Hobbiton Movie Set Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
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.
Best time to visit Hobbiton Movie Set
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
First tours usually begin around 9am and the last around 3:30pm–4pm, depending on the season. Departure slots are allocated at booking.
Regular tours finish before sunset. Evening events such as special banquet tours run only on selected dates and require advance booking.
Early morning and late-afternoon departures outside peak summer (Dec–Feb) tend to be quieter, with more space for photos.
Yes. Tours often sell out, especially in summer and on weekends. Booking in advance secures your preferred time slot.
