Waitomo & Hobbiton
The Waikato holds two of the North Island's most magical sights. Beneath the green hills, the Waitomo Caves glitter with glowworms like an underground galaxy; above them, near Matamata, the Shire waits at Hobbiton, its hobbit holes and Green Dragon lovingly kept. Close together and easy to pair, they're a highlight for fans and families alike. Here's how to see them.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a limestone wonderland lit by thousands of glowworms. Drift silently by boat beneath a ceiling of living light on the classic tour, or go black-water rafting — floating on an inner tube through the underground rivers — for a bigger thrill. There are grand cave formations to admire too. It's unforgettable, and suits all ages. See our Waitomo Caves tour.
Hobbiton & the Shire
Near Matamata, Hobbiton is the lovingly preserved film set of the Shire — 44 hobbit holes, the Party Tree, the mill and the Green Dragon Inn, walked on a guided tour through the gardens of Middle-earth. Enchanting for Lord of the Rings fans and enthralling for children, it's one of the island's most popular days out. See our Hobbiton & film locations guide.
An easy Waikato day
Hobbiton and Waitomo lie about 1.5 hours apart and are often combined in a single day, or split across a Waikato loop between Auckland and Rotorua. Add the Hamilton Gardens or the mighty Waikato River, and the region rewards a relaxed day or two. We'll build the timing so it flows. See our itineraries guide.
Waitomo & Hobbiton: your questions
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, in the Waikato, are a limestone wonderland where thousands of tiny glowworms light the cave ceilings like a galaxy. You can drift through by boat on the classic tour, or go black-water rafting through the underground rivers for a bigger adventure. It's one of the North Island's most magical experiences. See our Waitomo Caves tour.
Yes — Hobbiton, the Shire movie set near Matamata, is lovingly preserved with its 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and the gardens of Middle-earth, explored on a guided tour. It's enchanting for fans and families alike, and one of the North Island's most popular attractions. See our Hobbiton movie set tour and Hobbiton experience page.
Hobbiton (near Matamata) and the Waitomo Caves are about 1.5 hours' drive apart in the Waikato, and many visitors pair them in a single day — often as a loop from Rotorua or Auckland. Both make superb day trips. See our itineraries guide.
Both are in the Waikato region of the central-western North Island. Hobbiton is near Matamata, about 2 hours south of Auckland and an hour from Rotorua; the Waitomo Caves lie further west, roughly 1.5 hours from Rotorua. They sit conveniently on the route between Auckland and Rotorua. See our getting around guide.
Excellent — children are captivated by the glowworms and by walking through the real-life Shire. The classic boat tour at Waitomo suits all ages, and Hobbiton's gentle guided stroll is easy and enchanting. Together they make a wonderful family day. See our Hobbiton & film locations guide.