Frequently Asked Questions

Covid-19

If you or someone in your group shows Covid 19 symptoms, please advise us immediately by phone or email, BEFORE arriving on site.

Please use our hand sanitisers.  We will be cleaning high use areas frequently.

PLEASE DO NOT COME IF YOU FEEL UNWELL.

 


 

Do I need to book?

Yes please!  Booking in ADVANCE is ESSENTIAL at this time.  (We will require sufficient bookings before a tour goes ahead.)  Check our booking schedule for available days or email us at: :  info@hairyfeetwaitomo.co.nz

 


 

Can I take photos?

Absolutely !
 


 

Do I need to be a Middle Earth fan to like this tour?

You will enjoy this tour whether you like the movies or not.
 


 

What sort of road will I be driving on once I leave Piopio Village?

The Mangaotaki Road is a typical rural country road.  It is 2-laned and sealed, with a central white line and has no pedestrian pavement.  It is narrow and winding in places and although may seem quiet, farm vehicles & large trucks frequently use it.  The scenery is stunning but please keep your eyes on the road!   There will be plenty of time for photos once you arrive at our place.
(Please remember that we drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand).

 


 

What sort of parking do you have?

We have ample parking for cars, campervans & buses.  Once you leave the sealed Mangaotaki Road at our entrance, follow the signage on our gravel drive for approximately 500m to our parking area.  

 


 

Do you have a shop & toilets?

Yes!  We have a well appointed merchandise store with extremely clean toilets.  We also have a small array of refreshments for sale.

 


 

Is there public transport, shuttles or taxis to your tour?

At this stage all visitors must drive themselves to our tours, as there is no public transport, shuttles or taxis.

 


 

Will I need special footwear or clothing?

Walking tracks are gravel and on slightly uneven ground. Please wear suitable, comfortable footwear. Tours operate in all weather, so wear appropriate clothing (e.g. raincoat, sunhat).  To keep us all safe, we ask that each person wear a mask while in our tour shop & travelling in our mini-van.


 

How long is the tour?

Approximately 2 hours 

 


 

What is the cost?

Adults (15yrs & older)  $70

Child (0-14yrs) $40

 


What does the tour require of me physically?

The 5 minute drive to the site requires you to be able to step up into one of our mini vans.  Once at the site, we walk on tracks, over undulating ground, with the surface being compacted gravel.  There are six steps in one area.  The total length is around 400 metres and takes about 2 hours as there are plenty of stops as the tour unfolds.  

 


 

What time is the tour?

If we have sufficient bookings there will be a tour 10:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure times. Remember, PRE BOOKING is ESSENTIAL Check our booking schedule for available days or email us at:  info@hairyfeetwaitomo.co.nz

 


 

Do you have any other tour times?

We will try to accommodate special requests, if given at least 48 hours notice to allow us to arrange for extra staff.

 


 

Can I bring my dog?

Sorry, but no. As this is a working farm we cannot allow dogs onto the property - we must ensure the safety and wellbeing of the farm animals.

 


 

How long will it take to drive to your tour office?

15 minutes from Piopio; 35 minutes from Te Kuiti; 45 minutes from Waitomo Village; 50 minutes from Otorohanga; 1 hour 50 minutes from the 'Hobbiton' film set near Matamata, 3 hours from Auckland Airport and 2 hours 15 minutes from New Plymouth.

These times are without stops, roadworks or any other delay.  To have a relaxed trip, please allow more time where possible.

 


 

What are your driving directions?

PLEASE USE THESE DIRECTIONS AS SOME GPS UNITS MAY TAKE A LONGER ROUTE VIA GRAVEL ROADS.

  • Travel on SH3 (State Highway 3) to Piopio

  • Turn onto Kaka Street at the southend of Piopio Village.

  • Turn left off Kaka Street onto Mangaotaki Road.

  • Continue to travel on Mangaotaki Road for 14.11kms to 1411 Mangaotaki Road and the "Hairy Feet Waitomo Scenic Film Location Tour."  Approximately 15 minutes drive from Piopio.

  • Turn off the sealed road onto our gravel drive and follow the signage for approximately 500m to our carpark.

 

Your Guides

Warrick and Suzie Denize are the third generation of the Denize family on this Mangaotaki Valley property near Piopio. ...

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Our Tours

Join our guided tours through the stunning Mangaotaki Valley farm near Piopio featured in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"...

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PHONE: +64 7 877 8003
EMAIL: info@hairyfeetwaitomo.co.nz
ADDRESS: 1411 Mangaotaki Road,RD 1, Piopio 3971, New Zealand
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