The Essential Waitomo & Hobbiton Experience

The essential, exclusive and immersive experience that proves why so many flock to New Zealand to experience the cinematic majesty of the real middle-earth.

Board a scenic helicopter flight from Heletranz Heliport in Auckland, marvelling at the rugged black sand beaches of the West Coast, and the site where many cinematic masterpieces are filmed. Follow the coastline down to Raglan, before turning inland for your first stop at Waitomo Caves.

One of New Zealand’s best natural attractions – Marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history as your Waitomo Glow worm Caves, guide takes you on a 45 minute guided boat tour down into the caves, where you’ll float through caves twinkling with Glow Worms as well as an excellent display of Stalactite and Stalagmite structures.

After surfacing you’ll re-board your waiting helicopter and fly to Hobbiton Movie Set™ landing at The Shires Rest Café™ in Matamata to experience the iconic, real middle-earth. The bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Sir Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Your two hour tour starts from The Shires Rest™ with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 12 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created, and facts from the films.

The Hobbit holes, Mill, Green Dragon Inn™ and other structures that created the world of  The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be fully appreciated and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Receive one complimentary refreshment at the end of your tour, from the exclusively crafted Southfarthing™ range.

Your tour comes to an end at The Shires Rest™. You will have one hour pre or post Tour to visit The Store or Café for a refreshment, before you re-board your helicopter for the return flight to the Heletranz Heliport.

Package includes:

Round trip scenic helicopter flights from Heletranz in Albany, Auckland to Waitomo, to Hobbiton.
Standard tour entry fees for Waitomo and Hobbiton.
Helicopter/Pilot onGround/Wait time in Waitomo and Hobbiton

Optional Extras

Mechanics Bay Helipad, Auckland City – pick up/drop off
Private vehicle transfer from Auckland CBD to Heliport and return
Continue afterwards to overnight in Rotorua or Taupo