auckland with a fun ice-cream stop along the way. A must-do.
“New fans of "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit."”
Seeing Hobbiton rekindled a long-dormant love of Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, prompting plans to rewatch the films. Driver Michael and the Hobbiton guide were both personable and knowledgeable. At the Waitomo Glowworm cave, guide Corey - said to be the great-grandson of the Maori who first explored it - impressed with his humour and personality; the cave itself is compact but full of interesting sights. The long drive between attractions was comfortable, and an ice-cream stop capped off the day nicely.
“Great fun at hobbit movie set n waitoma caves”
Guide John was wonderful, with good music and informative commentary on the bus throughout. The hobbit town was enjoyable despite the rain, and the Waitomo caves were nice too. Recommends this day trip.
“Magical”
Hobbiton was a wonder and great fun, and the Waitomo Caves and glow worms were also enjoyed, though they wished it had run a little longer. Driver Michael was informative and made the long drives interesting. Highly recommended.
“Brilliant trip”
Guide Grant was lovely and insightful, taking the group to all the best spots along the way. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were great, with good guides at each location. Highly recommended.
We booked this tour of Waitomo caves and the Hobbiton movie set with Cheeky Kiwi while visiting Auckland, and the online booking process was easy. The coach was comfortable and our driver-guide Grant was fantastic — caring, safe, and full of clear, informative commentary. Our one complaint was the lack of clarity around airport pickup parking: we were directed to a lot reserved for another business and ended up parking elsewhere and walking to the meeting point. Clearer instructions on where to park would have helped.
“10/10”
A great experience overall - the bus driver was excellent, and both destinations visited were must-sees.
“A long day but worth every cent”
Picked up on time by Grant, who explained the day's plan before they arrived. Hobbiton exceeded expectations with a knowledgeable, passionate guide, followed by an hour's lunch break in town. The onward trip to Waitomo also went smoothly and was well worth it, with a welcome ice-cream stop breaking up the long drive home. A long day, but worthwhile thanks to Grant's personality.
“Worms And Hobbits Adventure”
Visiting Hobbiton was a dream come true, and meeting Corey at the glow worms made for a mind-blowing, moving experience. Driver Michael capped the day off with a surprise ice cream.
“If In A Rush To See, but No photos inside Glow worm cave”
A mixed but largely positive review, scored separately for each part. Guide Grant (5/5) was funny, friendly, organised and kept things on schedule, including a stop to feed ostriches up close. Hobbiton (4/5) had good pre-tour cafe options and a great Green Dragon bar experience, though some parts felt rushed and photography restrictions inside a hobbit hole were disappointing. The glow worm cave visit (3/5) felt too short and rushed, with no photography allowed even with the included GoPros. Suggests a longer caving option for anyone wanting more time with the glow worms.
“Oh the sights you will see!”
A very long day, but well worth it. Guide Grant was knowledgeable and friendly, going out of his way to keep everyone comfortable. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were fantastic and worth the hours of driving. The one suggestion: make it clearer upfront that lunch isn't included, especially given the tour price.
“A driver, a movie set, and a glow worm walk into a bar...”
Guide Grant shared plenty of information and took time to chat with each member of the group. The tour was well paced, never feeling rushed or slow, with sufficient time and rest stops at every location. A genuinely great experience overall - recommends booking with Cheeky Kiwi if on the fence.
“Thanks Cheeky Kiwi”
Booked through the Get Your Guide app, with staff helpful from the very start in providing all the information needed. Driver Grant was kind, and both parts of the day were fabulous, Hobbiton especially. Along the way the driver handed out snacks and water and made stops at an ostrich farm and for New Zealand ice cream. Highly recommends relying on this operator.
“Absolutely wonderful trip”
A last-minute Auckland booking that worked out perfectly. Guides Simon and Mike were knowledgeable and made a mixed group of solo travellers, couples and families feel safe and welcome exploring outside the city. Strongly recommends booking this tour over similar alternatives.
“Amazing tour! Even more amazing guide!”
A seamless, wonderful experience from start to finish. Guide John was funny, friendly and full of facts about LOTR, the caves and New Zealand's history, making everyone feel comfortable throughout. Highly recommends booking with Cheeky Kiwi.
“Awesome trip!”
A really enjoyable trip - an early tour of Hobbiton followed by an amazing visit to the Glowworm Caves. A relaxed pace allowed time for photos, scenery and ice cream. Guide Mike provided great commentary along the way. Definitely recommends.
“Lovely time, even with a little baby”
A lovely, smooth day with guide John, who was knowledgeable, organised and funny. One of the few tours that welcomed a 15-month-old baby, providing a proper car seat in good condition. John stayed helpful even through a mid-tour mishap with the baby, and later followed up on questions he didn't know the answer to at the time. Overall a wonderful day, recommended.
“Hobbiton party.”
A fabulous experience in a fantastic setting, with big thanks to guide John. Recommends wholeheartedly.
“Fantastic trip to spectacular places with great guides”
Hobbiton is a must-see even for those who aren't big Lord of the Rings fans, and the Waitomo Caves are spectacular. Guide/driver John kept the group laughing and made sure everyone got the most out of the trip. A second Cheeky Kiwi tour for this reviewer, and would recommend it again.
“Worth it!”
A great trip overall despite a few hiccups getting out of Auckland and with lunch. Guide Grant was excellent throughout.
“Great trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo!”
A great trip with guide John, who was very knowledgeable about New Zealand and the sites visited, striking a good balance between commentary and quiet time. Hobbiton was fascinating to see as the Shire from the films, with good on-site guides sharing interesting stories. The Glowworm Caves were also fantastic, the ceiling looking like a night sky. A long day with a lot of riding, but the bus was comfortable enough for the family to nap along the way.
“Hobbiton/caves visit”
Guide Simon was knowledgeable and filled the group in on all sorts of information about the places visited during the tour.
We toured Hobbiton and the Glow Worm caves with John. It was a long day, leaving the hotel at 6:30am and returning around 7pm, but well worth it. John was very knowledgeable about New Zealand and the attractions, and both Hobbiton and the caves were amazing.
We had a fantastic trip to Hobbiton and the glow worm caves with guide Michael. It was a long day but worth every minute — the van was comfortable, we had a small group, and were provided with snacks and water. Michael was informative, kind and funny, even letting us stop for ice cream along the way.
“Perfect day!!”
A friendly driver, nice weather, and an ice-cream stop on the way back made for a perfect end to the day.
“Long day but awesome”
Booked with less than 12 hours' notice ahead of a late flight, and it went smoothly, with a well-timed return leaving plenty of time to grab luggage for the airport. Guide Jules was generous and accommodating, going beyond the standard itinerary with a stop at a nearby farm to see alpacas and ostriches and try kumara fries. A fun, memorable day.
“Great tour and guide”
Booked the Hobbiton and Waitomo cave tours through Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Guide Jules was engaging, polite and friendly, keeping everyone comfortable while educating the group on New Zealand's history. A great tour and experience overall.
“Fantastic day, seeing sites you’ll only see once in a life time”
A fantastic day from start to finish - guide John provided all the information needed, the Hobbiton set was unbelievable, and the glow worms were amazing.
“What a great day”
Guide/driver John communicated excellently throughout an entertaining, informative and considerate day, with local food, plenty of photo and toilet stops, and perfectly timed pickup and drop-off. A day that will be remembered for a long time.
“Cheeky Aussie”
Guide John brought energy from the start, mixing knowledge and humour in a narrative that kept the group hooked on his every word. A great group, a great tour, and an awesome guide.
“Making Memories”
A wonderful experience for the reviewer, her daughter and granddaughter with John and his wife from Cheeky Kiwi Tours. John was informative throughout the drive and funny with the pre-teen in the group, and went out of his way to buy the granddaughter an apple during an ice-cream stop. The visit to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves was exceptional, creating lasting memories.
“Perfect one-day trip”
A perfect one-day trip away from the city with guide John, who was very knowledgeable about both locations and shared plenty of interesting facts along the drive. A small winter-season group let everyone get to know each other a little better. Highly recommends Cheeky Kiwi for a fully taken-care-of day out.
“Beautiful countryside, well organized fun trip!”
A well-organised day with a wonderful guide/driver, informative tidbits and stops along the way, a clean van, and beautiful countryside scenery.
“10/10 recommend”
An amazing tour with a friendly, knowledgeable guide, John. Highly recommends, 10/10.
“Great day tour from Auckland”
A great day out with guide Mike from Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Hobbiton was brilliant and well maintained, with knowledgeable, easygoing on-site guide Stevie. The Waitomo Caves were also very interesting, with thousands of glow worms visible while being punted through the cave by boat - a spectacular sight.
“Highly recommended :)”
The best day tour taken in Auckland, with guide Michael super nice and knowledgeable, and everything well organised and unrushed.
“Great day out for anyone including solo travelers”
Guide Grant told plenty of stories and interesting facts about New Zealand along the way, from farming to racehorses to sanctuaries to the Moa, keeping everyone smiling and enjoying themselves as much as he seemed to. One tip: visit the Hobbiton gift shop before the tour to make sure you don't miss out on souvenirs.
“Lovely day, great tour experience!”
A long but effortless day travelling from Auckland to Hobbiton, which lived up to expectations, followed by the Waitomo Caves. Driver Grant was kind and knowledgeable, sharing plenty of local facts while accommodating passenger requests for stops and still keeping to schedule. The bus was clean but a little tight on legroom in some rows. Flooding put the Waitomo leg at risk, but Grant kept everyone updated, and a smaller group of four still got into the caves for a mesmerising, if slightly modified, visit. Already looking forward to booking another Cheeky Kiwi tour.
“Come as you return”
A punctual pickup for a long return trip, with extra stops added along the way and snacks and water provided throughout. Both guides were attentive, recommending good seating and dining spots and helping the group take photos, with small gifts given at the end. Hobbiton village and the glow worm caves were both beautiful, memorable sights, though rain and high water levels on the day meant the cave visit was limited to the indoor section only.
“Best day adventure”
A great day with guides Michael and Michael, full of fun, banter and information along the way, plus karaoke on the drive home.
“Attractions were great”
The bus looked nice with leather seats but had cramped legroom in some rows and non-working charge points, and travelling with young children and a pram in the back seat was awkward. Ticket age categories weren't clear when booking, leading to a slight overpayment. With two staff sharing one microphone, some commentary was hard to follow, and a few New Zealand facts weren't quite accurate. That said, both Hobbiton and the glow worm caves were thoroughly enjoyed, with plenty of stops along the way.
“Amazing experience with an awesome tour guide”
Rescheduled easily ahead of forecast rain with no fuss from customer service. Guide Jason was excellent and entertaining throughout, keeping the long drives from feeling long. Visiting from Sydney, the reviewer recommends Cheeky Kiwi especially for first-time travellers, with both parts of the day rated as awesome.
“Amazing experiences with the best tour guide”
Guide Mike was incredible from pickup to drop-off, educating the group on New Zealand's land and culture with humour while checking in on everyone's comfort throughout. Both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Cave tour were memorable in different ways - Hobbiton for its behind-the-scenes LOTR/Hobbit details, Waitomo for its cultural insight. A memorable trip, worth every cent.
“An unforgettable and amazing welcome to New Zealand”
Guide Mani was wonderful, charming and informative about New Zealand and Maori history, and a lovely singer too, making for a stress-free, unforgettable day. The coach was comfortable with air conditioning, USB sockets, water and snacks. Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves were both beautiful, with plenty learned about local town history and industry along the way.
“Great Tourguide”
Guide Mani was really good, the vehicle clean and comfortable, and the lunch stopover had a nice view. Overall well worth it and would recommend to friends.
“Amazing Service!”
After another company cancelled on them due to low numbers, Cheeky Kiwi still ran the tour. Guide Mani was excellent, helpful and knowledgeable, leaving the reviewer keen to book again on a future visit.
“Hobbits, Worms, and Pies, oh my!”
A brilliant day seeing the Hobbiton movie set, including a stop at the Green Dragon for a complimentary drink and tasty beef and beer pies, followed by a great tour of the Waitomo caves with guide Wii. Driver Manni kept things interesting with facts and conversation throughout, happy to answer any questions. An excellent day all round.
“Great day!! Great guide!!”
Guide Mani was magnificent, arriving right on time and sharing plenty of knowledge about both Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton, making an already great day even better.
“Excellent communication, tour, guide & group”
Despite heavy rain and COVID-related booking disruptions, the Cheeky Kiwi team still got the reviewer out to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. A great experience from start to finish, with excellent communication and a comfortable, new vehicle for the long trip. Worth every cent.
“Fantabulous day trip”
Guide Mani was enthusiastic, entertaining and knowledgeable, with just the right amount of time given at each location and a comfortable drive throughout.
“Superb tour and very fun trip!”
A friendly, entertaining and accommodating guide provided refreshments and an unplanned toilet and food stop along the way, making it easy to build a rapport despite the rain. The Hobbiton guide was knowledgeable about the movie set's background and how it was created, while the Waitomo guide was funny, entertaining and a talented singer - the glow worms were amazing. Strongly recommends this tour.
“Excellent Tour”
Driver/guide Michael made the tour more enjoyable with great communication and clear directions throughout. Highly recommended.
“Book today”
Despite only two people being booked, Cheeky Kiwi still ran the tour with a stylish minibus and driver Nick, who chatted easily and waited patiently during coffee breaks at each stop. Both destinations were amazing, with guides Mike at Hobbiton and Hiria at Waitomo adding to the experience.
“Great Customer Service - Above and Beyond.”
A last-minute booking nearly fell through due to low numbers, but rather than cancel, Cheeky Kiwi found a spot on a partner company's tour instead. Impressed by the effort, the reviewer now plans to make Cheeky Kiwi their first choice for future tours. The tour itself was great and highly recommended.
“Awesome, great and worth it....”
The MAAB family group had a wonderful day with guides Michael Healey and Manny, who kept everyone safe while sharing plenty about the Hobbiton and Waitomo areas. It made for a memorable New Year outing, especially for the children.
“Chock full day”
Anna found the service excellent and well organised, with everything fitting into the day without feeling rushed. She'd recommend it as a day trip from Auckland and praised the professionalism throughout.
“Incredible time”
Marianela had an amazing day at Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, with guide Michael keeping the group entertained throughout. She felt the time spent at each stop was just right, and the transport was comfortable.
“Professional, friendly, a wee bit cheeky & 100% recommended!”
This large Facebook group booked Cheeky Kiwi for a 20-person outing, and guides Mark and Michael connected well with everyone while keeping the commentary informative throughout. Hobbiton exceeded expectations even for non-fans of the films, and floating beneath the glowworms at Waitomo was another highlight of a smoothly run day.
“Fantastic”
A fun long-weekend day trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves with a friendly crew - driver/guide Michael even ran trivia questions on the drive back to keep everyone entertained.
“Fun and neatly packed...”
A fun, well-organised day out - Moumita particularly enjoyed Michael's trivia along the way and highly recommends the tour.
“Brilliant day out with Cheeky Kiwi team! Highly recommend.”
Hayley had a brilliant day with guides Mark and Michael - communication was excellent and pickup/drop-off ran exactly to plan. There was plenty of time to relax between stops, plus a bonus ice-cream stop on the way back, making for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
“Awesome experience!”
Booking was quick and easy, and the driver was very friendly on this trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves. Jayden found both stops enjoyable for all ages and would book with Cheeky Kiwi again.
“Michael was awesome!”
Kristy's guide Michael was knowledgeable about New Zealand and gave good tips on where to get great photos. The trip ran smoothly and she felt it was well worth the price.
“Lovely, friendly complete Tour”
A lovely day exploring both the Hobbiton movie set and the Waitomo glowworm caves, with guide Grant sharing plenty of knowledge about New Zealand and the North Island. He took a genuine interest in the guests and even provided umbrellas, plus door-to-door pickup and drop-off.
“Very nice tour!”
Anna-Lena found the tour very nice and interesting, with guide Michael sharing plenty of information about New Zealand. Everything was well organised and she'd definitely recommend it.
“Would Do Again!”
CK861 had an excellent time with driver/guide Michael, who was friendly and knowledgeable throughout. The early start meant getting to Hobbiton ahead of the crowds, which was a real plus.
“A thoroughly excellent day out.”
RichardB enjoyed watching the sunrise on the drive and being on the first tour group through Hobbiton. Guide Michael was terrific - informative and helpful throughout - and he'd wholeheartedly recommend both the tour and Cheeky Kiwi.
“King Lance”
Stefan had a great tour from Auckland with guide Lance, who was helpful and full of interesting stories both ways. Hobbiton was a highlight of the day.
“It was awesome trip”
Guide and driver Michael made ANKUR's group feel comfortable throughout an awesome, scenic trip.
“Fantastic day!”
Guides Louise and Jonesy made for a fantastic day - being in the first group meant beating the crowds at Hobbiton, and the glow worm caves were another highlight. Louise's knowledge meant Ellie felt they got great value from the tour, and would happily recommend it.
“Don't miss this tour”
Bob's guide Lance shared plenty of Maori history and stories along the way. Hobbiton was larger than expected with an impressive level of detail, and the Waitomo caves lived up to expectations too - worth the cost despite the distance driven. His one gripe was that the optional lunch at Roseland Farms wasn't great value, though other food options were available nearby.
“Review Day Tour with CheekyKiwi”
A really enjoyable tour to Hobbiton and the Glowworm Caves, with guide Lance's funny stories about New Zealand adding to the experience. Veronika would definitely recommend it.
“One of the best tours I've done through Australia/NZ”
Having done several tours across Australia and New Zealand, Sarah rated this Hobbiton/Waitomo tour the best of them all. Guide Louise was warm, professional and went out of her way to help - even lending money when Sarah forgot her wallet - and built a great group atmosphere along the way.
“Pure magic!!!”
Guide Mike was extremely knowledgeable, sharing plenty of historical facts in an entertaining way and keeping everything running on time. Sánný called it a magical experience worth repeating.
“Fantastic day”
Dick and Gerrie were picked up early and kept well informed of any changes, with guide Lance sharing plenty of stories about New Zealand's history along the way. Both the Hobbiton movie set and the glow worm caves were beautiful, and the small group size meant lots of interaction with fellow travellers over a barbecue lunch.
“The highlight of our trip so far!”
Guide Louise was absolutely fantastic, keeping the group entertained on the long drive with stories and getting to know everyone well enough to give personalised tips. Breakfast, snacks and drinks were provided for the early start, along with advice on getting the best photos at Hobbiton and the best view of the glowworms - Robyn plans to book more Cheeky Kiwi tours in future.
“Excellent Day with Louise at Hobbiton and Worm Cave”
Vanessa had a great day at Hobbiton and the Waitomo glow worm caves with guide Louise, who shared plenty of fun facts and stories about the areas along the way. She made sure everyone got the most out of the tour, and Vanessa would happily do it again with her.
“Long but Memorable Day Tour”
With a small group of seven, Marcia found the long drive well worth it. Hobbiton was much bigger than expected, with fun details around the shire and a taste of the local ale, while the Waitomo Glow worm Caves felt almost like a theme-park ride but completely real - guide Michael made it a thoroughly enjoyable day.
“Could Not Fault This Tour!!!”
Rhianna and her cousin had an amazing tour with driver Lance, who shared local Maori stories along the way. Hobbiton was a fun, well-run look at the filmmaking behind Lord of the Rings even for non-fans, and the Waitomo caves felt magical thanks to the local guide's passion - a must-do if visiting Auckland.
“Great tour! Worth the money!”
Caroline, travelling solo, said guide Martin made her feel like part of the group right away, keeping everyone stocked with water and snacks while sharing plenty of local history. Hobbiton turned out to be a highlight of her three-week trip despite initial skepticism, and the Waitomo caves were just as worthwhile - she'd happily book with them again.
“Awesome day in Matamata and Waitomo”
Rebecca booked just a day in advance with no trouble, and found driver Michael chatty and knowledgeable about Auckland, Hobbiton and the caves. Hobbiton was thoroughly enjoyable with time for a drink and the gift shop, and lunch at the recommended Tomo restaurant was a highlight thanks to a friendly owner. She found the Waitomo caves themselves a little underwhelming, since most of the 45-minute visit was spent walking rather than on the brief glowworm boat ride, but overall it was a great day.
“Auckland”
Guide Lance kept the group entertained with New Zealand history and fun facts, making the drive from Auckland to Matamata and Waitomo both educational and enjoyable. Marilou considers both stops a must-see for first-time visitors.
“Great Sites - Interesting Stories”
Georgiegoodson found the day both educational and fun, with guide Michael telling fascinating stories throughout. They'd highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
“Best time ever”
Travelling solo felt a bit daunting at first, but guide Andre made the day so enjoyable that Ashley went on to book two more trips with him. She can't recommend Andre and Cheeky Kiwi enough.
“Loved it!”
Guide Lance's sense of humour and interesting stories made the long journey fly by. Ashley loved Hobbiton and the beer at the Green Dragon, found the glow worm caves' boat ride short but stunning, and appreciated the ice-cream stop on the way home rounding off a well-organised day.
“Wonderful day & Excellent Host”
Rob had a wonderful day visiting Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves with host Lance, who kept everyone well fed with snacks and full of entertaining stories and quick wit. There was plenty of time to relax and browse at both stops, and Lance even offered to shout ice creams on the drive home, making for a highly enjoyable day.
“Great ride to Bag End!”
On a five-day stop in New Zealand, Tim's group was picked up right on time by guides Lou and Amelia, who he described as warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. Hobbiton was great fun for film fans and non-fans alike, and the caves genuinely blew them away - with a few nice surprises from the guides along the way, it ranked among their best experiences.
“Hobbiton and glow worm tour”
From the moment of pickup, April's group was made to feel right at home by guides Lou and Amelia, who were knowledgeable not just about the tour but New Zealand's history and conservation too. The Hobbiton set was a must-see, and the glow worm caves left her speechless - well worth the time and cost.
“Fantastic tour with a fantastic guide”
Pierce's driver kept the group entertained with hilarious commentary for most of the drive, and when they ran ahead of schedule, arranged an earlier slot at Hobbiton rather than a long lunch wait - saving two hours overall. Both Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton were a definite must-see.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves with Cheeky Kiwi”
Having never seen or read Lord of the Rings, Lauren was initially unsure about the Hobbiton tour, but was glad her family booked this combo trip. The scenery exceeded expectations and the caves and glowworms were amazing too, with guide Louise going above and beyond to cater to everyone's needs.
“Fun trip”
Keith found Hobbiton so cool he wants to rewatch the films to match up the scenes, and Waitomo was a neat, unique attraction too. Guide Louise's commentary was informative without being overwhelming, and he'd recommend Cheeky Kiwi Tours.
“Amazing full day trip!”
Guide Louisa was excellent and accommodating, answering questions and paying great attention to detail throughout. Hobbiton was a blast and the Waitomo Caves turned out to be an unexpected highlight, with a group ice-cream stop the perfect finish to a long but wonderful day.
“Awesome trip”
Guide Louise was amazing throughout - funny, knowledgeable and full of local history. Hobbiton was magical and the glow worms were a highlight, and with light traffic that day Louise made a few bonus stops, including for what lulucuervo called the best ice cream of the trip. They'd happily do the whole tour again and request Louise.
“Good guide”
Tom praised the driver's skills and the guide's politeness, and says he'll book with them again next time.
“Great trip, Martin was fantastic!”
Steven's family of four had a wonderful day at Hobbiton and the caves, with guide Martin's knowledgeable commentary and strong group leadership going above and beyond. He'd certainly recommend both Martin and the trip.
“Great service”
Deni found the guides helpful and kind, with everything running as planned. The distance made for a slightly tiring day, but it was worth it.
“Good & responsive tour guide”
Leo felt well looked after throughout by a nice guide. Lunch was a bit short, but that meant getting back to the city earlier, which wasn't a bad trade-off.
“Great day!!”
Gladys called it an excellent, good-value tour with great guides who were punctual and knowledgeable throughout.
“Amazing! The glowworms are just as bright as the pictures…”
M-LOTR-OH enjoyed the drive to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves thanks to guide Andre's local history and jokes, plus a bonus stop at a filming location along the way. The glowworm caves were awe-inspiring with a delightful local Maori guide, and the glowworms turned out to be just as bright in person as in photos - they also recommend the beef and ale pie at Hobbiton.
“Great day with Cheeky Kiwi”
Booking took only five minutes, and guide Michael took great care of the group throughout the day. Fadhullah also appreciated the free snacks, water and keychain, and recommends the tour.
“Great Tours / Great Experience”
Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves were top of kittypat2016's list, and the tours turned out even better than imagined. It made for a long twelve-hour-plus day, but guide Andre's knowledge and stories kept things enjoyable and never felt rushed - they wouldn't change a thing about the experience.
“laughs and adventures all day”
As a solo traveller, Stephanie found Cheeky Kiwi the perfect choice, with guide Andre keeping the full van laughing and chatting throughout a long day. Hobbiton was phenomenal despite joining a larger group of about 40 at the entrance, complete with a beer at the Green Dragon, and though the lunch stop before Waitomo felt a little rushed, the caves themselves were a simple, relaxing way to end the day.
“Chur for the time in the Wop-Wops!”
The small group size made for a perfect day, with guide Andre's deep knowledge of the area and good humour standing out. It's a toss-up between Hobbiton and the glow worms as the highlight - a g suggests going to decide for yourself.
“4 stars!! Costa Rican nightmare group”
Mspineapple87 loved Hobbiton but found the BBQ lunch and the glow worms a bit underwhelming compared to expectations. A disruptive group within the tour caused problems throughout the day, but guide Simon handled the situation well, and Hobbiton remained the standout part of the trip.
“Absolutely magical”
Tatiana's early 6am pickup for Hobbiton and Waitomo caves was with guide Grant, whom she described as knowledgeable, pleasant and practically a nanny to the group. The tour exceeded her expectations, and she was very happy with her choice of both destinations.
“Amazing tour guide (Lance) and had a blast exploring the Shire!”
Had a blast exploring the Shire and seeing the glow worms, with Lance as a fantastic guide. Highly recommends the tour to anyone visiting Auckland and suggests requesting Lance for his stories.
“Surreal experience!!!”
Traveled from the US to New Zealand as part of their honeymoon and found the experience well worth it. Guide Grant was knowledgeable and pleasant, though at times his presence felt a bit much when they wanted quieter moments together, like during the drink stop at the Green Dragon. Still, they could see why he's a valued member of the team.
“Amazing tour, definitely worth it!!”
Loved the atmosphere and found guide Andre kind, funny and attentive. Called the tour a must-do, especially enjoying the shared barbecue meal in a lovely setting, and encouraged fellow French travelers to book it without hesitation.
“It was amazing!”
Found both stops on the tour awesome, with guide Andre being funny and extremely knowledgeable. Praised the company's punctuality and reliability, calling Hobbiton and Waitomo a must-see combination in New Zealand.
“Great day out- highly recommended”
Andre picked the group up from their hotel and quickly had everyone chatting and laughing like old friends. The guided walk through Hobbiton was enjoyable and the Glow Worm Caves were interesting, with Andre making the whole day a lot of fun.
“Chasing rainbows”
Joined guide Andre for the day and found the pickup and communication smooth throughout. Andre was extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand, and Hobbiton itself was charming, with the surrounding farmland providing a stunning backdrop beyond the movie-set details. The Waitomo glow worm caves were mesmerizing, with the quiet dripping of water the only reminder of being underground, and the day ended with a beautiful double rainbow. Called the trip well worth it.
“Fantastic tours exploring New Zealand”
Took the full-day tour from Auckland to Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves, with driver Simon sharing great insight along the way. Being in the first group at Hobbiton meant photos without crowds, and Simon's lunch recommendation during the roughly hour-long Waitomo stop was a hit before the cave tour. Praised the well-organized schedule with no long waits and highly recommends Cheeky Kiwi for touring New Zealand.
“What an adventure”
Was initially hesitant about the early 6am start and 12-hour length, but it turned out to be well worth it, with the early departure meaning they were first through Hobbiton and the long day never feeling rushed. The small group had driver Lance as a wonderfully entertaining storyteller. Hobbiton was magical and the Waitomo Caves, especially the boat ride, was a highlight for their young son.
“Excellent Hobbiton and Waitomo glow worm cave adventure”
This was their second tour with Cheeky Kiwi and second time with guide Michael, a third-generation Kiwi full of knowledge about the country and its Maori history and place names. The Hobbiton movie set was excellent for Lord of the Rings fans, and while the Waitomo glow worm portion was short, it was still fascinating. Strongly recommends Cheeky Kiwi for this combo tour and praised Michael's top-notch customer service.
“Cheeky Kiwi rocks”
Picked up by Lance at 6am, whose deep knowledge of Maori culture and history made the day feel magical from the start. Hobbiton was stunning, especially being the first group through, and the glow worm caves were incredible thanks to a guide who even sang to showcase the caves' acoustics. Only regret was not choosing the barbecue lunch option.
“And so it was for a very long time”
Guide and driver Lance kept the tour well organized and on schedule, entertaining the group with New Zealand history and Maori culture along the long stretches between stops. The day included a good amount of time at both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves, with plenty of breaks and a clean, comfortable minibus. Hobbiton felt like a genuine place rather than just a film set, and while photos aren't allowed inside the caves, there was plenty to learn about them. Overall a great day trip recommended for anyone with time to spare in Auckland.
“Excellent service and as great experience”
Guide Mike was amazing, funny and attentive, and the van was comfortable with WiFi and USB charging. As a Lord of the Rings fan, visiting Hobbiton was a must, and being in the first group through meant uncrowded photos. Called the Waitomo caves out of this world.
“Best tour of Hobbiton and Caves on the market!”
Found Lance and the Cheeky Kiwi team knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their country and culture. Lance was witty, approachable and provided excellent service on this Hobbiton and caves tour, highly recommended.
“A prompt, fun-filled day”
Joined the group at The Shire's Rest after coming from Rotorua, with the Cheeky Kiwi bus arriving promptly and accommodating luggage. Lance and his colleague were fun and friendly, even helping with photos, though the Hobbiton portion (run by Hobbiton Movie Set Tours) felt a bit rushed before the stop at the Green Dragon Inn. Lance then drove the group to the Waitomo Caves, sharing plenty of information and a strong understanding of Maori culture, and got everyone back to Auckland quickly.
“Great day with Lance”
Had a great day with a small group and driver Lance, who was kind and very funny. Found the organization excellent and would absolutely recommend this tour.
“Walking in Hobbits Steps”
Booked with Cheeky Kiwi as devoted Tolkien fans wanting to enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving themselves. The day exceeded expectations, with guide Tania anticipating their every need and making the most of any spare time to show them something extra special about the region. By the end of the tour it felt like they'd made a new friend.
“Awesome Hobbiton and Glow worm Tour with Cheeky Kiwis”
An early 6:10am pickup in Auckland began a memorable full day with guides Louise and Roy in an 11-seater minibus, including a stunning sunrise photo stop as the temperature dropped sharply outside the city. Louise shared plenty of knowledge about the landscape, history and culture along the way, and at Hobbiton their local guide Charles gave a fun, informative tour of the movie set, capped with a complimentary ginger beer at the Green Dragon. After a lunch stop in Waitomo village, guide Anna led them through the glow worm caves and boat ride, a truly memorable experience even without photos allowed inside. Louise rounded out the day with ice cream and a small souvenir, and the reviewer highly recommends Cheeky Kiwi for the warm hospitality throughout.
“Bucket list trip to The Shire”
A great, if long, day trip from a well-organized company that quickly adjusted the pickup location after a late accommodation change. Driver Andre was personable and funny but mentioned he doesn't usually run this tour, so the guided commentary was lighter than expected based on other reviews. Still recommends the company and both destinations, and appreciated Andre negotiating an earlier Hobbiton slot for the group.
“A day dreams are made of!”
Traveled to New Zealand partly to see Hobbiton, and it did not disappoint. Guide and driver Andre was knowledgeable about both Lord of the Rings and New Zealand generally, pointing out extra details and accommodating vegetarian meal requests along the way. Hobbiton was beautiful for reenacting scenes and photos, and the quiet, dark boat ride through the Glowworm caves was another highlight of a long but perfectly organized day. Highly recommends the tour.
“An Amazing Experience with an Outstanding Company”
Guide Andre was prompt, courteous and informative, going out of his way to find a restaurant with vegetarian options for the group. Found the Hobbiton tour amazing and the glow worm caves breathtaking.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland…”
A truly magical day that lasted about 12 and a half hours door to door, with guide Michael keeping things interesting with plenty of facts and trivia about New Zealand. Blessed with a clear blue sky on a perfect winter's day, and gives the experience full marks, thanking Michael and Cheeky Kiwi.
“Liz Ottawa, Canada”
A great tour with Lance as guide, who was knowledgeable and entertaining, and knew just when to share stories versus let the group sit quietly. He had a knack for getting strangers from different countries talking and laughing together, making him a great ambassador for both Cheeky Kiwi and New Zealand.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo glowworm caves - A True Story”
A fantastic tour with driver Lance, visiting Hobbiton where friendly on-site staff guide you around and offer a free drink at the pub before heading to the beautiful glowworm caves. An amazing experience, highly recommended whether you're visiting or a local resident.
““Luise- The shining Star for Cheeky Kiwis””
Started the Hobbiton and Waitomo tour early on a cold morning, picked up in a comfortable, fully heated van. Guide Luise was outstanding, with immense knowledge and made the whole experience memorable. Highly recommends the tour and hopes future travelers are lucky enough to have Luise as their guide too.
“Excellent tour and first class service!”
An excellent tour of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, with guide Lance being attentive, funny and friendly throughout. A tour worth recommending.
“A must if you’re staying in Auckland!”
Guide Dane was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, sharing insights into the landscape, history and culture of the places visited throughout the day. The Hobbiton movie set was a bucket-list activity that fully lived up to expectations, complete with the traditional drink at the Green Dragon, and the drive on to see the Waitomo glow worm caves didn't disappoint either. Highly recommends the trip and suggests asking for Dane.
“Hobbiton and Waitomo glowworm caves”
Did the full-day Cheeky Kiwi tour of both Hobbiton and the Waitomo glowworm caves, and both destinations were well worth visiting. Guide Michael was knowledgeable, entertaining and friendly, making it an easy recommendation, and they'd happily book with Cheeky Kiwi again. Also recommends stopping at The Tomo for lunch.
“Wonderful day at Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves - thanks Lance!”
Lance stood out as an exceptional guide, making the long stretches of driving between Hobbiton and Waitomo fly by with captivating stories. A great option for anyone with a day to explore the areas around Auckland, and thanks to Lance for making it such a memorable day.
“Tania's the best!”
Guide Tanya was the best facilitator of a truly unforgettable day, from the early morning pickup and sunrise over the countryside to well-timed breaks and photo stops. The Hobbiton experience was genuinely exciting, and Tanya was knowledgeable, friendly and professional throughout, with the day capped off by the famous Hokey Pokey ice cream.
“Excellent tour, thank you Lance!”
Guide Lance was funny and kept things running right on time, with a snack and wifi provided on the van. This tour was one of the highlights of the trip, with Hobbiton being especially cool, and Lance even introduced them to Tip Top ice cream, which they now miss back home. Found the scenery along the way truly magical.
“Movieset and Waitomocave”
Picked up on time as part of a small group of three during winter, with driver Michael being kind and pointing out extras like ostriches along the way. Both Hobbiton and the Glowworm Cave were great, and the roughly 12-hour day included an ice cream stop on the way back.
“Awesome Tour 28/05/2019”
Guide Simon was experienced and took great care of everyone in the group. Traveling solo, still felt like being among friends thanks to Simon and the other families on the tour, and gives him full credit for a well-run day.
“Awesome day, Lance is a fantastic guy!”
A very nice tour that was totally worth the money, with a comfortable van offering USB charging, wifi and free snacks. Driver Lance was great fun, sharing amazing stories about New Zealand and Maori culture. Recommends the tour.
“Interesting and beautiful scenery!”
Traveled in a small group of six with guide Michael, who was very informative and knowledgeable, pointing out interesting historical sites along the way. Found him fantastic and always punctual.
“Great, full day, tour”
Traveled with two sons and found driver/host Dane, a native Maori, brought wonderful warmth and knowledge to the day, welcoming the small group of nine as whanau from the very first pickup at 6am. Dane's timing got them into Hobbiton with the first tour group of the day, followed by a lunch buffet and a visit to the glow worm caves, where a local guide explained the cave's discovery and the glow worms' life cycle before exiting by boat in total darkness beneath the glowing ceiling. A quick ice cream stop rounded out the drive back to Auckland, and highly recommends requesting Dane as guide for his exceptional warmth.
“Perfect day!”
Loved every part of the day, with guide Dane making even the car travel enjoyable. The scenery was stunning and both Hobbiton and the glow worm caves were exceptional. Would definitely book with Cheeky Kiwi again and recommends both the tour and the company.
“So much geekery and nerdity”
Traveled with a good-sized group, and despite some unexpected roadwork traffic the tour still ran efficiently. Guide Simon was very knowledgeable about both stops and the wider history of the North Island, and the only complaint was wishing there'd been more time to linger at each place.
“Great Day Trip”
A great day trip with great weather, thanks to guide Kreig doing an awesome job driving and offering good sightseeing advice along the way.
“Amazing tour!!”
Fell in love with the rolling green scenery and farm animals along the drive. The Hobbiton movie set was beautiful and the caves were equally amazing, with guide Louise being a lovely presence who shared plenty of interesting information about New Zealand and helped take photos. Highly recommends this day trip.
“Amazing experience even though it rained!”
Weather was unpredictable during their short stay, but the driver and Hobbiton guide made sure the tour wasn't cut short despite intermittent rain. Large umbrellas at Hobbiton kept everyone dry throughout.
“Great visit to Hobbiton”
Was a little concerned about the very early pickup, but guide and driver Lance made it worthwhile, being funny and engaging even with their young son during stops. Being on the first tour of the day at Hobbiton meant crowd-free photos, and Lance's commentary on the region's history was entertaining throughout. Would definitely recommend.
“Lance is THE BEST!”
Traveled with a young family and found Lance to be the best guide, sharing great information about New Zealand's history and people as a gifted storyteller. He helped keep their three-year-old entertained and calm, with scenic pit stops along the way, including a chance to feed ostriches. Highly recommends Lance as a guide.
“A wonderful day trip”
Highly recommends this tour, visiting the Hobbiton movie set was a great experience, and witnessing the glow worms in the Waitomo caves was priceless.
“Still a #1 pick after three weeks touring NZ”
Guide Michael brought a great Kiwi sense of humor along with plenty of knowledge, including handy tips on routes and driving around Auckland. Lunch at Huhu near Waitomo had lovely scenery, and the caves themselves were spectacular, with the boat ride through the glowworm grotto feeling like drifting through the Milky Way. Hobbiton was exceptional too, especially being first through for uncrowded photos, with lovely small details like the mailboxes and gardens, and the ginger beer was called the best in New Zealand.
“Amazing trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves”
Chose this tour for a quick weekend trip to Auckland based on great reviews and good value, covering both the Hobbit/LOTR film set and the glow worm caves. The nearly 12-hour day included snacks, water and food options throughout, and guide Kreig made it fun, comfortable and enjoyable.
“Great experience to Hobbiton and Waitomo”
Both Hobbiton and Waitomo were amazing on their own, but guide Kreig made the trip even more memorable. The glowing ceilings of the caves and the beauty of the Shire will stick in memory, along with a fun moment of tour members singing their national anthems together in the van en route to Hobbiton. Calls Cheeky Kiwi the best.
“Best Guide ever!”
Traveled as a group of 11 Norwegian students, and driver Lance made the entire trip awesome with helpful, five-star service and plenty of funny stories. He took the group to both Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves, with a stop at a great burger and beer spot in between, making for a memorable day.
“Unforgettable tour!!!”
Guide Michael was the best they'd ever had, kind, friendly and cheerful, and made sure everyone in the group was well looked after. Hobbiton was beautiful even on a foggy day, and the Waitomo cave and glowworms were amazing, leaving them wanting to return with friends and family.
“I finally made it to the Shire!”
Enjoyed the small, personal nature of the tour, with the Hobbiton stop being a dream come true as a Tolkien fan, thanks to driver Tania's fun, friendly and knowledgeable presence. The glow worm portion felt a touch short, but the guide there did a great job explaining the geology and the glow worms' life cycle in an accessible way.
“Even though the Drive is Long, the Tour Guide was Fun and…”
Despite an early 4am wake-up for the long drive, guide Kreig made the day excellent, helping the group bond right from the start with introductions and entertaining stories. His timing meant they were first through Hobbiton for uncrowded photos, and a bonus stop at a small space museum let them view sun flares through a telescope. Kreig also handled the glow worm cave tickets during lunch so the group could skip any queue, making for a highly recommended tour and guide.
“Best Tour I ever made”
While visiting Auckland, decided to book the Hobbiton and Waitomo caves tour with Cheeky Kiwi and did not regret it. Guide Kreig was the best they'd had, creating a relaxed, small-group atmosphere and keeping the day interactive and engaging, sharing more insider tips than the on-site guides. Highly recommends Cheeky Kiwi and Kreig.
“One of THE HIGHLIGHTS of my traveling career! Couldn't wait…”
As someone who travels frequently for work and often adds on local sightseeing, this tour ranks among the best add-ons ever done. Guide Lance made it fun, light and informative, and Hobbiton in particular was gorgeous and fully explorable, a dream come true complete with a beer at the Green Dragon. The caves were equally impressive, offering a unique, quietly reverent boat ride where the glowing ceiling looked like a sky full of stars, with photos deliberately skipped to preserve the full effect.
“Fun Day, great guide”
Enjoyed a great time at both Hobbiton and Waitomo, appreciating the small-group feel of the tour. Guide Dane, drawing on Maori culture, helped the group bond like family by the end of the day. The reviewer's wife isn't even a Lord of the Rings fan but loved Hobbiton's beautiful countryside and gardens regardless, and the Waitomo Caves were fun and interesting too, with plenty of water, snacks and good lunch recommendations provided along the way.
“Thank you, Mark and Tracy!”
The day was seamlessly executed, with well-planned stops and plenty of information shared about New Zealand along the way. Guides Mark and Tracy were awesome, professional and always ready to help, making for a trip well worth remembering.
“Amazing and thoughtful tour.”
Guide Michael led the group, which included an American family and couple, on a safe early departure from Auckland. The local Hobbiton guide was professional and attentive, with Michael even helping take photos, and lunch at a local restaurant featured delicious steak. The Waitomo caves were amazing, a shame photos weren't allowed, and their Maori guide there sang a beautiful song inside the cave, capping off a memorable day.
“LOTR and GLOW WORMS”
Mark and his team were phenomenal, offering not just great sightseeing but rich background on the history behind New Zealand's landmarks. Already looking forward to coming back to explore the South Island next.
“Fantastic day tour”
Everything about the tour was well handled, from an on-time pickup to a clean, comfortable vehicle. Driver and guide Jack was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and the on-site guides at both Hobbiton and the caves were excellent too, making for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
“A Fun Day Trip”
The reviewer found Hobbiton even more magical than the Waitomo Caves, which were still interesting in their own right. Guide Michael was friendly, efficient, and drove safely throughout the day. After accidentally leaving some gift shop purchases in the van, Michael kindly swung back by the hotel to return them, which the reviewer greatly appreciated.
“Fantastic day trip”
Both Hobbiton and Waitomo were beautiful, according to this reviewer. Guide Melissa was fantastic, friendly, and helpful throughout, and the reviewer would happily recommend the tour to anyone visiting Auckland.
“Amazing Day Trip”
This reviewer chose a small-group tour to get a real feel for the area and wasn't disappointed. Guide Tania was friendly and engaging, sharing plenty of information about the sights along the way to Hobbiton and the glow worms. They'd happily book another tour with both Tania and Cheeky Kiwi.
“Best day trip ever !”
Driver Dane was punctual, entertaining, and knowledgeable, making the whole group feel like family by the end of the day. Hobbiton felt like stepping into a secret world, while the glow worm caves were even more unique and memorable. The van was comfortable too, with great views of the New Zealand countryside along the way.
“Excellent trip”
This small-group visit to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves was excellent, and the reviewer preferred the more personal feel of a smaller tour. Driver-guide Michael shared plenty of interesting and fun information, and the group was even given snacks and a small gift. They highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi and plan to book with them again.
“Great tour with Dane”
Traveling solo on New Year's Eve, this reviewer picked Cheeky Kiwi for its small-group format, though the holiday group of 11 was as large as it gets. Guide Dane, despite being new to the job, was a natural — a safe driver who made photo stops, gave good tips at Hobbiton, and even got the group into Waitomo Caves early. He was engaging throughout and shared plenty of insight into New Zealand and Maori culture, and the reviewer would gladly book again with Dane.
“Mottern”
A marvelous tour with knowledgeable, generous staff and a clean, comfortable van. The reviewer says you'll never regret joining this tour.
“Awesome Small Group Tour”
Guides Mark (the owner) and Andre (in training) did a great job narrating the journey and pointing out highlights on the way to Hobbiton. Wandering the hobbit holes and finishing with a drink at the Green Dragon was a real highlight of the reviewer's eleven days in New Zealand, and the early departure meant they beat the crowds. After the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, the small group stopped for ice cream at a local shop on the way back. The reviewer had booked well in advance via Facebook messaging, with questions always answered promptly, and highly recommends Cheeky Kiwi.
“Exceptional and best tour ever”
This reviewer spent the day with guides Kreig and Andrew on the Hobbiton and Waitomo tour alongside a great group of fellow travelers from around the world. Kreig in particular was amazing — full of interesting information, quick to answer questions, and fun throughout. The tour isn't cheap, but the reviewer says it's well worth the cost.
“BEST TOUR EVER!!”
Guides Kreig and Andre made the trip exceptional, entertaining, and full of useful tips, and the reviewer felt they left with new friends. Traveling solo, they particularly appreciated the small-group format and the interaction it allowed. Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves are, in their view, a must when visiting Auckland.
“Wonderful day!”
Everything ran as promised and on schedule. The tour guide was extremely friendly and happy to answer any questions, and if he didn't know something offhand, he'd look it up and get back to the reviewer quickly.
“Gamble Paid Off”
On the last of ten days in Auckland, this reviewer wanted to fit in Hobbiton and the Waitomo glow worms, and picked Cheeky Kiwi somewhat at random from the many options — a decision that paid off. Pickup was on time, with unexpected complimentary snacks and drinks, and guides Lance, Mark, and Andre kept the long day entertaining and well-paced. The reviewer never felt rushed, was checked on throughout, and had every question answered thoroughly, and would absolutely recommend the tour.
“Outstanding Experience”
This reviewer booked with Cheeky Kiwi to visit Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and found the company made a real difference to the day. Driver Dane taught them about New Zealand's history and culture along the way, making them feel like family, while the vehicle was clean and comfortable with water and snacks provided. The lunch spot Dane chose was reasonably priced and better than what they'd had on other group tours, and they're already looking forward to exploring more of Auckland with Cheeky Kiwi on a future trip.
“Highly recommended for Hobbiton & Waitomo!”
This reviewer had a fabulous day with owner Mark and a trainee guide leading their small group. The guides were knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic rather than scripted, tailoring the day to what the group wanted to see and photograph. Traveling solo, the reviewer bonded with the rest of the group, most of whom were also American or solo travelers, and Mark went out of his way to accommodate a few latecomers by rescheduling part of their day. Between the Hobbiton beer, a stop at the Roseland cafe, and new friends made along the way, they wouldn't hesitate to recommend booking with Cheeky Kiwi.
“very nice day”
A very nice day with friendly people. The reviewer's one tip: pack some lunch, since the provided snacks alone aren't quite enough to get through the day.
“Fun times in Hobbiton and Waitomo”
Despite a partly rainy day, this reviewer had a great time with guides Mac and Melissa, who shared plenty of knowledge about both Hobbiton and Waitomo as well as general insight into New Zealand. They also passed along solid restaurant recommendations for elsewhere in the trip. The reviewer definitely recommends touring with Cheeky Kiwi.
“Incredible experience thanks to Kreig!”
This reviewer calls Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves a must-do for New Zealand's North Island. Guide Kreig's knowledge, energy, and love for the country made the day, capped off with a lighthearted ice cream challenge that had everyone laughing. It was a memorable day out, and the reviewer credits Kreig for making it so.
“Incredible trip!”
This reviewer joined the small-group Hobbiton and Glow Worm Caves tour with guide Dane, who shared plenty of insight into Maori culture and the towns along the route. Hobbiton was the clear highlight — magical even without having seen more than one of the films — while the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, though slightly less spectacular than expected, were still a cool experience. Lunch at a restaurant near the caves gave the group a chance to chat further with Dane, and the drive back to Auckland included a stop for a bathroom and ice cream break. The reviewer enjoyed the day so much they tried to book further Cheeky Kiwi tours, and recommends both this tour and the company overall.
“Beautiful scenery!”
Even without having watched the Lord of the Rings movies, this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The two-and-a-half-hour drive flew by thanks to guide Lance's commentary, and a great mix of fellow travelers from the US and Brazil made the day even better. Highly recommended.
“Must do!”
Guide and driver Lance was, in this reviewer's view, one of the best they encountered in New Zealand — animated, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what he was showing them. The drive to Hobbiton included stops for breakfast and a bonus film location, and Lance kept everyone supplied with snacks, water, and even his own phone charger, all without ever feeling rushed. By the end of the day he felt more like a friend than a guide, going out of his way to drop the reviewer off closer to where they were staying, and the reviewer strongly recommends Cheeky Kiwi over other operators they'd tried.
“The place is even more charming than scenes in the movie”
Visiting in the low season helped this reviewer avoid the crowds, and they appreciated the attention to detail throughout. The guide's commentary was as enjoyable as the scenery itself, and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn was the perfect way to end the day.
“Best tour ever! Lance is a legend!”
Guide Lance greeted this reviewer and their friend with a big smile and kept them well fed with snacks along the way, proving super knowledgeable throughout. They loved the small group of eight, which let everyone get to know each other, and appreciated that Cheeky Kiwi arrives first at Hobbiton, giving plenty of time for photos. They'll definitely be recommending Cheeky Kiwi to others.
“This tour is absolutely amazing!! Lance was such a wonderful…”
An early 5:45am pickup was well worth it for this reviewer, since it meant getting the first, uncrowded time slot at Hobbiton, complete with a free pint at the Green Dragon. Guide Lance came well prepared with breakfast bars, snacks, water, and even umbrellas in case of rain, and kept things entertaining with stories about New Zealand along the way. The Waitomo Caves were described as phenomenal, with the glowworm-lit cruise looking like the Milky Way, though photography isn't allowed inside — a souvenir photo can be bought afterward instead.
“Great view beyond the city!”
Guide Lance was funny, kind, knowledgeable, and spirited, and the reviewer was thoroughly impressed by the level of service from their Cheeky Kiwi guide. Everything ran on time, and Lance was happy to field off-the-beaten-track questions and share insight into the country and its people. Overall, a great tour.
“Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour”
An incredible tour overall, with Lance proving an exceptional guide and driver who was extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand. The reviewer had an amazing time.
“One for the books!”
This reviewer did the Hobbiton and glow worm cave tour with Lance as their guide, and says the experience and views won't be forgotten anytime soon. Despite the long travel time between stops, Lance kept things interesting and funny, and had an answer for every question thrown his way. They highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi to anyone wanting to see more of Auckland and learn about New Zealand.
“It's an amazing trip with Mark and Mikayla~ ^^”
Guides Mark and Mikayla kept things lively with plenty of New Zealand stories, and the reviewer found the scenery at both Hobbiton and Waitomo incredible. They recommend booking with this pair.
“Nice guide”
A fun tour guide who kept the trip from ever feeling boring, with genuine knowledge of the caves that helped explain the glowworms to the group. An unexpected touch was a screen on the bus playing movies the guide had prepared, which made the two-hour ride pass pleasantly.
“Creedence Clearwater Revival”
This reviewer had a great time on the one-day Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour, with co-owner Mark guiding and breaking up the long drive from Auckland with plenty of local background and color. Being on the first tour of the day at Hobbiton, around 9am, meant getting photos without the crowds, and Mark recommended a good barbecue lunch spot along the way. The Waitomo Caves visit ended with a short boat ride through the dark, with glowworms overhead looking almost like blue LEDs — a shorter but still worthwhile addition to the day. The reviewer notes that any feeling of being rushed on this kind of tour comes down to Hobbiton and Waitomo's own fixed schedules rather than anything to do with Cheeky Kiwi, and overall they were very happy thanks to Mark's energy and attentiveness.
“Thinking of a tour. Cheeky Kiwi Travel is the way to go.”
When another company couldn't accommodate a last-minute booking, Cheeky Kiwi stepped in and had guides Mark and Mikayla ready well before the early 5:55am pickup. The couple proved fantastic — Mark kind, funny, and confidently knowledgeable about everything New Zealand, with Mikayla a sweet and capable backup whenever needed. Leaving early meant the group got to Hobbiton first and never felt rushed, and after years of travel the reviewer rates this pair among the best tour guides they've ever had.
“Awesome Day 1 Intro to New Zealand - Hobbits and Worms”
After a long flight, this family found riding with guide Lance a great way to kick off their New Zealand trip, learning about much more than just Hobbiton and Waitomo along the way — including the different farming areas they passed. With a group of just six, the day never felt rushed, and Lance kept everyone supplied with snacks and water, plus a stop for lunch at The Nest. A little fog on arrival only added to Hobbiton's mystique, and the family was grateful for Lance's efforts throughout.
“Super Day Trip”
This reviewer had a great day exploring Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, with the early start paying off in the form of the first, crowd-free tour slot at Hobbiton. The smaller group size made for a more personal, well-looked-after experience, and guide Kreig proved excellent and knowledgeable even for someone who already knew a fair bit about New Zealand. They'd happily recommend the company to friends and family and are keen to try other Cheeky Kiwi trips in future.
“Wonderful!”
Traveling solo, this reviewer had an awesome time thanks to guide and driver Ciaran, who was tremendous — full of fun facts, laughs, and snacks throughout the day. They'd recommend the tour to anyone.
“Excellent day-trip to the Top Two attractions near Auckland”
This twelve-hour day trip from Auckland covers both major nearby attractions with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. Guide Cairan was highly professional and friendly, sharing information throughout the journey to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, earning a full five stars in the reviewer's eyes. The one drawback was the bus's small seats, which got cramped over such a long day with the vehicle running at full capacity — enough to knock the overall rating down slightly.
“An amazing and a friendly tour”
With only three people in the bus, this reviewer had plenty of time to see everything on the tour. Their guide was very friendly, and they describe it as an amazing tour they won't forget.
“Fun Tour and Exceptional Tour guide”
This small-group tour of Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves had a perfect group size, and the reviewer enjoyed both the sites and the drive between them. Guide Kreig was exceptional — clearly passionate about both his job and New Zealand — keeping the tour on time, unhurried, and informative throughout. Highly recommended.
“Nice experience”
This reviewer agrees with other positive comments about Cheeky Kiwi's informative, friendly guides. The drive out to Waitomo and Hobbiton is fairly long, and on a foggy day the scenery wasn't at its best; the Waitomo Caves themselves were solid but modest, with photography restricted until near the very end when the glowworms come into view like stars overhead. Hobbiton, done in timed batches due to high visitor numbers, offered a shorter but enjoyable walk near the houses, with a good ginger drink included.
“Nice attractions&good tourguide”
This reviewer had an awesome time on the tour, with Hobbiton in particular standing out as a highlight that filled the day without feeling stressful. Guide Creig kept the atmosphere nice and smooth throughout, and they'd happily do it again.
“More Value with Cheeky Kiwi”
A wonderful overall experience, with guide Ciaran friendly, informative, and accommodating throughout. His knowledge, charm, and humor made the time fly by, leaving the reviewer feeling more enlightened and appreciative of everything they saw in New Zealand.
“Best tour in New Zealand!”
This reviewer felt the tour was absolutely worth it just for Hobbiton and the surrounding landscapes, rating it above a similar Coromandel tour they'd also taken. Guide Ciaran was a standout — affable, funny, and clearly proud of his country, sharing plenty of unique facts and keeping everyone stocked with snacks and drinks. Hobbiton was the highlight even for non-LOTR fans, with a recommended custard pastry dessert beforehand, while Waitomo Caves, though less impressive by comparison, was still made worthwhile by Ciaran's company and the scenery along the way.
“Youre in good hands.”
While the itinerary itself is much the same as other operators offer, this reviewer felt it was the personal touch that set Cheeky Kiwi apart. The team, including Mark, showed genuine warmth and hospitality, running punctually and efficiently while still pausing whenever something interesting came up along the way. Overall, an amazing team experience.
“Excellent Customer Service and Amazing Tour Guide”
After accidentally booking the wrong date, this reviewer's issue was patiently sorted out by Cheeky Kiwi's customer service, who managed to make the tour happen at the last minute. Guide Kreig was simply awesome, keeping the group entertained throughout what was a long day. Highly recommended.
“Fun Tour, a little expensive”
This reviewer had a great time on the tour with their family, finding the scenery beautiful and the day well organized even though a few members of the group hadn't seen the films. It can get a little crowded when multiple tour groups overlap, and some other visitors were inconsiderate about photos, but the guide remained patient and friendly throughout. Their one tip: skip the pricey gift shop and buy any souvenirs online instead.
“Amazing day!”
This reviewer had a really fun day, with guide Ciaran keeping things entertaining with local information on the scenic drive to Hobbiton. Getting the first tour slot meant Hobbiton wasn't crowded, and the Waitomo Caves added a nicely varied second half to the day. They appreciated the smaller tour size and cheerful guides, and recommend Cheeky Kiwi over the bigger bus tour operators.
“A lively day trip!”
Traveling with their college-age daughter who was studying in New Zealand, this family had a delightful and lively day thanks to guide Ciaran, who was professional, attentive, and fun. He engaged everyone in the group, encouraged questions, and made sure there were breaks at the right times given the drive between Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. He was also warmly greeted by staff at both sites, a good sign of his standing with the attractions.
“100%! Good value for such a professional small group tour…”
After struggling to find a fairly priced small-group tour, this reviewer was pleased to land on Cheeky Kiwi. Guide Mark was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable, adding interesting anecdotes about the small towns passed along the way, and the early start meant nobody felt rushed. Customer service was excellent throughout, earning a high recommendation.
“Full day Hobbiton and waitomo caves”
This full-day tour to Hobbiton and Waitomo started with a super-early pickup, but guide Kreg kept spirits high with plenty of information, photos, and even chocolates and movies along the way. Hobbiton's landscapes impressed even without having seen the films, and the Waitomo glowworms and caves were well worth seeing, though that portion of the tour felt a bit quick at around 45 minutes. The reviewer recommends the full-day tour wholeheartedly.
“Highlight of my trip”
As a big Lord of the Rings fan, this reviewer says the day was the highlight of their New Zealand trip, having chosen Cheeky Kiwi specifically for its small-group format and combined Hobbiton-Waitomo schedule. Driver Mark handled the friendly, knowledgeable first leg to Hobbiton, with Richard taking over an equally engaging drive on to the caves. Their only gripe was the tightly managed two hours at Hobbiton itself, run in strict ten-minute departure intervals for crowd control, which left them wishing for more time to linger at the Green Dragon Inn. The Waitomo Caves, meanwhile, were unlike any cave system the reviewer had visited before, with the glowworm-lit boat ride at the end being a genuine highlight, and overall they'd highly recommend the tour.
“A magical day!”
A truly magical, relaxed day touring both the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton, with the reviewer feeling fully immersed throughout. Guide Ciaran was down to earth and full of information, taking real care to make sure everyone had a great time. Highly recommended.
“Alicia is the best !!”
This couple were glad they booked the Hobbiton and Waitomo cave tours, and found guide Alicia made an already great day even better. She handled everything from tickets to keeping the van comfortable, offered useful tips ahead of each stop, and there was even a bonus sighting of ostriches along the way. They'll definitely be recommending Cheeky Kiwi to friends and family.
“Worth the trip”
Fresh off a North Island holiday, this reviewer calls the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour the highlight of their trip. Guide Mark knew the history well and handled all the ticketing, and the group even got a discount at the Waitomo Homestead souvenir shop. Special thanks went to Michaela for accommodating their booking at very short notice, and they highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi.
“Great tours made even better by the guides”
This reviewer did the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour with guides Mark and Micaela for a group of six, traveling in a comfortable van with handy USB charging ports at every seat. Beyond the destinations themselves, it was really the guides who made the day — handling tickets, sharing a wealth of knowledge about both attractions and New Zealand more broadly, and making sure everyone in the group had a good time. They highly recommend the company for any of the tours they offer.
