These book up regularly, especially Hobbiton and the Waitomo glowworm caves. Aim to book at least a few days ahead, longer if you're travelling during school holidays or peak summer. SimilarTours lets you compare availability across operators, so check there first.

Hamilton's roads to Rotorua, Taupo, and Waitomo are straightforward if you're comfortable driving. Private tours shine if you want someone else handling the route, doing the commentary, and navigating between multiple stops in a day - the multi-day tours to Coromandel or Taranaki are especially worth considering since the scenic routes are long.

November to April is warmest and driest, ideal for regional exploring. Winter (June-August) can be damp, but Rotorua's geothermal areas stay active year-round. Check before you go for any seasonal tour closures, particularly around heavy rain.

It's roughly 2 hours south by car. SimilarTours shows private transfer options directly from Auckland Airport to Hamilton, which saves you renting a car if you're not exploring further afield.

Most day trips and cave tours accept children, though age restrictions vary. The Waitomo glowworm caves and Hobbiton tours are popular with families. Check the specific tour details on SimilarTours before booking to confirm minimum ages and what's included for kids.

It depends on the operator and tour type. Most include transport and a guide; some cover meals or accommodation, others don't. SimilarTours breaks down what's bundled for each tour, so you can compare inclusions side-by-side.

Yes - the private walking tour covers the city's highlights, and there's an escape room if you want an indoor activity. Most people though treat Hamilton as a base and spend their time on the bigger attractions nearby.