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Piopio

Dive into Piopio, a delightful slice of New Zealand! Stroll the charming streets lined with friendly locals, savoring fresh pies and artisanal goodies. Explore the enchanting limestone caves, bursting with glowworms, or embark on an exhilarating hike in the stunning countryside. With its lush landscapes and warm vibes, Piopio is your perfect pit stop to embrace kiwi magic!

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Recommendations

Culture3.3/5

Piopio and District Museum

Landmark4.4/5

Piopio Cosmopolitan Club

Landmark

Mapara Wildlife Management Reserve

Landmark4.5/5

Mangaotaki Walk

Landmark4.9/5

Hairy Feet Waitomo - Hobbit Film Location Tour

Outdoor

Village Green

Culture5/5

All Saint's Church (Co-operating Parish)

Cafe$$$4.4/5

Fat Pigeon Cafe

Eat4.7/5

Fat Owl Bar & Eatery

Cafe$$4.3/5

The Village Bakery Cafe Piopio

Eat$$$4.6/5

Piopio Berry Orchard

Stays

Stay4.9/5

Ripples Retreat River Song Cabin

Stay4.75/5

Te Tiro Accommodation

Stay4.75/5

Aramatai Gardens

Stay4.25/5

Carmel Farmstays & Tours

Unleash your inner farm-loving adventurer at Carmel Farmstays & Tours! Nestled along State Highway 3 in Piopio, this charming retreat offers cozy accommodations, delightful farm tours, and a chance to mingle with adorable animals. Enjoy stunning views, fresh air, and the warmth of Kiwi hospitality. Perfect for families or solo explorers looking to escape the ordinary!

Stay4.15/5

Fat Owl Motel, Bar & Eatery

Stay5/5

Waitomo Boutique Lodge: Waitomo Caves Hotel Luxury, Privacy plus Stunning Views

Stay4.5/5

Tui Park Camping

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

3 h

Private Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours

Our knowledgeable guide will escort you through beautiful untouched caves here in the Waitomo district. This option is our Private Tour which consists of just your party of 2-8 people, plus a guide. We will tailor the tour for your group giving you the ability to move slowly through the caves to enjoy, explore and take in the surroundings, including our mesmerising glow worm displays. Come and check out why we are the #1 cave tour in Waitomo! Our eco-tours are through completely untouched and beautiful New Zealand scenery on our family farm. We are off the beaten track away from the crowds, we LOVE it that way and so do our customers! Don't forget small pocket-sized cameras are welcome. Within a short drive of Waitomo Caves Village and the small towns of Te Kuiti and Otorohanga.

$653.47

5/5

3 h 30 mins

Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour

Explore Waitomo’s hidden glowworm cave on a private, premium adventure with The Waitomo Experience. As the exclusive operator of the breathtaking Okohua Glowworm Cave, we offer an intimate small group journey designed for those seeking a more private underground experience. Float on tubes beneath thousands of glowworms, swim through clear underground passages, climb over ancient limestone formations, and wade through crystal pools to hidden waterfalls. A good baseline of fitness and confidence in water is required as our expert guides lead you through this adventurous journey, providing top of the line caving equipment and sharing their deep local knowledge along the way. After emerging, enjoy a peaceful bush walk back to base before relaxing in a cedar hot tub overlooking native forest and rolling farmland. With a maximum of just six guests per tour, this eco-friendly experience delivers an intimate, adventurous, and unforgettable journey beneath Waitomo’s magical surface.

$159.95

5/5

Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland

Experience New Zealand's cinematic and natural wonders in one incredible day. Begin with a pickup from Auckland and a scenic drive through the Waikato region, featuring stunning landscapes of rolling hills and mountains. The first stop is the Waitomo Caves, where a guided tour takes you deep underground to see breathtaking limestone formations, ending with a magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms create a starry canopy. Then, continue to the Alexander Family Sheep Farm, the gateway to Hobbiton. Here, board the iconic green bus for a 2.5-hour guided tour of the famous movie set. Explore 44 hobbit holes, stroll through vibrant gardens, and discover behind-the-scenes stories from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films, finishing with a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This tour perfectly combines adventure, stunning scenery, and cinematic magic, making it a truly unique experience.

$222.98

5/5

3 h

3-Hour Private Photography Tour in Waitomo Caves

On our photography tours we provide beautiful natural New Zealand scenery both inside and outside of the glow worm caves, with an experienced guide. These tours are “private”. That is, your group and your guide will be the only participants on the tour. On photography tours we take a minimum of two and a maximum of four people. There are excellent photo opportunities, including beautiful glow worms. The cave system is one of only two in the Waitomo district that is classified by New Zealand's Department of Conservation as being of “International Significance”. And it is completely untouched! On photography tours we allow larger cameras and other equipment like small tripods. And you have the freedom to take a lot more time over your photography than you do on our other tours. Photographing glow worms is challenging, and can take some time. The results though can be spectacular!

$653.47

5/5

10 h

Waitomo Spellbound Glowworm Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland

Our tour offers a rare and exclusive semi-private experience to the **Spellbound Cave**, a hidden gem seldom visited by other tours. This breathtaking cave is renowned for its unparalleled beauty and an extraordinary concentration of glowworms, far surpassing any other cave in the region. Its mesmerizing glow and tranquil atmosphere have earned it glowing reviews on **Tripadvisor**, making it a must-see destination for those seeking a truly unique and unforgettable adventure. **If you are arriving by cruise ship, please be sure to mention about it when making your booking. ＊The departure time is subject to change depending on the availability of Spellbound Cave. Please check the message we will send you after the confirmation. ***Since Auckland city experiences evening traffic congestion, please allow ample time when participating in the tour.**

$231.90

5/5

12 h

12-Hour LOTR Trollshaws & Waitomo Glowworm Tour

The Denize Bluffs is a location used for numerous scenes in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, one of which was Trollshaws Forest. Visitors can take a tour with Hairy Feet Waitomo, taking in the sites of filming locations including Trollshaw Forest and more . The tour is fully guided and starts with a short drive through farmland before taking an easy walk around the sites used for filming. The guides pride themselves on making every tour a personalized experience and showing a true sense of what it means to be a New Zealander.

$386.49

5/5

Private Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves in a Day from Auckland

Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's cinematic and natural treasures. Begin with a private pickup from Auckland and a scenic drive through Waikato, showcasing rolling hills and majestic mountains. Your first stop is the stunning Waitomo Caves. Go underground on a guided tour to admire breathtaking limestone formations, ending with a serene boat ride under a glowworm canopy, shimmering like stars. Next, visit the Alexander Family Sheep Farm, the gateway to Hobbiton. Board the green bus for a 2.5-hour guided tour of the iconic movie set. Explore 44 hobbit holes, stroll through vibrant gardens, and discover behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Finish with a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This tour blends adventure, stunning landscapes, and cinematic magic for an exceptional private experience.

$564.87

5/5

11 h

Fellowship of the Vines LOTR Wellington to Martinborough

Step into a world where fantasy meets flavour. The Fellowship of the Vine is a breathtaking 11-hour odyssey that unites the cinematic wonder of Middle‑earth with the rich tastes of Martinborough’s finest vineyards — all from your starting point in Wellington. Your journey begins at the legendary Wētā Workshop, home of Sir Richard Taylor’s award‑winning special effects for The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, The Rings of Power, and many more. Go behind the scenes and uncover the craft that brought Tolkien’s world to life. Then, follow the path through Middle‑earth, past the shimmering River Anduin, and into Martinborough’s renowned wine country. Here, you’ll savour tastings from three boutique wineries, paired beautifully with artisanal cheeses and a gourmet lunch among the vines. To complete your adventure, journey on to cinematic landmarks such as Rivendell — the home of Elrond, and the epic landscapes of Isengard and Helm’s Deep.

$575.58

5/5

Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves and Kiwi House Day Tour From Auckland

Begin your day at the world-famous Waitomo Caves, where a guided tour takes you through spectacular limestone formations, culminating in a serene boat ride beneath a canopy of twinkling glowworms. Next, stop at the Kiwi House, where you’ll visit the dedicated kiwi-bird enclosure for a special up-close viewing of New Zealand’s iconic native bird. Please note that full entry to all Kiwi House exhibits is not included The adventure continues in the lush farmlands of Matamata at the Hobbiton Movie Set. Wander past charming hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, while discovering behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. With small-group comfort, seamless transport, and expert guiding, this tour delivers an unforgettable blend of nature, wildlife, and fantasy — the perfect New Zealand day trip.

$252.71

5/5

3 h 15 mins

Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour

Escape the crowds and discover a side of Waitomo most visitors never see. Our Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour takes place on our private, family-owned farm and is limited to small groups, giving you a relaxed and personal experience from start to finish. This is a real cave adventure — you’ll walk, wade through shallow streams, scramble over rocks and explore an incredible natural cave filled with thousands of glowworms. There are no concrete pathways, handrails or big tour groups here. We provide all the gear you need, your guide takes complimentary photos along the way, and phones are welcome so you can capture your own memories too. Best of all, every visit helps support conservation on our land, including the planting of thousands of native trees. Small groups. No crowds. A genuine Waitomo adventure. Loved by travellers worldwide, with thousands of glowing 5-star reviews.

$130.22

4.9/5

From Auckland: Spellbound, Waitomo Glowworm Cave Small Group Tour

Discover New Zealand’s wonders with our Spellbound Glowworm Cave and Explorer Tour. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this tour offers a blend of bioluminescence and natural beauty that will captivate you. Begin your adventure with our expert guide leading you through mesmerizing caves. Learn about fascinating geological formations and history as you marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Step into the enchanting Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cave with their magical light. Enjoy a serene 20-minute boat ride, gazing up at lights resembling a starry night sky. Gain insights into the glowworms' life cycle and ecological significance from your knowledgeable guide. This unique tour is ideal for those wanting an up-close experience with the glowworms and photography enthusiasts, as there are no restrictions on photos in the caves. Experience all this as part of a small, intimate group of only 11 guests.

$177.79

4.8/5

120 h

5Day/4nights Ultimate Northern Discovery

A five-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Auckland daily, taking in most of the key tourism destinations within the North Island of New Zealand. You will visit the Bay of Islands, with a tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic township of Russell, and a cruise to the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. Your day in Auckland includes a sightseeing tour of Auckland City. On day four travel to Rotorua, via Waitomo Glowworm Caves, with a guided tour of the glowworm grotto, on arrival in Rotorua a guided tour of Te Puia and a Maori Cultural Performance has been arranged. On your final day visit Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour on your return journey to Auckland. The tour includes four nights' accommodation.

$1,305.16

4.8/5

Auckland to Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi House & Blue Springs Day Tour

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Otorohanga Kiwi House and Blue Springs Tour. Step into the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and marvel at intricate limestone formations, grand caverns, and the stunning Cathedral Chamber, known for its natural acoustics. Then glide by boat through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the darkness like a star-filled night sky. Continue your journey at the Otorohanga Kiwi House, encountering New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird up close and exploring the country’s largest free-flight dome aviary, before visiting the Blue Springs, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. With premium transport, expert guidance, and hotel pick-up and drop-off, this small-group, fully guided tour blends natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and cultural connection into one seamless day. Book now to experience a journey that is as magical as it is memorable.

$197.71

3/5

Hamilton : Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Explorer Small Group Tour

$175.41

12 h

Underworld Black Water Adventure - Private Tour From Auckland

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the hidden world of the spectacular Glowworm Cave on the Underworld Black Water Adventure, a premium private day tour from Auckland to the legendary Waitomo region. Experience an unforgettable Waitomo black water rafting adventure as you float along an underground river beneath thousands of glowworms, surrounded by ancient limestone formations, hidden waterfalls, and crystal-clear springs. After exploring this spectacular underground world, unwind in a relaxing cedar hot tub and enjoy a delicious café-style lunch before your scenic return journey to Auckland. More than just a caving trip, this memorable experience blends adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation.

$888.93

48 h

Lord of the Rings : 2-Day Private Tour from Auckland

Exclusive Private Experience – Unlike standard group tours, this is a private tour tailored just for you. Enjoy flexibility in stops, photo breaks, and pacing—no rush, no crowds, just Middle-earth at your own speed! Embark on an unforgettable journey through Middle-earth with this exclusive private tour! From the rolling green hills of Hobbiton to the volcanic landscapes of Mordor, you’ll experience the magic of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit like never before. Travel in comfort, explore breathtaking filming locations. This isn't just a sightseeing trip—it's a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Middle-earth! Would you like any modifications to make it even more special for you?