Hobbiton™ Movie Set Opening Hours | Tour Hours & Best Times

Hobbiton™ movie set tour timings

Season/month	First departure	Last departure	Notes
Year-round	9am	4:30pm	Tours run in most weather; wear suitable shoes. Green Dragon Inn included.
Peak season (Dec–Feb)	8:30am	5pm	Extra tours added; expect larger groups and warmer weather.
Shoulder season (Mar–May & Sep–Nov)	9am	4:30pm	Mild weather; fewer crowds. Ideal for photography.
Winter (Jun–Aug)	9:30am	4pm	Cooler weather; some paths may be damp. Dress warmly.

Timing notes & visitor warnings

Tours operate in most weather, but heavy rain or strong winds may cause minor delays.
Some paths, including the incline to Bag End, can be slippery after rain—wear suitable footwear.
Trail access may be restricted temporarily for maintenance or film set preservation.
Last entry to the Movie Set is typically 15 minutes before the final tour departure.
Guided transfers may experience minor delays during peak season; plan extra travel time if connecting to other activities.

Read more about Hobbiton Movie Set events and festivals here.

Book Hobbiton™ Movie Set tours

From Auckland: Small Group Guided Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

8 hr. - 8 hr. 15 min.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Meals included

‌

Check availability

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glowworms Caves Tour

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

12 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

‌

Check availability

From Auckland: Hobbiton, Rotorua, & Te Puia Guided Tour

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

13 hr. - 13 hr. 15 min.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Meals included

‌

Check availability

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set, Wai-O-Tapu, & Rotorua Guided Tour

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

13 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

‌

Check availability

Best time to visit Hobbiton™ Movie Set

The Party Tree at Hobbiton Movie Set with hobbit holes and lush greenery.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with longer daylight hours. Crowds are high. Full guided tours and bright-light photo opportunities. Book early; tours fill fast.
Autumn (Mar-May): Mild with occasional rain. Moderate crowds. Lush greenery and quieter paths. Ideal for photography.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cooler with occasional fog. Low crowds. Misty Shire landscapes. Wear warm clothing; some tours may be limited.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with blooming flowers. Moderate crowds. Vibrant gardens and fewer visitors. Perfect for morning tours.

Family exploring Hobbiton Movie Set with iconic round door, lush greenery, and garden path.

Weekdays (Mon–Thu): Quieter, fewer crowds; easier photo opportunities.
Friday: Slightly busier as weekend visitors start arriving.
Saturday & Sunday: Peak crowd days; tours fully booked early; festive events more likely.

View from Hobbiton Movie Set door at sunset, featuring gardens and distant hills, New Zealand.

Morning tours: Best for soft light, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures. Ideal for sunrise photography.
Midday tours: Bright light, full set visibility. Can be warmer; ideal for families and combo tours.
Late afternoon/Golden hour: Magical lighting for photos, especially around Bag End and Party Tree. Tours may end close to sunset, giving dramatic Shire views.

Weather at Hobbiton™ Movie Set

January-February (Summer)

Avg temp: 22-25 °C
Crowd levels: High
Note: Warm, sunny days with the best photo conditions; book early as tours sell out quickly.

March-May (Autumn)

Avg temp: 15-20 °C
Crowd levels: Moderate
Note: Mild weather and golden scenery; fewer visitors than in summer.

June-August (Winter)

Avg temp: 10-15 °C
Crowd levels: Low
Note: Cool and sometimes wet; quieter tours, but pack warm layers and rain gear.

September-November (Spring)

Avg temp: 15-22 °C
Crowd levels: Moderate
Notes: Lush green hillsides and blooming gardens with comfortable walking weather.

How long to spend at Hobbiton™ Movie Set

Interior of the Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set with wooden tables and chairs.

6 hours (Half-day option)

Ideal for travellers already in Matamata or nearby.
Includes the full 2-hour guided tour plus time for a drink at the Green Dragon Inn and shopping at the gift shop.
Suitable if you have limited time but still want the full on-site experience.

Couple dining at Hobbiton Movie Set during Auckland tour.

8 hours (Standard day trip from Auckland)

The most common option for visitors coming from Auckland.
Includes round-trip transfers, the full guided Hobbiton tour, and time for a relaxed lunch or drink.
Works well if you want a seamless, pre-arranged schedule.

Maori performers in traditional attire during a cultural show in Rotorua, New Zealand.

12 hours (Combo tour)

Best for travellers wanting a full-day adventure.
Includes transfers plus Hobbiton and an additional attraction such as Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, or Te Puia.
Allows you to see more of New Zealand’s highlights in one day with a guided experience.

See all the travel options to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set here.

Frequently asked questions about Hobbiton Movie Set timings

Is Hobbiton™ open year-round?

Yes. The Movie Set operates year-round with tours running daily, though schedules may vary slightly during public holidays or maintenance periods. Always check the current timetable before booking.

What time do the first and last tours depart?

First tours usually begin around 9am and the last around 3:30pm–4pm, depending on the season. Departure slots are allocated at booking.

Can I visit Hobbiton™ after dark?

Regular tours finish before sunset. Evening events such as special banquet tours run only on selected dates and require advance booking.

When is Hobbiton™ least crowded?

Early morning and late-afternoon departures outside peak summer (Dec–Feb) tend to be quieter, with more space for photos.

Do I need to book my tour in advance?

Yes. Tours often sell out, especially in summer and on weekends. Booking in advance secures your preferred time slot.