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Quick overview of Hobbiton Movie Set tours

Step into Middle-earth at Hobbiton™, the enchanting movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, nestled in New Zealand’s lush countryside.

  • Distance from Auckland: About 160-170 km (roughly 100-105 miles).
  • Typical travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours each way by road, depending on traffic.
  • On-site visit duration: Guided tour lasts around 2 hours; allow about 3 hours total for photos, lunch, and the gift shop.
  • Best season/time of year: Open year-round, with spring (Sept-Nov) and autumn (Mar-May) bringing milder weather and fewer crowds.
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Usually central Auckland hotels or designated downtown pick-up points; most tours include return transfers.
  • Key attractions/sites covered: Hobbit holes, Bag End, the Mill and double-arched bridge, Party Tree, Green Dragon Inn, Shire’s Rest Café and gift shop, all set in scenic farmland.

What to expect on an Auckland to Hobbiton day tour?

Passengers on a scenic bus tour from Auckland to Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, and Te Puia.
Hobbiton Movie Set landscape with lush greenery and winding paths, seen on Auckland private tour.
Family enjoying a book at Hobbiton Movie Set gift shop, New Zealand tour.
Tour guide leading group across stone bridge at Hobbiton Movie Set, surrounded by greenery.
The Party Tree at Hobbiton Movie Set with hobbit holes and lush greenery.
Mill building with red-tiled roof at Hobbiton Movie Set, surrounded by greenery and a stream.
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Scenic start from Auckland

Begin your journey with a comfortable morning pick-up from Auckland and enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the lush Waikato countryside.

Explore the Shire

Embark on a guided walking tour through Hobbiton, visiting iconic spots like Bag End, the Party Tree, and beautifully detailed hobbit holes.

Movie magic moments

Hear behind-the-scenes stories and pause for unforgettable photo stops across the charming movie set.

Dine like a Hobbit

Sip a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn and opt for a hearty themed lunch at the Shire’s Rest Café.

Extend your adventure

Upgrade your experience with combo tours that include the Waitomo Glowworm Caves or Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes.

Farewell to Middle-earth

Pick up souvenirs, take final photos of the Shire, and relax on your comfortable return journey to Auckland.

Things to know before booking your Hobbiton Movie Set tours

  • Tour options: Choose from guided day tours (shared or combo) or a private experience. Shared tours are ideal for budget-friendly travel, while combo tours let you pair Hobbiton with other top attractions like the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Wai-O-Tapu, or Rotorua for a fuller New Zealand adventure.
  • Private tours: For families or small groups seeking a more exclusive experience, private tours offer flexible schedules, dedicated guides, and hotel transfers—perfect for exploring Hobbiton at your own pace.
  • Meals during your trip: Many tours include meal options so you can relax and make the most of your day. Enjoy a hearty Festive Lunch or an authentic Māori Hangi Dinner Buffet, or simply opt to buy your meal at the Shire’s Rest Café or add it to your tour for convenience.
  • Accessibility: Hobbiton’s paths are mostly accessible, though some uneven terrain may require assistance. It’s best to confirm accessibility needs when booking.
  • Timing and duration: If you’re short on time, choose a half-day Hobbiton-only tour for a quick yet immersive experience of the Shire. If time isn’t a constraint, opt for a full-day combo tour that includes Hobbiton plus nearby attractions like the Waitomo Glowworm Caves or Rotorua — perfect for making the most of your New Zealand adventure.

Your Hobbiton Movie Set tours ticket options

Ticket typeDurationTransfers included/typeGroup sizeMealsUpgrades/add-ons
Hobbiton Shared Tour

8 hrs - 8:15 hrs

AC minibus or Mercedes luxury vehicle

Small group (8–12)/private tour

-

Festive lunch add-on, private upgrade

Hobbiton Tour With Meal

8:15 hrs

AC minibus

Small group (8–12)

Banquet lunch at Hobbiton

Add hangi dinner buffet

Hobbiton + Waitomo + Lunch

12 hrs

AC minibus

Small group (8–12)

Lunch

Private upgrade

Hobbiton + Waitomo Day Trip

12 hrs

AC minibus

Small group (8–12)

Optional meal

Private upgrade

Hobbiton + Rotorua + Te Puia

13 hrs - 13:15 hrs

AC minibus

Small group (8–12)

Optional lunch

Hobbiton & Te Puia Tour

13:15 hrs

AC minibus

Small group (8–12)

Lunch + Maori Hangi dinner

Private option

Wai-O-Tapu + Rotorua Tour

13 hrs

AC minibus

Small group (8–12)

Optional lunch

Want a VIP Hobbiton experience?

Enjoy a private guided tour from Auckland, hassle-free pickup in a Mercedes, and your own drink at the Green Dragon Inn!

Must-see attractions during your Hobbiton Movie Set tour

Visitors posing at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand, with iconic hobbit house in background.

The Hobbit Holes

Peek into colourful round-doored homes built into the hillside, each with its own charming garden.

Hobbiton Movie Set with round green door and garden, Auckland tour.
The Party Tree at Hobbiton Movie Set with hobbit holes and lush greenery.
Father and son enjoying drinks by the fireplace at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand.
Mill building with red-tiled roof at Hobbiton Movie Set, surrounded by greenery and a stream.

Explore more along the way

Group in boat under glowworms at Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Marvel at a galaxy of tiny glowworms as you glide by boat through limestone caverns.

  • Sights covered: Glowworm Grotto, limestone formations, underground river
  • Time required: about 1 hour guided tour

Recommended experience

Book combo tours from Auckland to Hobbiton + Waitomo

Maori guide carving wood at Te Puia, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Te Puia

Discover Māori culture and watch the famous Pōhutu geyser erupt at this geothermal park and arts centre.

  • Sights covered: Pōhutu geyser, mud pools, Māori carving & weaving school
  • Time required: 1.5–2 hours

Recommended experience

Book Hobbiton + Te Puia day tours

Geothermal craters with colorful mineral deposits at Waiotapu, New Zealand.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

See other-worldly colours at New Zealand’s most vibrant geothermal park, including the Champagne Pool and bubbling mud.

  • Sights covered: Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette, Lady Knox Geyser (timed eruption)
  • Time required: 1–2 hours self-guided

Recommended experience

Book Hobbiton + Rotorua + Wai-O-Tapu combo tours

Geothermal craters with colorful mineral deposits at Waiotapu, New Zealand.

Rotorua

Explore Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes, where steaming vents, mud pools, and mineral terraces bring New Zealand’s volcanic heart to life.

  • Sights covered: Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, Pohutu Geyser, Te Puia Thermal Reserve, and bubbling mud pools.
  • Time required: 2–3 hours guided or self-guided.

Recommended experience

Book Hobbiton + Rotorua + Wai-O-Tapu combo tours

Plan your Hobbiton Movie Set tour

Tour vehicles and guides for Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour with Sky Tower in background.
  • Tours run daily from 8am to 5pm with multiple departures.
  • On-site guided tours last about 2 hours.
  • Early departures are ideal for avoiding crowds and capturing morning light.
  • Late afternoon tours offer golden-hour photo opportunities and a quieter experience.
Group enjoying a road trip to Montserrat.
  • Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) provide mild weather and lush scenery.
  • Early morning or late afternoon visits reduce crowding.
  • Weekdays are less busy than weekends.
Travelers boarding a bus for Mount Batur sunrise trek with shared round-trip transfers.

Hobbiton Movie Set address: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, Waikato, New Zealand. Find on the map.

Read more about getting to Hobbiton Movie Set here.

  • Guided Tours: Round-trip coach with entry and guide, some include lunch or combo stops.
  • Self-Drive / Car Rental: Flexible travel and stops; book Hobbiton entry separately.
  • Bus / Shuttle: Affordable option via Matamata; limited schedules and extra transfer needed.
  • Train + Taxi: Scenic Auckland–Hamilton train, then taxi/bus to Hobbiton; more coordination required.
  • Tip: Guided tours include all transport and tickets; self-drive or public transport requires advance entry booking.
Couple enjoying a car transfer, seated in the backseat.
  • Shire’s Rest Café: Offers light meals, snacks, coffee, and drinks at the visitor centre before or after your tour.
  • The Green Dragon Inn: A highlight of the guided tour, where you enjoy a complimentary beverage like ale, cider, or ginger beer inside the movie‑set tavern.
  • Lunch & Evening Options: Some tours include a buffet lunch at the Party Marquee or a two-course banquet during the Evening Banquet Tour with a lantern-lit Shire walk.
  • Dietary Options: Menus at both venues cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences.
Couple enjoying a car transfer, seated in the backseat.
  • Visitor centre with ticketing, gift shop, and restrooms.
  • Free parking at Shire’s Rest for self-drive visitors.
  • Seating areas and picnic spots available.
  • Coach and minibus pick-up/drop-off points for guided tours.
Couple enjoying a car transfer, seated in the backseat.
  • Paths are mostly even; some sections may be uneven or steep.
  • Mobility assistance recommended for those with limited mobility.
  • Wheelchairs may need a companion for certain areas.
Couple enjoying a car transfer, seated in the backseat.
  • Stay on designated paths and follow guide instructions.
  • No climbing on sets, props, or garden areas.
  • Photography allowed except in restricted or behind-the-scenes areas.
  • Respect the natural environment and livestock on site.

Helpful tips for your visit

  • Best time to visit (day-wise): Morning tours (before 10am) offer softer light and fewer crowds; late-afternoon departures (after 3pm) give golden-hour photos.
  • Best season: Open year-round; spring (Sept–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) bring mild weather and greener hillsides, while summer is busier but lush.
  • Essentials to pack: Light rain jacket, layered clothing, hat, and sunscreen (weather changes quickly), plus a camera with spare memory.
  • Accessibility: Most paths are gentle but uneven; request mobility assistance or slower-paced tours in advance.
  • Rules: Stick to marked paths, respect gardens and props, and follow guide instructions for photo stops.

Frequently asked questions about Hobbiton Movie Set tours

What will I see on the tour?

On the guided visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, you’ll stroll through the lush Shire-like farmland, view 44 hobbit holes, visit the iconic Bag End, cross the double-arched bridge and see the mill, and stop at the Green Dragon Inn for a drink.

Where is it and what are the timings?

The set is located at 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, Waikato, New Zealand. Tours depart from Auckland in the morning and return in the afternoon; on-site the guided tour lasts about 2 hours, and the full experience (including travel) is approx. 8–8.5 hours for the standard version.

When is the best time to visit?

Tours operate year-round. Spring (Sept–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) bring milder weather and fewer crowds, while early morning departures offer softer light and late afternoon tours deliver golden-hour photos.

What ticket options are available?

There are shared small-group tours, tours with an added banquet lunch, combo tours that include other attractions (e.g., Waitomo Glowworm Caves or Rotorua), and private-tour upgrades with luxury transfers (e.g., Mercedes).

What about children or special seating requirements?

Children below 7 years must be in a child safety/booster seat as per New Zealand law. Guests can mention their needs when booking.

Is price clearly defined?

While exact pricing isn’t listed in the content excerpt, the ticket inclusions are clearly outlined (hotel transfers, guided tour, drink at Green Dragon Inn, etc.). Users should refer to the booking page for current pricing and any age-based pricing.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable walking shoes (paths may be uneven or muddy). Bring layered clothing, a light rain jacket (weather can change quickly), a hat/sunscreen for sun exposure, and a camera.

Is the experience accessible for people with limited mobility?

Many of the walking paths are mostly even, but there are some steeper or uneven sections up to Bag End. Manual collapsible wheelchairs may be used, but electric wheelchairs and certain mobility aids may not be accommodated. Guests with limited mobility are advised to confirm assistance when booking.

What’s not allowed on the tour?

Pets (except registered service dogs) are not permitted. Guests must stay on marked paths and follow guide instructions. Photography is allowed outside restricted areas.

What other attractions can I combine with a Hobbiton visit?

You can upgrade your tour to include the Waitomo Glowworm Caves (boat ride under glowworms), the geothermal wonders of Rotorua including the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and Māori cultural experiences at Te Puia. These combo tours offer a fuller day of adventure.

Are there dining and shopping options on site?

Yes — at the visitor centre of Hobbiton you’ll find the Shire’s Rest Café for snacks/light meals, and a gift shop for souvenirs. The Green Dragon Inn serves a complimentary drink as part of the tour.

Are pets allowed on tours?

No, pets are not allowed except for registered service dogs.

Read more

Festive buffet spread at Hobbiton Movie Set for a themed lunch on Auckland tour.

Hobbiton Events and Festivals

Mugs of ale with pie and cheese at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand.

Hobbiton Beer Festival

Hobbiton Movie Set house with round door and garden path in New Zealand.

Hobbiton Movie Set Facts

Hobbiton Movie Set Timings