Hobbiton & Rotorua including Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland

To: Hobbiton & Rotorua

From: Auckland (return trip)

Duration: Approx. 13 Hours

 

Hobbiton & Rotorua Te Puia Tour, this small group, fully guided day trip combines two of the top attractions in the North Island. It also brings together nature and Maori culture plus allows you to see the highlights of Rotorua City all in one day. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

 

Please be aware that while lunch is not provided on this tour, there will be several opportunities for you to purchase food along the way.

 

Highlights:

  • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm
  • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu
  • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School
  • Rotorua City Highlights 

Itinerary:

 

1. Auckland – Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.

 

2. Waikato – Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and a variety of farm animals along the way.

 

3. Hobbiton Movie Set Arriving at the first feature attraction ‘Hobbiton’ you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses and depart on a two & a half hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set, with a professional Hobbiton guide to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.

 

4. Tirau – Departing for Rotorua we pass through Tirau on our adventure. Dubbed the ‘Corrugated Iron Capital of the World’ because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.

 

5. Te Puia Geothermal Park  Arriving at our second feature destination, Te Puia, you will receive a fully guided tour to best experience the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders including: Pōhutu Geyser, Māori Architecture, The National Māori Arts School, geothermal craters, geothermal events and even the chance to view a Kiwi bird in the Kiwi viewing house.

 

6. Rotorua City Highlights – To finish off our Rotorua experience we do a guided driving tour seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. If there is time, we may even visit a special souvenir shop for some discounted shopping and to try Manuka Honey.

 

7. Auckland – Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland including secret stops along the way.

 

Inclusions:

  • Small Group Tour
  • Fully Guided
  • Entry Tickets
  • Water available & snacks provided

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Hobbiton Tour FAQ

What is the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour?

The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is a fully-guided small group tour from Auckland to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, led by experienced and knowledgeable tour guides. It includes return transport from Auckland to Hobbiton, a 2.5-hour guided tour of the 12-acre movie set, visiting 44 hobbit holes and enjoying a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn

How long does the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour take?

The standard Hobbiton tour from Auckland lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel time. Tours that combine Hobbiton with other attractions like Rotorua or Waitomo Caves take about 13 hours.

What is included in the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour?

Most tours include:

 

  • Small group tour experience
  • Pick-up and drop-off from selected central Auckland hotels
  • Expert guide throughout the journey
  • Hobbiton Movie Set entry tickets
  • Complimentary bottled water and snacks
  • Surprise stops and extra experiences
  • Complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn
How do I get to Hobbiton from Auckland?

Tours bookable via Retreats Abroad offer pickup from selected central hotels in Auckland. You will be driven to Hobbiton in a comfortable minibus with a maximum of 16 seats.

What should I bring on the Hobbiton Tour?

Recommended items include:

 

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Rain jacket
  • Camera
  • Phone charger
Can I combine the Hobbiton Tour with other attractions?

Yes, you can combine the Hobbiton tour with visits to Rotorua (including Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu) or Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

How much does the Hobbiton Tour from Auckland cost?

Prices vary depending on the tour package:

 

  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: NZD $275 per person
  • Hobbiton & Rotorua Tour: NZD $399 per person
  • Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour: Prices vary, but typically similar to the Rotorua combination.
How do I book a Hobbiton Tour?

You can book tours online through the Retreats Abroad website, where you can choose from Hobbiton only day tours in addition to Hobbiton package day tours including Rotorua or Waitomo Caves.

Can I stay overnight at Hobbiton?

No, overnight stays are not available at Hobbiton. However, you can explore nearby towns like Matamata or Rotorua for accommodations. If you would like to stay overnight in Rotorua, Retreats Abroad also offers one-way tour options from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton.

Can I organise a private Hobbiton Tour?

While Retreats Abroad offers set tour packages, you can inquire about booking a private tour by contacting them directly.

What is the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour refund policy?

Our trusted operators offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Please note that if you cancel within 24 hours of the tour or are late for your pickup, no refund will be provided. However, you may be able to claim through your travel insurance.

 

If your tour is cancelled due to reasons like weather conditions, you will be issued a full refund.

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