Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-day Tour From Auckland

The tour offered the opportunity to visit many attractions. It will be better if the tour can provide the option to see Maori cultural night shows in Rotorua.

Matt is hands down the best tour guide! We had the absolute best time on our trip thanks to Matt! He went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable experience. You can tell he truly cares about his guests. I 100% recommend Matt to anyone looking for an exceptional tour experience!

Great trip. Our tour guide Ken is excellent, he introduced everything all the way, and take care eveyone, also reply all our questions. Give us suggestions what should try to eat in NZ and resturants. I learn a lot knowledge regarding NZ and Mori. Thanks Ken. If Hamilton garden can be skipped, and spend more time at Tapu lake, add Cambridge may be better.

My tour guide is John. He is nice polite and patient. Even thought he knows English is not my first language. He will try his best to let me understand the story behind. The schedule is good. It is enough time to us to stay at checkpoint.

Liam was a fantastic tour guide! He was knowledgeable of the area and offered a good overview of our stops. He even had some extra stops that were a bonus! The van was modern and very comfortable. Includes wi-fi and charging ports so you can stay connected during the trip. The drive was very scenic and I was able to take it all in without having to look at the road. It was nice to be with a small group, rather than a large coach bus. The hotel accommodations in Rotorua were great too! All admission fees to the destinations are included which made it a hassle free experience. Highly recommend!

Hands down the best way to see the major attractions outside of Auckland, and a few smaller ones as well. Our guide, Liam, was incredibly knowledgable, helpful, courteous, pretty funny, and extremely punctual. Would strongly recommend for anyone wanting to see Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu all in one shot. The tour also includes several other stops along the way, with Hamilton Gardens being the highlight of the non-headline stops. Pickup was fast and easy. While driving between attractions our guide engaged us with bits of local history and other facts about New Zealand and the regions we were passing through. On arrival he quickly arranged our entry tickets and instructed us on when and where we would meet up after the experience. We never waited at all to get into any of the attractions, and all entry fees were included. The time at each stop felt just right - we had time to see everything we wanted to but weren't waiting around at the end. The hotel in Rotorua was very nice and comfortable. We arrived a little before 6pm and had time to see Rotorua in the evening on our own (we went to the Redwoods tree walk). The next morning we set off at 0745 and beat the crowds to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and then on to the rest of the day's stops. Overall an excellent experience. The vibe was very casual and comfortable, Liam was an excellent guide (and driver), and the value for money really can't be beat. Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to see the north island attractions!

What a fantastic tour company! From initial contact to the end of the tour, it has been exceptional service. The modern passenger van we travelled in and accomodation booked for us was very comfortable. Water and snacks were made available to us during the bus trip . It is busy 2 day itinerary but we were given adequate time to explore each destination. Liam also added a couple of extra places to see along the way which were pretty special. The best advertisement for Cheeky Kiwi was our tour guide Liam. He went to great lengths to ensure we all had a wonderful experience. We appreciated his extensive knowledge on so many subjects including the background to the tourist attractions we visited. Liam can’t thank you enough a great couple of days and for everything you did for the me. It was very much appreciated. Overall I would highly recommend this trip and won’t hesitate to use Cheeky Kiwi again.

The tour was great, the driver/guide was excellent. The only problem was one passenger sat in the front passenger seat and kept interrupting the guide with unrelated questions and talking over him. She should have been told to stop or been told to move out of the seat beside the driver. She also put her bare feet on the dash. Not only dangerous to her, but also gross to the rest of the passengers.

Jeoff was an outstanding tour guide over the past two days. He struck the perfect balance of professionalism, knowledge, and entertainment, making the entire experience seamless from start to finish. He kept the group organized, on schedule, and fully engaged throughout. The Cheeky Kiwi tour itself was jam-packed with activities, but it was very well paced. We never felt rushed, and there was always enough time to actually enjoy each stop without it feeling chaotic. What really stood out was how much pride Jeoff clearly takes in his work. By day two, the group had dwindled and it ended up being just me and my friend but he didn’t miss a beat. If anything, he elevated the experience, turning it into a more personal and tailored tour. He walked us through each excursion, answered every question, and made sure we got the most out of everything. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, quick with a joke, and genuinely passionate about what he does. It shows in every interaction. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better guide Jeoff made the entire trip memorable. Quick tip for future travelers: if you’re booking with a friend you don’t want to share a bed with, make sure to clarify room arrangements in advance. I was told that should’ve been handled earlier. I was able to sort it out myself, but definitely something to keep in mind 😂

Just completed the two-day Auckland to Rotorua tour with Cheeky Kiwi and I can't recommend it enough. The itinerary was packed — Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Wai-O-Tapu, Huka Falls, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens — and yet it never felt rushed. Everything was perfectly paced. The vehicle was modern and comfortable throughout, making the long stretches between stops genuinely enjoyable rather than something to endure. Ben, our guide, deserves a special mention. His knowledge of the history, landscapes, flora, and Māori culture of the region was impressive, and he delivered it all with warmth and a great sense of humour. His dad jokes were an absolute highlight — the kind that make you groan and grin at the same time. He also kept us fuelled with snacks and water along the way, which was a lovely touch that made the journey feel even more looked-after. And the music playlist he curated for the drive - Absolutely on point. The surprise of the tour was an unplanned stop at a dam that served as a filming location for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug — something you'd never find on your own without a knowledgeable local guide. For any Tolkien fan, this was pure gold. What made the trip extra special was the group itself. Mostly solo travellers with a few pairs and small groups, we arrived as strangers and left as friends. By the end of the trip, the vibe was so relaxed and warm that one fellow traveller spontaneously broke into song when her track came on — and honestly, it felt completely natural. That kind of easy camaraderie doesn't just happen; it's a credit to Ben for creating an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable from the very start. If you're considering this tour, just book it. Cheeky Kiwi delivers on every front.

The tour was a truly enjoyable experience that gave me a great introduction and education about several North Island highlights in 2 short but full days. Our driver and guide, Ben was extremely knowledgeable and he always had interesting information to share even as we drove from one spot to the next. If he wasn’t sure of one or the other piece of information, he made sure to find out and follow up later. He managed all the group’s needs well and was extremely helpful and accommodating. He kept us moving without making things seem rushed. He was also very personable, friendly, and funny and he showed a keen interest in our group! I liked the small group size and the choices for places visited. Thank you, Cheeky Kiwi and Ben!

I was in "2-days" excursion of Kiwi Cheeky and it was amazing! The program was really nice and full of local places like Waitomo, Hobbiton, Huka falls, Waikato river, Wai-o-Tapu thermal park. The guid was a nice guy responding all the questions, talking about all those places and such excellent as a driver. My accommodation for a night (including into the tour) was also pretty. I knew that it was possible to do some "custom upgrade" like visiting only certain places, staying more days in certain places etc so I felt more sympathy to that company. Maybe I'd like to stay more days in such cities as Rotorua but equally the program is nice for restricted-time travel as mine. Also I wish we were visiting some local restaurant for lunch (some "the best lamb/local food in Rotorua" for example just for diving into the kiwi's culture). But I'm still happy choosing the Cheeky travel company expecting other experiences.

Dave was good and had a solid knowledge base; he gave excellent tips

I had a great time with the guide Matt - the trip was wonderful, and everything was definitely worth a visit. I loved the glowworm caves and Hobbiton, and the geothermal areas were great to see too!

We had an excellent experience on the Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo & Hamilton Gardens 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland, total 10 people, and our guide Liam made the trip truly memorable. Liam was incredibly professional, punctual, and well organized. The itinerary was perfectly arranged, so we could visit many amazing places while still enjoying a relaxed and comfortable pace. He was friendly, kind, and very considerate throughout the journey. His explanations were clear, engaging, and full of interesting insights about New Zealand’s culture, nature, and local stories. Thanks to Liam’s thoughtful planning and guidance, our two days felt smooth, enjoyable, and very rewarding. We were able to experience Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Taupo, and Hamilton Gardens without feeling rushed. Highly recommended! Thank you, Liam, for making this trip so enjoyable and unforgettable.

This was my first time taking a tour, and it was such a fantastic experience! Our guide Liam was so helpful , funny, friendly and knowledgeable. Travelling together with him and the people on the bus was such a joy. The entire experience was amazing, it was a bonus in not having to drive or find parking etc. Liam was super organised, parked, got us all our tix.. made sure none of us were lost and that all of us had a fabulous time. He made the trip so much more fun. It was the highlight of my trip in AKL! Highly recommend:)

Great experience with experienced driver. Hobbiton was great. I would highly recommend the redwoods while staying at the Rotarua

Amazing. Dave/Rawiri was the best guide ever! Lots of details and extras. Hobbiton was really good - better than I dreamed it would be. Plus caves with glow worms, geothermal experiences, and Hamilton Gardens to round it all off. It was all worth every penny paid. Highly, highly recommend.

As fans of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, we were eagerly looking forward to our tour of Hobbiton, which was even more exciting than we had anticipated. Trent, our driver and tour guide, put us in the mood by screening the movie for us as we travelled to Hobbiton. But I have to say that every other site we visited on the tour, the Waitoma Caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites with glowworms, the Thermal lakes and mud spots which truly looked like the setting for a science fiction movie, and the beautiful Hamilton Gardens were spectacular. Special thanks to Trent for being an awesome driver and tour guide.

Our family just returned from a short one week visit to the North Island. We wanted to pack as much in as possible, and this was the perfect tour to do it. On the first leg of the trip there were 11 people total. However, coming back, it was just our family since most of them stayed in Rotorua. Our tour guide, Jeff, was so informative and accommodating. At each stop, he gave us tips in order to maximize our stay there. The vans were very comfortable and had charging ports in every row. It was nice not having to drive so we can rest in between stops. Jeoff also was understanding of what the kids might enjoy on the way back. He realized that the gardens may not be as interesting to them and suggested that we do what we wanted to do. He took us to the best ice cream spot on the way back to Auckland. And per our request, took us to a beach with a beautiful lookout point. We highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi. The tour was a highlight during our stay there and it proves why New Zealand is so magical. Thank you Jeoff for making our trip one we will always remember.

The driver/tour guide (Ben) with Cheeky Kiwi was awesome! The two days were packed with all the activities promised and then some. And the other tourists I ended up with were inquisitive, kind and fun to be with. Great for a solo traveler, or any travelers!

This two-day trip was amazing from beginning to end, especially for a solo traveler! The driver/tour guide arrived promptly on time at the designated pick-up site. He then offered safety tips, which I wasn't expecting but realized were very important! (And gratefully we didn't need!) The trip to the first stop was peppered with quiet time (it was a 6am start), and information, and a lovely breakfast stop. Wonderful tales and information all along the way. And whatever questions he couldn't answer, he found answers to. We visited the Waitomo Cave glow worms, Hobbiton, and Rotorua the first day, and the geothermal park, Huka Falls, and Hamilton Gardens the next day. We even had extra stops like ice cream and a swinging bridge over the dam. It was the perfect combination of exactly what I wanted to experience in the time I had available to me for the experience. Each site was so wonderful I could have stayed all day. But my own time didn't allow it, and Cheeky Kiwi had it all figured out to help me experience it all, in style! Thanks to Ben for being such an awesome and cheerful guide, and to my tour mates who were the best group to tour with, which is important at a solo traveler!

That was a fantastic trip - and our guide Ben add up to it. Friedly, helpful, flexible, full of interesting stories. Journey was well planned, car comfortable and hotel was fine. I’ve been on 3 trip with Cheeky Kiwi Travel and all the trips and the guides made their best. I can honestly recommend them.

We loved our tour with John. Knowledgeable, funny, kind, thoughtful and working hard for our trip to be the best. We gained so much history and context to the country while enjoying some great sites and experiences. Our two day was good with many interesting impromptu sights which enriched our experience. Cheeky Kiwi and John delivered way more than we rxpected.

One of the best trips! Jeoff, the tour guide, was a very happy soul, an informative, Knowledgeable, organised, and friendly person with a kind spirit. We had the best, biggest laughs together, we were lucky to be with an amazing group, and had very nice experiences, walks, and food. Accommodation was great and Jeoff was kind enough to drop us off and pick us up from the hotel to the activities and enjoy them with us! We explored most of the north island beauties and gained valuable knowledge from him too. Wish I knew about cheeky kiwi travel before! The best way to explore New Zealand!

Jeoff was the best guide i had ever. The tour included everything you had to see in north island . Recommends to everybody ! Cheeky kiwi is the best

We had a great time with Cheeky Kiwi. Our driver and guide, Geoff, is really very friendly and very professional

We chose this tour as it covers pretty much all the places we wanted to visit in the North, yet do not have to be concerned about driving around on our own. From Waitomo to Hobbiton Village, followed by Rotorua, Huka Falls and Taupo, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. This tour is well organised, with sufficient time for us to take in all the sights. The vehicle is also comfortable with water & snacks provided :-). We also stopped by at Hamilton Gardens on the way back to Auckland. And of course, last but not least, our guide Hanoz is most professional and took excellent care of us during the two days. Thanks to him, we will not hesitate to recommend Cheeky Kiwi Travel to our family and friends!

I took a 2-day tour with Cheeky Travel from Auckland starting on 15th November, visiting Hobbiton, Waitomo, and Taupo. The trip was well organized and covered some amazing highlights. Hobbiton was beautiful and felt magical, and the Waitomo glowworm caves were a unique and memorable experience. Taupo was also lovely and relaxing. Our tour guide was good, friendly, and knowledgeable, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend Cheeky Travel.

It was a wonderful trip! Beautiful sceneries! Ben, our guide was super friendly, accommodating and shared great stories and information along the trip!

My partner and I really enjoyed this tour. The sites themselves were fun to visit, and it was nice to not have to worry about driving ourselves around. Our guide, John, was friendly and engaging. Only thing I wish we had known was that our hotel had access to a thermal bath - we would've packed our swimsuits!

We had a great time on this tour of the beautiful North Island with our host Matt it’s a lot to see in 2 days but the timing worked out well and we had nice accommodations in Rotorua, the vehicle was comfortable and our guide was excellent.

Alexander is the best tour guide ever! Knowledgable,humorous and considerate ,the trip wouldn’t have been so fun without him

We highly recommend taking this tour to see the beautiful highlights of New Zealand! We had a phenomenal tour guide Alec that kept us entertained and informed. Thank you!

It’s unreal how much can be squeezed into two days without it feeling rushed, but Cheeky Dave managed to do that with an excellent manner and friendly nature while ensuring everyone was on time and enjoying themselves. It was surreal being in the Waitomo caves, amazing being at Hobbiton, and spending the evening in Rotorua on the first day. The second day took in the Wai-O-Arapuni geothermal pools, Huka Falls, and lunch in Taupō, wrapping up with a leisurely walk around the Hamilton Gardens which was a great way to wind down after the two days. Dave’s commentary and demeanour were fantastic throughout, and went out of his way to book extra parts of the trip or swing by to see new places whenever we were ahead of schedule, he really went out of his way to make sure everyone had a great time and saw as much as they could. I really can’t recommend this tour enough, it was an amazing experience, and if you can then make sure to ask for Cheeky Dave!

nice driver. waitomo caves were were wonderful! Hobbiton would have been better if tour size was a bit smaller - hard to hear what guide was saying. But hobbit homes and bar were so cute. Recommend adding the Maory dinner and show! Bubbling mud and thermal pools are a wonder. Even the drive through the green hills was beautiful. Love New Zealand Great tour.

Kraig’s knowledge of geography and his engaging personality made this a unique experience of a lifetime. Not to miss...Blue Springs, the dam, geothermal wonderland, and Hobbiton.

El tour estuvo excelente. El guía Matt fue muy bueno nos dio buenos típs para disfrutar aún mejor el tour. Los tiempos de cada actividad fueron perfectos. Nunca hubo el sentimiento de estar corriendo o no disfrutar del tour y el Hobbiton fue lo mejor del viaje. El hotel de estadía muy bueno también.

Dave was very kind and took me to many places. It was a very enjoyable experience with all the explanations! If I book a tour again, Dave is good!

Our driver Vicky is great. She comments well on the trip, drives nickel and has a lot of humor 👍🏻 The sights visited are amazing. It made me want to come back and visit more things with this coach company. Vicky gave us lots of tips to go eat and cared about our comfort. Perhaps the only downside is the hotel. Old, ugly, not very clean. Restaurant buffet bof.