First time visiting Auckland & I will not recommend Expedigo Tours & Travels. Book at your own risk. If zero stars were an option, I would give them. I booked & paid AUD$281.45 for the advertised 12-hour tour of Waitomo Glowworms Caves, Otorohanga Kiwi House, & Blue Springs on 13 Oct 2026. Only Waitomo Caves was visited as vehicle brokedown. The driver told us to have an early lunch, while we wait for a replacement car. Then, we were unable to visit the other 2 attractions & Expedigo will contact us. By COB, no update & I emailed them. Expedigo replied 24hrs later, acknowledging the breakdown, offered a partial refund of NZ$70 & a 25% discount on future tours. I disputed the refund amount. Fatema (operations manager), insisted that NZ$70 was sufficient as Waitomo Caves was the main attraction. Half day wasted waiting for transport back to Auckland. GetYourGuide emailed me that a refund of NZ$45.72 had been processed on Expedigo’s orders. It was more like a Waitomo Glowworms Caves and vehicle breakdown diaries. I have escalated to NZ consumer protection council.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Bottled water
- Admission to Fully Guided Tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
- Kiwi Bird Enclosure at Kiwi House
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Admission to a fully guided experience of the Hobbitton Movie Set
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland
Excludes
- Meals are not included part of the tour, we allow short breaks and a stop for lunch where you are welcome to buy your own
- Tips
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! - 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.
Itinerary
Embark on your private expedition from the largest city in New Zealand. As we set out, your guide will kick off the day's adventures, laying the groundwork for an enthralling exploration. Travel journey time from Auckland to Waitomo Caves
Before heading into Hobbiton, stop by at the Waitomo homestead or your choice of restaurant for lunch Lunch stop ( approx 45 minutes) Drive to Hobbiton ( 75 minutes)
As you arrive at the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, prepare to be amazed by the spectacular limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and lime columns. A guided tour takes you deep into the caves, leading to the Glowworm Grotto. Here, you'll board a boat for a serene cruise through the grotto, where thousands of glowworms create a mesmerizing, starry display overhead—a truly unique and magical experience.
Next up, head towards the Kiwi House, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of New Zealand’s native wildlife, where you’ll visit the dedicated kiwi-bird enclosure for a special up-close viewing of New Zealand’s iconic native bird. Please note that full entry to all Kiwi House exhibits is not included
After your underground adventure, the tour heads towards the Alexander Family Sheep Farm and Shire's Rest, the gateway to Hobbiton. Here, you'll be welcomed by the sight of sheep grazing across picturesque hills. Take a moment to enjoy a meal, coffee, or ice cream while your guide prepares your entry to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Next, board one of the iconic green Hobbiton buses for a 2.5-hour guided tour of this enchanting 12-acre film set. Led by an expert guide, explore 44 charming hobbit holes, stroll through vibrant gardens, and uncover behind-the-scenes stories from the making of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Your Hobbiton adventure concludes with a refreshing drink at the famous Green Dragon Inn, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magical world of Middle-earth.
As you make your way back to Auckland, enjoy views of New Zealand's longest river, the Huntly power station, and the Maori Queen's burial site, reminiscing on the captivating encounters at hobbition and the mesmerizing glowworms at the Waitomo Caves
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
We had so much fun! Our driver/ guide for the day was Deane. He was very kind, thoughtful and with amazing sense of humour! The places we visited were beautiful but it was Deane that made this day unforgettable. Thank you!
Great experience. The van was clean and comfortable. All of the tours were great. And the tour operator, Aaron, was extremely knowledgeable and polite.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email