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Book Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

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Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland with lush landscapes.
























































Which Hobbiton tour should you pick?

Depending on your schedule and preferences, you can choose a standalone Hobbiton tour for a half-day visit, or a full-day combo tour that includes attractions such as Waitomo Caves or Rotorua. Select the ticket that best fits your plans.

Go to the booking guide

Visitors observing geothermal activity at Te Puia, Rotorua during guided tour from Auckland.

Top things to do in Auckland

Quick overview of Hobbiton Movie Set tours

  • 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.
Visitors relaxing inside the Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand.
Champagne Lake's vibrant colors and geothermal steam at Rotorua Wai-O-Tapu, New Zealand.
Family taking selfie at Hobbiton Movie Set entrance, Auckland tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set landscape with lake and hills, viewed from Rotorua tour.
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Pick-up in Auckland

Start your adventure with an early hotel or central pick-up and settle into a comfortable coach or minibus.

Scenic drive through Waikato

Relax on a 2-2.5 hour journey past rolling farmland and learn local stories from your driver-guide.

Arrival at Shire’s Rest

Check in at the visitor center, browse the gift shop, or grab a coffee before your tour begins.

Guided walking tour of Hobbiton

Follow your guide through 12 acres of movie magic, from hobbit holes to Bag End and the Party Tree.

Insider stories & photo stops

Hear behind-the-scenes filming anecdotes and pause at the best viewpoints for sweeping photos.

Gardens, Mill & Stone Bridge

Admire authentic vegetable gardens, the rustic Mill, and cross the stone bridge over the stream.

Green Dragon Inn experience

Step into the legendary inn for a complimentary drink and soak up the cosy Hobbiton atmosphere.

Optional lunch or combo tour

Some tours include lunch at the Shire’s Rest Café or extend the day with Waitomo Glowworm Caves or Rotorua geothermal parks.

Souvenirs & farewell photos

Pick up themed gifts and take your final shots of the Shire before boarding your coach.

Comfortable return to Auckland

Relax on the drive back, arriving early evening with magical Middle-earth memories.

Things to know before booking your Hobbiton Movie Set tours

  • Why choose a day tour:  By booking a day tour, you get the convenience of return transfers and a professional guide without having to organise everything yourself. You can choose from several options that suit your tour style, budget, and meal preferences.
  • Ticket types: You can choose either a guided tour (shared or private) or a combo tour that combines Hobbiton with other popular attractions.
  • Shared tours vs. private tours: If you’re a budget-conscious traveller, a shared group tour may suit you best, starting from NZ$275 excluding lunch. If you’re travelling as a family or group and prefer a more personalised experience, you can book a private tour starting from NZ$1,810.
  • Combo tours: If you’d like to see more of New Zealand in one trip, you can choose a combo tour. These guided experiences let you visit Waitomo Caves, Wai-O-Tapu, or Rotorua alongside Hobbiton.
  • Meals during your day tour: You can select a tour that includes meals to save time and avoid looking for food during the day. Options include a Festive Lunch or a Māori Hangi Dinner Buffet. Alternatively, you can arrange your own lunch at the venue or pay a little extra to add it to your tour.

Your Hobbiton Movie Set tours ticket options

Ticket typeDurationInclusionsTransfers included/typeGroup sizeBest suited forUpgrades/add-onsRecommended experience

Hobbiton shared tour

8 hrs - 8:15 hrs

Shared guided movie set tour + drink at Green Dragon Inn

Yes, AC minibus or Mercedes luxury vehicle

Small group/private tour

Budget travelers & film fans, families, high-end travellers (for private option)

Festive lunch add-on, private upgrade

Small Group Tour of Hobbiton

Hobbiton tour with meal

8:15 hrs

Guided movie set tour + Banquet lunch

Yes, AC minibus

Small group

Food lovers

Add hangi dinner buffet

Shared Tour with Lunch

Hobbiton + Waitomo glowworms caves tour with lunch

12 hrs

Guided movie set tour + Waitomo glowworm caves guided tour + lunch

Yes, AC minibus

Small group

Nature & film fans

Private upgrade

Waitomo Glowworms Caves Tour

Hobbiton + Waitomo Caves day trip

12 hrs

Guided movie set tour + Waitomo caves

Yes, AC minibus

Small group

Day-trippers wanting both sights & meal

Private upgrade

Waitomo Caves day trip

Hobbiton + Rotorua + Te Puia guided tour

13 hrs - 13:15 hrs

Guided movie set tour + Rotorua + Te Puia

Yes, AC minibus

Small group

Culture seekers

Lunch add-on

Hobbiton + Te Puia Tour

Hobbiton + Te Puia tour + lunch & dinner

13:15 hrs

Guided movie set tour + Te Puia + Lunch + Maori dinner

Yes, AC minibus

Small group

Food & culture lovers

Private option

Hobbiton & Te Puia Tour

Hobbiton + Wai-O-Tapu + Rotorua

13 hrs

Guided movie set tour + Wai-O-Tapu + Rotorua sights

Yes, AC minibus

Small group

Nature & culture explorers

Lunch add-on

Wai-O-Tapu, & Rotorua Tour

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

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

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

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

Your day from Auckland to Hobbiton

Aerial view of lush green farmland in Waikato, New Zealand, with trees and fields.

Morning

  • Depart Auckland early and enjoy a scenic 2–2.5 hour drive through rolling Waikato farmland. 
  • Your guide shares stories of the region en route.
  • Arrive at the Hobbiton Movie Set and check in at the Shire’s Rest.
Family taking a selfie in front of a hobbit house at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand.

Midday

  • Join your guided walking tour of the set, exploring hobbit holes, Bag End, the Party Tree, the Mill, and more.
  • Pause for a relaxed lunch or snack at the Shire’s Rest Café or enjoy the included lunch on select tours.
Family enjoying a book at Hobbiton Movie Set gift shop, New Zealand tour.

Afternoon

  • Spend extra time taking photos, browsing the gift shop, or relaxing with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
  • Extended option: Combine your Hobbiton visit with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves or Rotorua geothermal attractions on a full-day combo tour.
Passengers on a scenic bus tour from Auckland to Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, and Te Puia.

Evening

Return to Auckland in your comfortable coach or minibus with ample time to rest after a full day of discovery.

Travel notes: Transfers take around 2–2.5 hours each way. There may be brief comfort or photo stops en route. Guided tours ensure seamless transfers and expert insights, while DIY travelers should plan their own transportation and allow for traffic delays.

Getting to Hobbiton from Auckland

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.

Tour vehicles and guides for Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour with Sky Tower in background.

The easiest way to visit Hobbiton from Auckland is by a guided day tour with round-trip transfers. You’ll enjoy a direct coach/minibus ride with a knowledgeable guide who handles all logistics.

  • Details: Hotel or central pick-up, return transfers, entry ticket, guided set tour, some include lunch or combo stops.
  • Time: 10–11 hours round trip (≈2–2.5 hrs travel each way + 2–3 hrs on site).
  • Best for: First-time visitors, families, LOTR fans, and those who want a stress-free experience.
  • Pros: Seamless transport, expert commentary, guaranteed entry, and optional add-ons.
  • Cons: Fixed timetable; less flexibility than self-drive.
Group enjoying a road trip to Montserrat.

Driving yourself gives full flexibility to stop en route and explore the Waikato region.

  • Details: Pick up a rental car in Auckland and drive to Hobbiton (free parking at Shire’s Rest).
  • Time: Around 2–2.5 hours each way (160–170 km).
  • Cost: From NZD 60–150 per day + fuel + entry ticket booked separately.
  • Best for: Independent travelers or small groups who want flexibility.
  • Pros: Set your own schedule, stop at other attractions.
  • Cons: Need to book entry time separately; no guide; must drive back after a long day.
Travelers boarding a bus for Mount Batur sunrise trek with shared round-trip transfers.

Intercity coaches and a few shuttle services run between Auckland and Matamata.

  • Details: Buses go to Matamata i-SITE; from there, take a local shuttle or taxi to Hobbiton.
  • Time: 2.5–3.5 hours to Matamata + 15 minutes to the Movie Set.
  • Best for: Budget travelers or those without a car.
  • Pros: Affordable, no driving.
  • Cons: Limited schedules; must coordinate transfer to the Set; ticket not included.
Couple enjoying a car transfer, seated in the backseat.

There’s no direct train to Hobbiton, but you can take a train partway and then transfer.

  • Details: KiwiRail Northern Explorer runs Auckland–Hamilton; from Hamilton, you need a taxi or bus to Matamata and on to Hobbiton.
  • Time: 2 hours train + 1–1.5 hours road transfer.
  • Best for: Scenic-rail enthusiasts who don’t mind extra transfers.
  • Pros: Relaxing train ride through the countryside.
  • Cons: Few departures; longer total journey; more coordination needed.

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

Do I need to book in advance, or can I just show up?

You should definitely book ahead — tours often sell out, especially in summer. Online bookings show live availability.

What is included in a standard Hobbiton Movie Set Tour?

The standard tour includes a short bus ride from The Shire’s Rest to the Movie Set, a 1.5-hour guided walking tour (with entry into one Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row), and about 20 minutes at The Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary beverage.

How long does the tour last?

About 8.5 hours for the standard Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, including coach transfers between The Shire’s Rest and the set.

Where is the tour departure point?

Most tours depart from The Shire’s Rest at 501 Buckland Road, Matamata. There is also a departure option from the Matamata Information Centre.

What if I arrive late for my tour?

If you’re going to be late, contact Hobbiton as soon as possible. They will try to put you on a later tour, but if very busy, the next tour might be hours later or not available.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable walking shoes; dress for the weather. In hot months, bring a sun hat and sunscreen; in cooler or wet seasons, bring rainproof outerwear. Paths can be muddy or uneven.

Does the tour run in wet weather?

Yes, tours operate in most weather. Umbrellas are available. Only in extreme weather might there be alternative arrangements.

Is the Movie Set wheelchair accessible or suited for limited mobility?

Many paths are uneven, and there’s a steep incline up to Bag End. Alternate viewpoints are offered. Manual collapsible wheelchairs can be used; electric wheelchairs are not transported on the buses.

Can I drive myself to Hobbiton?

Yes, you can drive to The Shire’s Rest, park there, and from there all tours include the bus transfer to the Movie Set.

Can I visit The Green Dragon Inn without doing the full tour?

No, visiting The Green Dragon Inn and its complimentary beverage is included in every guided tour experience. You can’t access it separately without a tour.

Is there accommodation on site?

No, the Hobbiton Movie Set site does not offer accommodation.

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

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