Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland
To: Hobbiton
From: Auckland (return trip)
Duration: Approx. 9 Hours
Experience the magic of Middle-earth and the famous Hobbiton Movie Set with an award-winning small group tour! Join us on an unforgettable day tour from Auckland to the heart of the Shire, led by our passionate and knowledgeable guides.
Tour Highlights:
- Fully-guided small group tour from Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set
- Professional Hobbiton guide for a 2.5-hour tour of the 12-acre movie set
- Visit 44 hobbit holes and explore the lush gardens of the Shire
- Complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘Green Dragon Inn’
- Scenic drive through the beautiful Waikato farming region
- Surprise stops and photo opportunities along the way
What’s Included:
- Small group tour experience
- Expert guide throughout the journey
- Hobbiton Movie Set entry tickets
- Complimentary bottled water and snacks
- Surprise stops and extra experiences
While lunch is not provided, there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase food during the tour.
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 several farm animals along the way.
3. Hobbiton Movie Set – Arriving at ‘Hobbiton’ you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses for 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. Auckland – Sadly we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland including surprise stops. Depending on weather and timing our guides love doing other surprise stops. Maybe a scenic stop near a lake or the chance to try New Zealand ice creams, we love introducing you to local wildlife and animals. You will have to jump on the tour to see where you go!
We believe the true essence of our tours lies not just in the stunning destinations, but in the journey itself. Our small group sizes create a more intimate experience, allowing you to connect with other guests and your guide. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to include surprise stops, wildlife encounters and extra surprises that make your experience truly unforgettable.
Why Choose Us?
- Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024: Ranked in the top 1% of 8 million listings worldwide
- Over 4,000 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor
- Small group sizes for a more personalised experience
- Comfortable, modern Mercedes-Benz minibuses with air conditioning
- Famously passionate guides who bring your journey to life with rich stories and local knowledge
“Was an excellent tour from the beginning to the end. Extremely well organised and most enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend this tour if you’re visiting Auckland.” – David F (November 2024)
Hobbiton Tour FAQ
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
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.
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
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.
Recommended items include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Rain jacket
- Camera
- Phone charger
Yes, you can combine the Hobbiton tour with visits to Rotorua (including Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu) or Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
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.
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.
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.
While Retreats Abroad offers set tour packages, you can inquire about booking a private tour by contacting them directly.
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.