This experience was unique and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and this sentiment seemed to be universally shared by all participants. For the Hobbiton experience, you don't even need to have read all the books or have seen all the films - the tour is that engrossing. You will not see or experience anything remotely like Hobbiton outside of New Zealand - don't miss it. The Waitomo Caves - while the shorter of the combined trips, it was a reflective and awe-inspiring experience. As for the drive to get to both sites - also worth it to see and take in the countryside views featuring at times picturesque harbors and bays, and plenty of cows, sheep, horses, and even deer on deer farms (apparently New Zealand is the largest supplier of farm-raised venison in the world).