Auckland · LUNCH EXPERIENCES

The 15 Best Day Trips with Lunch from Auckland

48 tours  ·  from $104 a head

The 15 best day trips with lunch you can book for this trip, each with what it costs, how long it runs and who it suits. The first one earns its place; start there.

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch - A light lunch between the stops
1-Day Tours, Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

1.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,677 reviews · from $229Our pick

Leave central Auckland early for a guided walk through Hobbiton’s hobbit holes, mill, and Green Dragon Inn, then enjoy a light café lunch and a boat ride beneath Waitomo’s glowworms. The small-group drive includes scenic country roads and commentary. Expect plenty of walking, a long day, and no glowworm photography.

“I don't often leave reviews, but this was a great experience. If you are a LOTR fan, the hobbiton is a must see. We went on a rainy day and the staff provided umbrellas for everyone and still provided a phenomenal tour. The tour guides were Read more”

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From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch - From Auckland through the Waikato
1-Day Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

2.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,505 reviews · 11 hours · from $221

Travel from central Auckland to Hobbiton and Waitomo in a small group, with a driver-guide sharing stories along the way. Explore the Shire on an official 2.5-hour tour, enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn and have a light Kiwi-style lunch before a guided boat ride beneath Waitomo’s glowworms. Guides include Shelley, Danny, Stephen and Nelson.

“Great day out, everything went like clockwork. Stephen was an excellent guide and driver, welcoming and engaging.”

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Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch - Walking through the Shire
1-Day Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch

3.Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,431 reviews · 8 hours · from $182

Ride from Auckland to Hobbiton with a driver-guide, then follow an official English-speaking guide around the Shire. See the hobbit holes and enter a Bagshot Row interior, enjoy one drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and sit down to a buffet lunch in the Party Marquee. The 8-hour trip includes return transport and WiFi.

“Rachel the guide was knowledgeable and funny, making the 2 hour trip out to Hobbiton go fast. After the fantastic tour and feast, we were so tired, everyone on the coach was asleep for the ride back. Everything in-between was breathtaking 😍”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland - Hobbiton: a village built to be explored
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

4.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,117 reviews · from $235

Leave Auckland at 6:00 am for a full-day trip through Waikato farmland to Hobbiton’s carefully built movie village and Waitomo’s glowworm caves. A guide handles the long drive and shares local stories, while included entry, lunch, water, and snacks simplify the day. Groups are capped at 15, and both main attractions involve walking, stairs, or uneven ground.

“This was a great day out to see the sights of the North Island. Whilst it is a very long day, there is sufficient time to relax on the bus before anything of substance happens in the morning. The caves were lovely, but the real attraction was Hobbiton. We hadn't really watched the movies, other than quickly watching the first one prior to the trip. This didn't really matter at all, as Hobbiton is just wonderfully quaint and beautiful on its own accord. A lot of care has gone into the upkeep of the little village, and it takes a surprisingly long time to get around it all. The tour…”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch - Leaving Auckland for the Waikato
Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

5.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 796 reviews · from $271

Leave Auckland at 7:45 am for a full-day coach trip to Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton near Matamata. Expect guided cave and movie-set visits, a simple picnic lunch, a complimentary Green Dragon drink and commentary on the North Island. The drive is long, and guide names vary, with David, Rachel and Nicky among those leading tours.

“Amazing experience hobitton was more than I expected this experience will live forever. Our guide was great energetic and knowledgeable. Highly recommended this tour.”

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From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch - Waitomo’s caves finish in darkness
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch

6.Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 789 reviews · 11h 30m · from $261

Travel from Auckland by premium coach to Waitomo’s limestone caves for a guided visit and a silent boat ride beneath glowworms, then tour Hobbiton’s hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn and Party Tree. The day includes a picnic lunch and commentary from a driver-guide. Guides such as Rachel and Dave have earned praise for their local stories, but plan for a long day on the road.

“David our driver was amazing , he gave us so much information about NZ, he was like a parents taking care of child perfect. Mu at the waitomo cave was explaining everything in a smooth way. Victoria from the hobbiton let us enter in this magical set with some drop of new movie coming and all the secret about the lord of the ring set from the past . 5 stars”

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Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch - Hobbiton’s paths, gardens, and hobbit holes
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch

7.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 607 reviews · 13 hours · from $226

Travel from Auckland in a minibus for up to 16, with a guide sharing stories about New Zealand along the way. Explore Hobbiton on a 2.5-hour guided visit, stop at Lake Karapiro, then take a guided walk and quiet boat ride beneath Waitomo’s glowworms. Lunch and a Green Dragon Inn beverage are included.

“Grant was an absolutely amazing tour guide!! He was friendly, prompt, efficient, and incredibly knowledgeable. We highly recommend this tour and make sure you get Grant as your tour guide!! Also Hobbiton and the Waitomo caves are a must see while in the North Island of New Zealand.”

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Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch - A Green Dragon stop and lunch in the Party Marquee
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch

8.Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 488 reviews · from $254

Leave central Auckland at 7am in a small group, travel through Waikato farmland, and join a guided walk among Hobbiton’s 44 hobbit holes. You’ll see Bag End, the Mill, the Party Tree, and the double-arch bridge, then enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn and buffet lunch in the Party Marquee.

“This is a great tour. Even if you are not a Lord of the Rings fan Hobbiton is a fascinating place. The tour guide was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, friendly and informative. The lunch was better than expected. Exceeded every expectation.”

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Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue - The island ride is part of the day
Auckland Wine Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue

9.Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 370 reviews · from $170Best value

Meet a Waiheke local at Matiatia Wharf for a five-hour island tour by comfortable vehicle. Visit three boutique vineyards for tastings, then sit down to lunch and a glass of local wine at Three Seven Two on Onetangi Beach. Guides such as Caleb, Grant and No’oroa have led tours, sharing island stories and keeping the day sociable and on schedule.

“The 3 wineries and restaurant for lunch were fantastic. Everyone was so kind, funny and happy! We appreciated the entire experience.”

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From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch - The drive from Auckland or Rotorua
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rotorua Day Trips from Auckland, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch

10.From Auckland or Rotorua: Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 281 reviews · 11 - 13 hours · from $286

Travel from Auckland or Rotorua in a small group of up to 12, with an English-speaking driver-guide and hotel pickup from central Auckland. At Hobbiton, take a guided walk and enjoy a buffet lunch; at Waitomo, walk through the cave before a small-boat ride beneath the glowworms. Choose a return trip or a one-way transfer between Auckland and Rotorua.

“Visiting Hobbiton Movie Set on a perfect day was a fantastic experience. The entire property is beautiful and it was really special to be immersed in the surroundings of the LOTR hobbit village. It has been very well preserved. Our tour included an outstanding lunch on the Hobbiton property. The guide was knowledgeable and fun. It is worth seeing whether or not you have ever watched the LOTR movies. Followed by viewing the Waitomo glow worm caves by boat. What a unique experience to slowly drift in the dark, in silence, to take in such a wonder of nature. Looking at the ceiling and walls, the tiny lights of the…”

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Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch - Olive oil and island produce between vineyard pours
Auckland Food Tours, Auckland Wine Tours, Food & Drink, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch

11.Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 267 reviews · from $185

Meet your Ananda Tours guide at Matiatia Wharf for a five-hour Waiheke outing by island transport. Visit three boutique vineyards for wine and food tastings, try local specialties such as Te Matuku Bay oysters and olive oil, and share lunch overlooking the vines. Guides vary, with past tours led by Nick, Fleur, Craig and Simon. Ferry tickets are extra.

“Simon was an excellent guide and all of the staff at the wineries were friendly and knowledgeable. Delicious lunch at Goldie’s. Great choice of wineries visited.”

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Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch - Picnic lunch and Piha’s black sand
Auckland West Coast Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch

12.Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 264 reviews · from $192

Leave Auckland for the Waitakere Ranges, where a guide leads you to a lookout, coastal tracks, Piha’s black-sand beach and a rainforest walk among kauri trees. The seven-hour trip includes transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, a picnic lunch and light refreshments. Guides such as Ian, Annie and Meredith have led this route.

“I had an unforgettable day. I would recommend this tour to my friends. Thank you Meredith. You made my day.”

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Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland - Hobbiton’s lanes, round doors, and film details
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

13.Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · from $316

Leave Auckland at 7 am in a group of up to 13 for Hobbiton’s guided film-set walk, a buffet lunch and drink at the Green Dragon, then a Waitomo glow-worm cave tour with a boat ride. Inner-city hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Guides vary, with Wayne, Milton, Murray, Damien, Kelly, and Michelle among those who have led the trip.

“What a fun experience! Murray, our travel guide, was so friendly, interesting and informative. He made the day. Hobbiton was amazing and not just for a Tolkien fan. The glow worm cave was awesome to see. I would definitely take this tour again.”

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Waiheke Island Wine Tour with Tastings & Gourmet Beachfront Lunch - Three Seven Two puts lunch beside Onetangi Beach
Auckland Wine Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island Wine Tour with Tastings & Gourmet Beachfront Lunch

14.Waiheke Island Wine Tour with Tastings & Gourmet Beachfront Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · from $186

Meet your guide at Matiatia Ferry Terminal for a five-hour Waiheke outing by minibus. Visit three wineries for tastings, with stops that may include Cable Bay, Stonyridge, Mudbrick, Postage Stamp or Te Motu, then enjoy a set-menu lunch and a glass of wine at beachfront Three Seven Two. Ferry tickets are extra.

“My wife & I booked this tour in the middle of our stay in Auckland. After the initial ferry ride (which had amazing scenery to view, along with beautiful weather), we met up with our group & tour guide, Nooroa. He was such an excellent host, telling us historical facts, pointing out key places and engaging guests in conversation throughout our ride. We visited 3 different wineries: Cable Bay, Postage Stamp & Stonyridge. The sommeliers at each place were so personable and knowledgeable. We truly enjoyed all the sample tastings, but in our opinion, each winery got better as the day passed. We wound up purchasing bottles at the latter…”

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland - Walking through Hobbiton’s film village
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland

15.Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $189

Leave central Auckland at 7:15 am by air-conditioned coach for Hobbiton near Matamata. A local guide leads you past hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, with a drink and buffet lunch included. Drivers such as Tako, Rachel and David have shared commentary on the Waikato journey, though staff vary.

“Hobbiton was exceptional. Bus ride from Auckland made it an easy day. Lana was a great Hobbiton guide. The tour was a bit large (@40) so sometimes difficult to hear.”

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