An unforgettable day with Expedigo Travel and Tours! Our guide, Matthew, was amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing New Zealand’s history, Māori culture, and Rotorua. Our first stop was Te Puia, where we enjoyed a powerful Māori cultural performance with traditional singing, dancing, and haka. We were also amazed by the geothermal wonders, especially the steaming areas, bubbling mud pools, and spectacular Pōhutu Geyser. Seeing it erupt was incredible! We then visited Hobbiton Movie Set, and it felt like stepping into a magical world. The rolling green hills, beautiful gardens, Hobbit holes, and stunning scenery were simply breathtaking. The small group made the tour comfortable and personal, and everything was well organised. Matthew made the journey even more enjoyable with his stories and great sense of humour. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience Māori culture, nature, geothermal wonders, and the magic of Hobbiton in one amazing day! 🇳🇿
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Water and light refreshments
- Admission ticket to the Hobbiton Movie Set, including guided tour and Green Dragon Inn beverage.
- Admission to Te Puia with guided group tour of geysers, mud pools, and cultural institute.
- Pick up & drop off from any hotels, airport or cruise port in Auckland
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn
- Insight into Māori heritage through traditional carving, weaving, and storytelling
- In person guide
- Visit to Kiwi Conservation Centre
Excludes
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- - If your accommodation is not yet confirmed, we suggest selecting The SkyCity Hotel for now—you can update it later if needed! - We offer convenient pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option and meet us there. - Pick-ups start up to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please be ready and waiting outside by then for a smooth start. - Pick-up locations are planned based on each tour and may vary by day. If there are any changes to your pick-up spot, please let us know in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To keep the tour on schedule, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late arrivals. - As our hotel pickups operate from downtown CBD, guests located near the airport or South Auckland can be picked up from The Sebel, Auckland Manukau at 16 Lakewood Court, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104. Drop Off: -Option to drop off in Rotorua or in Auckland
Itinerary
Your journey begins with a private pick-up in Auckland. Relax in comfort as your guide sets the scene for a day that blends the magic of Hobbiton with the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua’s Te Puia.
As you leave the city behind, the road climbs over the Bombay Hills, a landmark gateway between Auckland and the Waikato. From the ridgeline, sweeping views open up to rolling farmland and countryside that hint at the rural heart of New Zealand. This scenic stretch sets a relaxing pace for the journey ahead, with your guide sharing stories of the region’s history and its role as the divide between the bustling city and the open landscapes beyond.
A visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set is like stepping straight into the pages of a storybook. Rolling green hills dotted with hobbit holes, colourful gardens, and the iconic Mill make the Shire feel wonderfully real. Your guide leads you through winding paths where behind-the-scenes tales bring the filming to life, from hidden details in the hobbit homes to the creation of this enchanting village. The experience ends at the Green Dragon Inn, where a complimentary drink by the fireside completes the feeling of being part of Middle-earth. Please note that the Hobbiton Movie Set portion of the visit will be enjoyed as part of a guided group experience.
Next up, head to Te Puia in Rotorua, your guided experience brings the geothermal valley to life. Wander past bubbling mud pools and steaming vents before arriving at the mighty Pōhutu Geyser, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Along the way, discover the Kiwi Conservation Centre and watch skilled artisans at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where carving and weaving traditions are kept alive. Your guide shares stories that connect the land, culture, and people, making this an experience rich in both natural wonder and heritage. Please note that the Te Puia portion of the visit will be enjoyed as part of a guided group experience.
The tour concludes with a private drop-off at your Auckland hotel, after a day spent exploring the magic of Hobbiton and the cultural and geothermal treasures of Te Puia. With memories of steaming geysers, Māori artistry, and cinematic landscapes, you can unwind and enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure. You also have the option of concluding the tour in Rotorua with a convenient drop-off, ideal for those planning to stay on and explore the region further.
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Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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