The Ultimate Auckland to Waitomo Day Trip

The beautiful city of Auckland is a great place to use as a base whilst you explore other parts of New Zealand’s North Island. A popular day-trip option is Auckland to Waitomo to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves which takes approximately two hours 20 minutes, so you can definitely squeeze in a few more activities on route. 

We've put together the ultimate day trip from Auckland to Waitomo - it's a big day and includes the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and a visit to Hobbiton! Plus, we've popped in the best places to pull over for a coffee or a bite to eat. Start your engines!

It would be irresponsible of us to start a day trip itinerary without feeding you first!

Fuel up by starting the day with a breakfast at one of Auckland’s amazing eateries in the heart of the CBD. Try out the silky-smooth coffee at Odette’s, guilt-free fruit and vegetable options at Major Sprout, fresh baked goods at Pollen or the addictive house-made crumpets at Chuffed. 

Ok belly is full, it's time to jump in the car and head south on Highway 1 towards Hobbiton.

The road out of Auckland rolls through the Bombay Hills. Known for its farmland, this range of stunning green hills serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. 

Your first stop is the village of Mercer, which lies about 58km south of Auckland on the bank of the Waikato River. Be sure to stop by the famous cheese shop which is one of the gems of the region. It's unassuming, but well worth a visit. The cheesemakers use traditional Dutch methods and recipes to transform fresh milk from local dairies into aromatic, flavoursome cheeses. You’ll be able to sample their finest products, and you won’t be able to resist taking some home to fancy up the cheeseboard.  

Next stop, is the wine region of Te Kauwhata which offers a glimpse of leisurely country living and is only 15 minutes down the road from Mercer.  

Get out and stretch your legs while strolling through the village. Grab a coffee at the Bakehouse café before you visit jam and relish manufacturer and exporter, Peplers’ Savour The Taste, whose black raspberry vinaigrette is world-famous.

If you are lucky enough to be in Te Kauwhata on a Friday, the local farmers and bakers have fresh seasonal produce and home-baked wares for sale at Pepler's too.

Enough dilly-dallying, it's time to head to Hobbiton! The drive from Te Kauwhata is about an hour and 15 minutes.

Hobbiton offers guided day and evening tours of the last remaining intact set from the famous Peter Jackson films. Even if you’re not a fan, the lush green pastures, the peculiar hobbit homes built into the hills and fields of flowers will win you over.

The 12-acre plot is within the Alexander family sheep farm with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you around the Hobbit Holes on a two hour tour showing the intricate detailing and pointing out the most famous locations such as The Mill, all while recounting fascinating stories and anecdotes about the filmmaking process. 

You’ll end your experience at the Green Dragon Inn overlooking the enchanting village while sipping on an exclusive beverage only available in Hobbiton. 

When you leave Hobbiton to head to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, jump back on Hwy 1, heading in the direction of Auckland. Keep an eye out for signs for the Thermal Explorer Hwy - this is where you'll turn. It's right by the town of Cambridge & Leamington.

Cambridge is known for its leafy streets, heritage buildings, antique shops and thoroughbred horse studs. This beautiful (and don’t just take my word for it — it literally won the 2019 award for Most Beautiful Large Town in New Zealand) and historic town brings the flavour and atmosphere of an English village to the heart of New Zealand.  

On the main street, the chic cafes and restaurants, boutique shopping, gourmet producers, and artisan delis are all well worth a visit. 

 Try out the award-winning cheese at the Over the Moon Deli & Dairy including a goat’s milk one called ‘just kidding’; buy a gorgeous souvenir of your visit at Cambridge Shell & Jade which specialises in bone and greenstone carvings or browse through the local paintings, studio glass, ceramics and jewellery on display at Heritage Gallery. 

Leaving Cambridge & Leamington, continue along Cambridge rd for about 18km and you'll arrive at Te Awamutu. If you are in the Te Awamutu area during the blooming season of November to April, then you will discover why it is called the rose capital of New Zealand. During those months, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as 2000 rose bushes turn on the charm.

After taking time to smell the roses, jump back in the car for about half an hour and you will reach the incredible natural wonder of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The glowworm is unique to New Zealand, making a trip to the caves an essential whether you're from NZ or abroad!

This natural world is more than 30 million years old. Start at the dry upper level of amazing cave formations and then proceed to the lower level of stream passages and the illuminating glowworms. The best way to see the caves is on a magical boat ride that glides through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. A guide will also explain the history, formations and the Maori legends connected to the area. 

If you are feeling peckish after your exhilarating time in the caves or just want a break before the drive back, there are several options in the nearby Waitomo village. 

Choose from an array of boutique New Zealand beers and ciders and then relax on the deck area of Huhu Café overlooking the bush-clad hills or pick up some snacks for the trip back at the Waitomo General Store.

If you don't want to head into the village and just want to grab something near the caves, Waitomo Adventures, has an array of cakes, muffins, salads and sandwiches, perfect for eating on the drive back or simply as you relax and enjoy the views of Waitomo. 

From Waitomo, jump back onto Hwy 1 and follow it back to Auckland. The trip will take you about 2.5 hours. Drive safe!

If you don't have a car, never fear you can still experience this magical area!

You plan your own itinerary (aka the one we just spent all day writing out for you!) and your professional driver will show you the sights! Simple.

Jump on the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Tour that leaves from Auckland. It's pretty similar to the itinerary we've taken you through and the tour gives you plenty of time to appreciate the country’s stunning scenery, the towering mountains and to meet some cuddly farm animals. 

The Waitomo and Rotorua day tour from Auckland (plus a Te Puia visit) allows you to visit two of New Zealand’s most popular attractions — the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Maori Village and Craft School in Rotorua. You will also indulge in a traditional Maori Hangi meal at Te Puia Geothermal Park, home of the famous Pohutu geyser. And most importantly for you, it includes all the necessary transport.

So, there you have it — just some of the wonderful array of activities and sights on offer within a day’s drive out of Auckland. Grab your family, your friends and a camera, get out on the open road and get lost in the lush green and sparkling blue of New Zealand.