Piopio

Travel Guide

On the long drive between the Coromandel and New Plymouth I saw a sign for "Hobbit filming location" in Piopio. Swinging a right off the main road, 15km later through the most beautiful farmland and some gravel roads and I arrive at Hairy Feet Waitomo, a farm where the troll scenes from the Hobbit were shot. Getting to explore the farm with Suzy the owner was an incredible experience, not to mention seeing the exact spots where scenes were filmed. So glad I followed my instincts and turned right!
On the long drive between the Coromandel and New Plymouth I saw a sign for "Hobbit filming location" in Piopio. Swinging a right off the main road, 15km later through the most beautiful farmland and some gravel roads and I arrive at Hairy Feet Waitomo, a farm where the troll scenes from the Hobbit were shot. Getting to explore the farm with Suzy the owner was an incredible experience, not to mention seeing the exact spots where scenes were filmed. So glad I followed my instincts and turned right!

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Fat Owl Motel, Bar & Eatery

Fat Owl Motel, Bar & Eatery

3 out of 5
12 Ruru Street Piopio Waikato
Stay at this motel in Piopio. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (209 reviews)
Spotless roomand facilities, great staff. Communal kitchen and lounge area were a fabulous bonus. And toast, cereal and coffee at any time in the kitchen.

Reviewed on 22 February 2026

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Fat Owl Motel, Bar & Eatery
Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka

Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka

3 out of 5
Hotel Access Rd. Waitomo Caves
The price is AED 186 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
AED 186
AED 215 total
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Caveworld ...
9/10 Wonderful! (240 reviews)
Great staff and unique location

Reviewed on 27 February 2026

Waitomo Village Chalets Home of Kiwipaka
Waitomo Lodge

Waitomo Lodge

2 out of 5
62 Te Kumi Rd Te Kuiti Waikato
The price is AED 342 per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4
AED 342
AED 393 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Te Kuiti. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (256 reviews)
The staff was unhelpful. The place was dark and dingy. The road noise literally shook the room. Not a lot places to stay near the caves but avoid this one.

Reviewed on 27 February 2026

Waitomo Lodge
See all 51 properties in Piopio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Woodlyn Park

Woodlyn Park

3.5 out of 5
1177 Waitomo Valley Road Waitomo Caves Waikato
Stay at this aparthotel in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Woodlyn Park ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (259 reviews)
Great design need a bit updating.

Reviewed on 19 February 2026

Woodlyn Park
Effort Unit Waitanic Park Waitomo Woodlyn Park

Effort Unit Waitanic Park Waitomo Woodlyn Park

Waitomo Waikato
Stay at this houseboat in Waitomo Caves. Enjoy a picnic area. Popular attractions Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Woodlyn Park are located nearby.
6/10 (2 reviews)
The room felt damp and smelt musky. The property required maintenance and updating. Fun for little kids. Power point for tv a worry, with cords not safely plugged in

Reviewed on 22 October 2025

Effort Unit Waitanic Park Waitomo Woodlyn Park
MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino

MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino

Awakino Waikato
Stay at this vacation home in Awakino. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (149 reviews)
Classic kiwi batch, with everything you could possibly need. We only stayed one night but would’ve happily stayed longer. Would recommend to anyone looking to stay in awakino or surrounds

Reviewed on 23 February 2026

MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.