In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience
Hamilton - North Island
Close to Hamilton are two sites, one of which has made the region and beyond, New Zealand, famous: Hobbiton, the Hobbit village from The Lord of the Rings. The Waitomo Caves are known as the most beautiful caves in the country.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Guided tour of 1,5 km - 2h00
2 hours
50€ per person in 2023
Filming location for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, we were a little skeptical about including Hobbiton in our itinerary. On the one hand, we're not big fans of the films, and on the other, we were afraid of the crowds and the “pasteboard” look of the setting! In the end, it was a pleasant surprise. The visit to the hobbit village is very pleasant. The scenery in the green hills is really well done. The walk ends at the Green Dragon tavern, where a glass of local beer or cider is offered.
Tip: we had booked the last tour of the day, which meant we were in a smaller group (13 people) and didn't have the pressure of the next group.
Access: 50 kms east of Hamilton.
Waitomo Caves
No hike
50 minutes
42€ per personin 2023
The Waitomo Caves tour lasts 50 minutes. The tour begins on foot, with the guide demonstrating a number of formations, including a large room known as the “cathedral”, where he makes his resonance heard by singing a song. Visitors then take places in a boat that sails in complete darkness and silence. On the ceiling, thousands of star-like glow worms. Unfortunately, it's impossible to take photos.
This visit is a little expensive, as only the glow-worm sky is of interest.
Access: 68 kms south of Hamilton.
Lodging
We have tested :
Copyright Magali and David BELLEC