The Waitomo Caves are a world-famous limestone cave system located on New Zealand’s North Island. These caves were formed over millions of years as water eroded the limestone, creating a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. The history of the Waitomo Caves is closely tied to Maori legends. In Maori, “Waitomo” combines “wai” (water) and “tomo” (entrance), meaning “water flowing into an entrance.”.In the late 19th century, explorers Fred Mace and Chief Tane Tinorau officially explored the cave for the first time. They entered the cave via a raft and discovered the glowworms illuminating the cave ceiling. Today, the Waitomo Caves are best known for these glowworms, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to witness the cave’s enchanting beauty. Inside the caves, thousands of glowworms create a magical, starry-sky effect on the cave ceiling. The cave tours typically involve a boat ride through the cave, where visitors can silently admire the natural wonder

Hobbits in the films. In 1998, the film crew selected this location and began constructing the set, which included the entire village with 37 Hobbit holes. After the filming concluded, the set was opened to the public as a tourist attraction. The film set is intricately designed to provide an authentic experience, allowing visitors to explore iconic locations such as the Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree. The round doors of the Hobbit holes and the picturesque gardens make visitors feel as if they have stepped into Middle-earth. The Hobbiton tour is guided, with narrators sharing fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the film production, making the experience even more special for fans. The tour concludes with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn, where guests can enjoy a drink and relax, feeling as though they are part of the film’s magical world.