hobbiton tour package

Hobbiton Movie Set is open 7 days. Availability is very limited. Bookings essential.

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• Departing from Hobbiton™ Beer Festival - Saturday Hobbiton™ Beer Festival - Friday

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Everything you need to know to plan your adventure to Hobbiton™ Movie Set.

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TEL: +64 7 888 1505

The Shire's Rest: 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera

Tours depart daily from The Shire's Rest and Matamata i-SITE

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The Lord of the Rings LOTR tm Tour Packages

Our The Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton tour package options ranges from 6 to 14 days long. These LOTR tours feature many of the key filming locations in North Island and South Island, made famous by the movie trilogy. Find out more and contact us to book this tour!

14 Day The Lord of the Rings Tour

This 14-day LOTR New Zealand adventure is our most popular tour. Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Middle-earth, travelling from Auckland to Queenstown via many exciting The Lord of the Rings filming locations, movie studios, and adventures.

12 Day Winter The Lord of the Rings Tour

This 12 day New Zealand Winter The Lord of the Rings Tour is not to be missed. Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Middle-earth, traveling from Auckland to Queenstown via LOTR filming locations, movie studios, and special movie guest...

September Hobbit Celebration Tour

Our special 12 day The Lord Of The Rings tour will take you on a Middle-earth adventure from Queenstown through to Auckland. This particular tour includes the special International Hobbit's Day celebration in Hobbiton that only happens once a...

10 Day The Lord of the Rings Tour

Our 10 day The Lord of the Rings Tours will take you from the capital Wellington to New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown.

6 Day The Lord Of The Rings Tour

Our 6 Day North Island LOTR tour whisks you away from Auckland on an adventure exploring Hobbiton, Trollshaws, Gollum's fishing pool, the secret entrance to Erebor and Wellington with Weta Workshop, Weta Cave and much more!

What people have said

This tour changed my life, Julie and Josh were amazing tour guides, everywhere we went was stunning. I could not have asked for anything more from them. Even where there were some hiccups outside of anyone’s control Julie and the team worked tirelessly to ensure we had the best experience...

Just returned as part of the February 2023 Fellowship with Red Carpet Tours and it was one of the best trips of my life. I've been wanting to do this for years and was worried my expectations might be too high, but it was amazing and I wish it didn't have to end! Love the family...

Traveling New Zealand with RCT and Julie was amazing. It was the trip of a lifetime (but I hope to do it again!). It was very well put together and we got to see such amazing sites and do so many awesome things. I can't even name what my favorite part of the whole tour was because it was...

My second tour through Middle Earth (New Zealand) was just as wonderful as the first, the locations you are taken to are just amazing. Best suited for people with interest in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, you make so many friends throughout your journey that you become your own...

I don’t have enough good things to say about this incredible experience. Our guide Julie is so knowledgeable and fun about everything LOTR AND New Zealand in general! My husband and I went for our belated honeymoon and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. You’re fed like Hobbits...

Taylor & Nick L

Red Carpet Tours is a fabulous company - been with them 3 times. I agree with others posted here that it is the BEST way to see New Zealand, especially if you are a "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" fan - and even if you're not! From all the Magnificent New Zealand...

Amazing and so well worth it! Days in a row of just being excited for something alone was something special to me but also meeting like-minded people who were so accepting and fun was fantastic! Julie James is a treasure - handles everything with grace and was just everything you want in a tour...

With Julie James as our guide (Feb. 2018) on the 14 day tour... it was excellent! She always took every effort and opportunity to see to everyone's requests. The hotels we stayed in were wonderful. The meals were delicious. But the tour itself??? Awesome!!! We had big LOTR and the Hobbit...

Katherine C

Everything about this tour was amazing! Our tour guide Julie is a true LOTR fan, and made sure everybody was looked after. The locations were well researched and meaningful. Even after the tour ended, Julie has kept in touch as we all went our separate ways and travelled home to various parts of...

I went solo and am a bit of an introvert, but Julie and the rest of the tour members made this an unforgettable experience and made me feel right at home. This was number one on my bucket list and it exceeded my expectations across the board. If you're contemplating booking this tour, just...

UponArriving

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Review (Ultimate Guide)

I have seen some pretty cool movie set tours like the Harry Potter Warner Bros. studio tour in London and the Hobbiton Movie Set tour ranks up there with the best. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. I will cover things like ticket prices and tours and also give you a detailed review of what the experience is like.

Table of Contents

What is the Hobbiton Movie Set?

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a hilly farmland in Waikato, New Zealand where scenes featuring “Hobbiton” of the Shire were filmed for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film series. The site now offers several different tours and experiences that allow fans to enjoy the movie set in memorable ways, such as guided tours and festive banquets.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Booking the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Below I will go into the details for all of the prices for the different tours .

One thing I will say right off the bat is that you need to book your tickets as soon as possible because the spots will fill up very quickly. This is especially true if you want to do one of the special tours that involve a lunch or banquet. This is not an attraction that you want to wait until the last minute to book!

There are four main different tours that you can choose from. Note that the prices will be increasing for all of the tours as of April 2020.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

This is the main tour that most people will do. It takes you through the major sites like the Hobbit Holes and Green Dragon Inn and takes about two hours (I’ll go into detail on this tour below). 

You can choose to be picked up from three different locations:

• The Shire’s Rest (the tour’s main location)
• Matamata i-SITE
• The Hobbiton™ Movie Set Shop, 1235 Fenton St, Rotorua (more expensive)

The tours from The Shire’s Rest depart every 10 minutes so there are many of these tours every single day. When you go to book a tour you will have a selection of different time slots to choose from and you should see if there are limited spaces for certain slots.

Here are the prices for the tour: 

(All prices below are in New Zealand dollars. For your reference, you can click on a price below and see the US dollar equivalent. 84 New Zealand dollars is ~$55 USD as of 12/19.)

• Adult (17 years and over): $84.00 , $89.00 from 1 April 2020
• Youth (9-16 years): $42.00 , $44.00 from 1 April 2020 
• Child (0-8 years): Children are FREE but must have ticket allocated prior to arrival and be accompanied by a full paying adult.
• Tours depart daily from 9am until 3.30pm.

If you are going to be late for your tour I suggest that you contact them immediately. They will work with you to try to get you into the soonest tour but keep in mind that if other tours are all sold out they might not be able to get you in that day.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Lunch

This is the tour that I wish I would have done. If you want to make your tour experience a little bit more memorable without paying a whole lot of extra money, I think this tour option is perfect. There are only three timeslots though and these tours need to be booked very far in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

Here are the prices:

• Adult (17 years and over): $120.00 , $125.00 from 1 April 2020
• Youth (9-16 years): $78.00 , $80.00 from 1 April 2020 
• 10.05am departure begins with tour followed by lunch at 11.35am
• 12.05pm departure begins with tour followed by lunch at 1.35pm
• 1.25pm departure begins with lunch followed by tour at 2.25pm

Hobbiton Movie Set Evening Banquet Tours

The Hobbiton Movie Set Evening Banquet Tour is probably the coolest way to explore the Shire because it is a tour that takes place at dusk. Also, you get to enjoy the banquet at the Green Dragon which is a unique experience.

I think I would enjoy this tour but there is something special about visiting the Shire during the daytime when the sun is out shining brightly and this tour may not offer you that same type of experience.  

• Adult (17 years and over): $195.00 , $199.00 from 1 April 2020
• Youth (9-16 years): $152.50 , $162.00 from 1 April 2020 
• Child (5-8 years): $100 , $104.00 from 1 April 2020. Children must be accompanied by a full paying adult- Must also have a ticket allocated. 
• Infant (0-4 years):  Infants must be accompanied by a full paying adult- Must also have a ticket allocated.

Private Tour

The private tour is very expensive but it is probably the best option for the diehard fans and I will explain why below.

• Private tour (up to 4 people): $750.00
• Additional Adult (17yrs+): $84.00
• Additional Youth (9-16yrs): $42.00
• Additional Child (0-8yrs): Free with full paying adult

Please note: From 1 April 2020 Private Tour departures will be $1,000.00 for maximum six adults or equivalent.

Tour packages

Because the movie set tour is a couple of hours away from Auckland, New Zealand and semi-close to other attractions, a lot of people like to package together tours and spend an entire day hitting up multiple spots.

This can be an efficient use of both time and money so it is definitely something to consider. One of the popular tourist packages you can do is what is known as the trilogy and it offers the following tours:

• 45 minute Tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waitomo
• 2 hour tour of Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo
• 2 hour Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata
• 4.5 hours exclusive guided tour of Te Puia; Maori welcome ceremony and cultural performance & Māori Feast (traditional indigenous dinner), Rotorua

The Trilogy Package Prices

• Family $924 (2 adults and 2 children; extra child add $171)

Don’t forget — watch the movies!

Once you book your tickets, I recommend that you re-watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy and also the Hobbit movies so that everything is fresh on your mind. And obviously if you have not seen the movies, you need to get on that ASAP!

Getting to the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Here is the address of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour:

501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, New Zealand

Below are the approximate time frames it will take you to get to the movie set from major destinations:

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Auckland, New Zealand: 2 hours
• Wellington, New Zealand: 6 hours

We stayed at the Hilton Auckland Hotel and so we were about a two hour drive away from the movie set, which we made in a rental car. 

The drive to the movie set from Auckland was very beautiful!

You will pass through many rolling green hills and beautiful farm landscapes. It reminded me a lot of driving through California when all of the hills are nice and green and full life.

Your GPS will probably take you right to the location but you will also notice several signs pointing you in the right direction as you approach the movie set. If you don’t want to drive there, you can look into getting transferred there.

Also, there are farm stays in the local area so you could stay in something like a B&B for a night and enjoy a nice complimentary dinner and breakfast. 

Arriving at the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

There are pretty large parking lots at the Hobbiton Movie Set so you shouldn’t have an issue finding a parking spot when you arrive. 

The first thing that you need to do when you arrive is to snap a photo of you underneath the Hobbiton Movie Set sign. It is a picture perfect sign and there is a little walkway that will take you right to the sign. 

The Shire’s Rest

When you arrive, you will need to check in to receive your tickets if you booked online and you will want to head to The Shire’s Rest to do this. Simply follow the signs to the Shires Rest Ticketing Centre where you can get that done. When we arrived, there was only a short line to deal with. Keep in mind that they request you to check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time.

If you have arrived early then you might want to spend some time at the nearby Shire’s Rest Cafe or Garden Bar. The Garden Bar offers a nice shady spot to grab a bite and craft beer before or after your tour and it’s perfect for summer days.

You can also order ice cream and milkshakes or thick shakes for around five to seven New Zealand dollars from the ice cream shop. If you really have a sweet tooth consider going with the Hobbit Crunch which is a fancy sundae that you will surely enjoy.

You can also explore the gift shop . However, a lot of visitors like to save the gift shop until the end of the tour so you might want to go that route. I will talk more about the gift shop below.

Getting ready for your tour

As the time approaches for your tour, you will want to line up where the sign indicates your tour will be taking off. I would suggest lining up about five minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Depending on the type of tour that you booked, you might be getting transported via a bus or a van. In our case, we did the bus tour.

After lining up we boarded the bus and found our seats which were in a 2-2 lay out.

Once we got going, they played some special footage related to the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies and also provided us with some insightful content about the production of the movies, the 12-acres that was used for Hobbiton, and some other really cool and interesting facts.

I don’t want to give everything away but you will find out some little tidbits about the movie that you probably did not already know.

The drive through the Alexander family sheep farm over to the movie set is also an extremely scenic drive. You will wind through some beautiful rolling green pasture land dotted with sheep living a good life. 

The bus ride from the arrival area to the actual movie set took a total of 15 minutes. 

Once everybody exits the bus you will meet up at the first sign and they will go over some of the information that you need to know about the tour. Basically they just told us to stay together and to not venture into any of the areas without permission.

The way that the tour works is that you will travel as a group and your group will stop at several different Hobbit Holes throughout Hobbiton. At each stop, you will be able to check out the areas and get photos while learning some cool facts about each little site.

The biggest drawback to this tour is that they move along too efficiently.

Basically if you are in the back of the line you will feel rushed from the group behind you coming up.

It’s a very awkward experience when you are trying to get a photo and you have 30 tourists glaring at you as they impatiently wait for you to leave so that their tour guide can start showing them the site.

Therefore, if you are a true Lord of the Rings fan and you want to savor this experience, you probably want to consider a private tour. Yes, they will be much more expensive but you will be able to enjoy the sights without any pressure from the crowds.

Spoiler alert

If you don’t already know, you will find out that these little Hobbit Holes are not actually real little houses with rooms and lively corridors to explore. Some of them open up to a small area that is similar to a closet but most are just facades.

But still, it can be really fun to explore the exterior of the Hobbit Holes and the entire community.

One thing that fascinated me about the different Hobbit Holes was all of the details. Everything from the windows to the doorhandles are extremely intricate and it is really fun to explore them from up close. It really feels as if little hobbits are living inside behind those doors.

It’s really cool to see some of the sights like the detailed clothes drying out on the clothes lines.

Also the landscaping with all of the colorful flowers is pretty immaculate and a sight to see. When we visited in February, there were tons of butterflies fluttering around and it was a very magical experience.

Your tour guide will point out the residences of the most notable hobbits.

One of the coolest things to see are all of the live plants and produce that they produce on site. 

You can even find batches of raw honey.

I also appreciated the attention to detail in things like the “street signs.”

Each time you stop at a little Hobbit Hole you should have enough time to get some photos and to pose in front of them. Like I mentioned though, this is much easier to do if you are at the front of the group because you will not feel as much pressure to move along quickly.

Your tour should stop at at least one Hobbit Hole that they will allow you to step inside of and get some photos. And when I say step inside of, that literally means just taking like one step inside of the Hobbit Hole. 

Make sure you are listening to your tour guide because during our tour some of the tourists entered in one of the Hobbit Holes that was NOT meant to be entered in. This caused a little bit of commotion so just be mindful of this.

The tour will wind up and down the hillsides as you hit up the different sites. The walking required is not overly strenuous, but I would definitely bring some walking friendly shoes. 

The pathways are not wheelchair friendly but there are options for those who can’t complete all the walking.

Also, you are permitted to bring strollers on the tour but many of the pathways are cobblestone or bumpy and they also can be quite narrow so bringing a stroller can be a task.

Green Dragon Inn

Eventually you will wind up at the tavern at the end of the tour, known as the Green Dragon Inn .

According to the official Hobbiton website, “The Green Dragon Inn was the meeting place for all residents of Hobbiton, who would gather in the warm surroundings of the bar to chatter about the day’s events.” 

The Green Dragon Inn is a really cool spot where you can enjoy some grub or even some drinks from the Hobbit Southfarthing range , which I believe is brewed right on location.

Here are some drinks that you might be interested in trying:

• Girdley Fine Grain, Amber Ale
• Sackville Cider, Apple Cider
• Oatbarton Brew, Traditional English Ale
• Frogmorton Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic)

Once you find yourself a drink, head over to the fireplace and relax in a nice comfy seat.

If you have also booked a lunch tour then this is where you will depart from the other group to enjoy the lunch buffet served in the Party Marquee. The Party Marquee is adjacent to The Green Dragon Inn, with the garden bar seating overlooking the Hobbiton Movie Set.

In our case, we only did the standard movie set tour so we then headed back to the gift shop. The entire tour lasted about two hours.

The gift shop

There are a lot of interesting items to purchase at the gift shop. You will find all sorts of different collectibles, books, and some decoration items like the maps of Middle Earth which I thought were pretty awesome.

For something like a map you would be paying about NZ$35.

They also had some awesome figurines of different characters and those were more expensive — usually ranging around NZ$100-NZ$300.

Some of the items cannot be purchased at the store but they are on display and available at websites that will be shown on the display.

They also had a lot of standard gift shop items like candies and various types of sweets. You could also venture into the café and purchase sandwiches for around $6.50 and beverages like iced coffee or milk for around 3 to NZ$5.

If you wanted something more substantial you could order a meal like eggs Benedict for $16.50, second breakfast for $19.50, or a Lamb burger for around $18.

There are several picnic tables for you to enjoy your meal outside and on a nice day it can be an extremely pleasant experience.

But there are also tables located indoors just in case the weather does not cooperate.

Lord of the Rings tours

If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy there are other tours that you can do that will take you to various destinations and locations used in the films. Some of these tours can be up to two weeks in length so you can live your fandom for days on end!

Here are some companies to look at:

• Red Carpet Tours
• Weta Studio Tours
• Hairy Feet- Waitomo
• Tongariro Crossing- Adrift Guided Adventures
• Adventure Safari Ltd- Wellington
• Hassle Free Tours- Christchurch

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Review (Ultimate Guide) FAQ

No, the tours are all guided and require visitors to be supervised. This is probably in the best interest of everyone.

Drones are not allowed during the normal tour hours. You can contact the site owners to inquire about after our drone usage but there is no guarantee they will allow it.

Yes, they will continue with tours in the rain. They will supply you with umbrellas but this is one reason why you want to bring quality closed toed shoes with you on this trip (or a poncho ).

You will likely only be allowed to step inside of one Hobbit Hole. And keep in mind there will only be a small closet-like area behind the door.

The standard movie set tour is approximately two hours and about 30 minutes of that is travel time to and from the movie set.

Yes, you can take as many photos as you would like just make sure they are not for commercial use. I brought out my professional DSLR camera and had no issues with photos.

You don’t need to bring anything special with you on this tour. But you would probably be good with a small backpack where you can hold things like sunscreen, a jacket if you don’t need to be wearing it, water bottles, etc. As mentioned above, I would consider a rain poncho if I were visiting when rain was expected.

Overall, the movie set tour is a must see destination for any fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy or the Hobbit movies. You will no doubt be floored by the amount of details in the Hobbit Holes and surrounding areas. But while I loved the tour I do think that a private tour would be much more enjoyable for a diehard fan even with the price tag of $1,000. 

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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The Hobbit Film Tours

Bagshot Row, Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Waikato

By Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

Peak behind the scenes of 'The Hobbit' with these iconic film tours.

J. R. R. Tolkien fans are often so devoted they look for traces of Middle‑earth™ in real life. If you fall into this camp, here’s some ‘The Hobbit’ film tours that will help bring Middle‑earth™ to life. 

Hobbiton™ Movie Set, New Zealand

By Miles Holden

Visit  Hobbiton™ Movie Set (opens in new window) for a guided tour of The Shire. The former film set comprises a millhouse, a Green Dragon Inn, and 44 hobbit holes. At the time of filming, those little round doors, so quaint and inviting, opened to nothing but empty space and film-set detritus. Since filming wrapped, the owners of Hobbiton™ Movie Set have renovated the interiors of the Green Dragon Inn and two hobbit holes on Bagshot Row, with the help of designers and illustrators who worked on the films. You can now stop in at the Green Dragon Inn for a Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage and explore inside a hobbit hole to find hidden Easter eggs. Note, if you see people dressed as hobbits, waving and smiling Disney-style, it’s not the staff.

The opportunity to venture inside the hobbit holes is the latest addition to the movie set, where previously you could only have photos taken outside the iconic round front door. Now you can put yourself right in the movie set with the copper bath, dining room and fireside settings straight out of The Shire. 

Head to the Wētā Workshop (opens in new window) (Wellington) or Wētā Unleashed (opens in new window) (Auckland) for a look at how the films were made. For attractions that began not for the purposes of making money but simply to have somewhere to send fans who turned up to Wētā Workshop's studio, these tours have grown quickly to become a global phenomenon, ranked alongside Warner Bros tours. On a Wētā Workshop tour, you'll catch a glimpse inside the studio to see props being made for upcoming films. On a Wētā Unleashed tour, expect some light humour – mostly from ‘Jeff’, an orc-like animatronic that took 60 people almost a year to build but, going by appearances, a lot less time to script for jokes.

Wētā Workshop Experience Tours, Wellington

By WellingtonNZ Phoebe Mackenzie

See the filming location for Trollshaws Forest with a Hairy Feet Waitomo (opens in new window) tour. Here, you’ll see a part of Aotearoa New Zealand that isn’t normally open to the public.

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Where to Next

Home of Middle‑earth™ long-arrow-right

The Hobbit Trilogy long-arrow-right

Middle‑earth™ itineraries long-arrow-right

Hobbiton Tour Package

Your Hobbiton package starts with our luxury vehicles picking you up from your accommodation, transporting you to Hobbiton on time all while having a stress free drive in a safe and relaxing premium vehicle. Once your tour is finished we will transfer you back to your accommodation in ultimate comfort.

Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set , the unique setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.

Visitors are given the once in a lifetime opportunity to see an iconic movie set in its full glory; from wandering the rambling paths of The Shire, to seeing the submerged Hobbit Holes™ that litter the rolling hillsides.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

You will be taken around the 12-acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you can sample our exclusive, specially brewed beverages to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

Ask us about our discounted rates for 3 or more guests

Sorry, we are currently not accepting bookings. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Package includes:.

• Return trip from your accommodation in central Hamilton
• Travel in luxury to Hobbiton allowing 15 mins before your tour starts
• Entry ticket
• Enjoy a free Ale, Cider or Beer at the Green Dragon

Package Info:

* Minimum 2 guests

Experience the Trilogy

Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave, Hobbiton and Te Puia

Experience the trilogy: three of the best attractions that the north island has to offer - visit the glowworms of the waitomo caves, walk amongst the bubbling geysers of rotorua and travel to hobbiton movie set on this iconic tour..

Enjoy an exclusive evening-guided tour of Te Puia, welcome ceremony, cultural performance, and Maori feast (traditional indigenous dinner). Walk amongst geysers, bubbling mud pools, hot springs and steam in a mystical geothermal valley that is steeped in cultural history.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Ruakuri Cave

Descend into the magical  Waitomo Glowworm Caves and glide by boat under a galaxy of glowworms before heading to ancient Ruakuri Cave , a spectacular cave full of legends and tales. Walk amongst magnificent cave formations formed over millions of years and see sparkling glowworms up-close.

Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set is an essential stop on the itinerary of all visitors travelling through New Zealand, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating the famous film set where Peter Jackson directed films The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Wheelchair Access

Photography

NZD$399 Adult

NZD$213 Child

NZD$93 Extra Child

Essential Information

• 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo
• +64 7 878 8228 0800 456 922​
• Open daily from 10am

Departure Information

Current Departure Times:

Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Ruakuri Cave

Pre-Booking is essential

Tours depart daily from 10am, plus additional tours in summer (to be confirmed at booking).

Allow 60 minutes for the Waitomo Glowworm Cave and 90 minutes for Ruakuri Cave.

Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure.

Tours depart every 30 min daily from 9:30am - 3:30pm, plus additional tours in summer.

Allow 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Tours depart from The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, Matamata.

Tours depart daily at 4:30pm.

Tours are approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes (total experience).

Tours depart from Te Puia, Hemo Rd, Tihiotonga, Rotorua.

Preparation

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Wear a warm jacket
• Bring your camera

The Waitomo Glowworm Cave is accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths. Ruakuri Cave is accessible to everyone, it has full wheelchair and pushchair access. Bring your camera as photography and video are permitted in selected areas of Ruakuri Cave.

If you are confused about a certain tour time, you can confirm your bookings and times by phoning the contact centre on 0800 456 922

All you will need are comfortable shoes, a warm jacket, and a camera. Please note: photography is not permitted in the Waitomo Glowworm Cave but is allowed in Ruakuri Cave and the other tours.

Allow 45 minutes for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 2 hours for Ruakuri Cave, 1 hour and 45 minutes for Hobbiton and approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes for Te Puia evening tour.

Te Puia tours depart from Te Puia, Hemo Rd, Tihiotonga, Rotorua. Waitomo Glowworm and Ruakuri Cave tours depart from 39 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo Caves, and Hobbiton Movie Set tours depart from The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, Matamata. Check in 30 minutes prior to each tour.

Photography and video are not permitted inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves but is allowed on every other tour.

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Is It Worth Visiting Hobbiton movie set Tour Packages in New Zealand?

New Zealand Hobbiton movie set Tour has gained a lot of popularity in the past years but the tourists coming in from other countries aren’t aware of its significance. To end the dilemma of whether it’s worth putting it in your itinerary or not, here you can get all the relevant information to make the choice.

The Hobbit New Zealand tour is basically the tour of the Hobbiton movie set Tour in New Zealand. This is the iconic set where the trilogy of the film Hobbit and the famous series Lord of the Rings were shot. It’s an incredible film set if you are enthusiastic about visiting film sets and the legendary movies filmed here.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Main Attractions of Hobbiton movie set Tour in New Zealand

Nestled among the rolling green hills of the Alexander farm, Hobbiton has been left just as it appeared in the films, making for an incredibly immersive experience for fans. Daily tours are available for the Hobbiton movie set and they offer a middle-age movie set tour. The typical tour takes around 3 to 4 hours, and you will enjoy your time over here. 

• You can book in advance for activities like second breakfast tours, and evening bouquet tours, or take a look at the life of a typical hobbit family through the Bagshot row. 
• Touring Hobbiton Village’s forty-four hobbit holes, including Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo reside. Gaze through the round windows and be amazed by the minute touches that make the comfortable hobbit homes come to life.
• For the daytime, you can book a private sunrise breakfast or “Second Breakfast” banquet tour before the normal visiting hours. In between the tour, you can stop for a drink in The Green Dragon Inn, which was the social hangout place for the Hobbits. 
• If you are visiting in the evening, take an immersive guided evening tour, to witness Hobbiton lit up by the stars and dusk. The set has an ethereal, mystical quality to it due to the twilight lighting. Dinner is served as a buffet during evening excursions.
• There are also options for booking Private events such as weddings, banquets, and birthday parties. The whimsical middle-aged set, hobbit homes, and beautiful surroundings make it a dream-like land. 
• There are also special events like the mid-winter feast that happens in July. 
• Stop into the Shire’s Rest Cafe for mouthwatering dishes made with ingredients that are found locally, Hobbit-themed sweets like “Seed Cake of the Shire,” and unique South Farthing drinks. On-site, there’s a souvenir shop with plenty of inventory.

For people who love a middle-earth vibe, this is a worthy tour and you will have your best time. 

Story of Establishment of Hobbiton movie set Tour

The Hobbit set was first discovered in the year in 1998. It was previously known as Alexander Farm and was scouted for the Hobbit film by the movie’s scout team. This was a 1,250-acre sheep farm that remained the very same as it was during the time of shooting the film.

The hobbit holes that were made for the movies remain there. It is currently a mainland for a racehorse breeding area as well as a movie set. The whimsical movie set will surely give you a time of joy and happiness. The Hobbiton movie set and farm tour are magical as described by the visitors.

Tickets & Prices of The New Zealand Hobbit Tour

At USD 84 for the day tour (NZD120), Hobbiton does sit at the pricier end of New Zealand attractions. But with the sheer attention to detail and the fun, whimsical atmosphere, I feel it’s worth every penny. 

How to Arrive at New Zealand Hobbiton Set?

The Hobbiton movie set is a private firm and is a two-hour drive from South Auckland located in Matamata. However, reaching to the location does require some planning. Rental cars take about 2-hour each way. For the easiest transport, consider booking a day tour from nearby towns like Rotorua or Hamilton.

These guided full-day tours include roundtrip transportation from area hotels/motels, admission tickets, a meal, and plenty of time to explore the immaculately maintained Shire landscape and Hobbit holes from the beloved films. Booking a organized day in your itinerary helps you have a hassle-free day trip to the Hobbiton set.

Itinerary for New Zealand Hobbit Tour & Nearby Attractions

If you are trying to figure out the best itinerary for visiting the attractions of New Zealand that also includes the Hobbiton set you can easily plan your journey in such a way that you enjoy best of the Northern part of New Zealand.

Day 1 – Auckland

• Arrive in Auckland, get settled at hotel. Taking accommodation near Auckland central, west Auckland, or Britomart are great for easy access all around the city, transportation and the main attractions.
• Explore Auckland city sights – Harbor Bridge, Sky Tower, Wynyard Quarter on your first day and enjoy the city’s charming architecture and main sites.

Day 2 – Rotorua

• Arrange transportation the day before or research the pick-up bus services available.
• Take the transport to Rotorua, known for geothermal activity, and enjoy the thermal mud pools, and bubbling geothermal pools. 
• Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Māori cultural experience. End your day with a hangi dinner and stay overnight. 

Day 3 – Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves

• If you have booked the shows early, get your transport and start your journey early in the morning.
• Transport to Hobbiton Movie Set for 2-2.5 hour guided tour or the special breakfast with the sunrise tour.
• On the tour, explore the Shire, see Hobbit houses, and Green Dragon Inn, and enjoy all the iconic places in the set. 
• Take an afternoon transport to Waitomo Glowworm Caves where you can see a special type of species that has glowing properties and its enchanting site.
• Take an underground boat tour to see the glowworm grotto.
• After a spell-bounding boating and enjoying the Hobbiton set and glow worm cave, get back to Rotorua.

Day 4 – Taupo & Huka Falls

The itinerary’s fourth day starts in the morning with a transfer to Lake Taupo, which is known as New Zealand’s biggest lake. The highlight of the day is a visit to the breathtaking Huka Falls, which are located on the Waikato River.

After the Huka Falls excursion, guests will enjoy free time in Taupo, where they may partake in optional adventures like skydiving and bungee jumping, both of which are heart-pounding experiences. The exciting and exploratory day is coming to a close as nighttime travel back to Auckland is scheduled.

Day 5 – Auckland & Departure

• Keep your last morning in Auckland free for shopping, fine dining, etc.
• Take a flight home from Auckland Airport or continue your New Zealand travels.

The New Zealand Hobbit tour is a wonderful addition to a fun-filled itinerary in New Zealand travels. This set is loved by the citizens and foreigners alike. Regardless of your level of interest in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing or your desire for a fantastical getaway, the New Zealand Hobbiton Tour guarantees a delightful and joyful experience.

The well-thought-out schedule provides a comprehensive experience that highlights the finest that the North Island has to offer, especially when combined with neighboring sites. 

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₹ 116,999/- ₹ 119,924/-

• International
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• 10nights 11days New Zealand Lord Of The Rings Hobbit Tour

Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Tour: Mystic New Zealand Package Rated 4 /5 (based on 24 reviews) Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Tour: Mystic New Zealand Package

Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Tour: Mystic New Zealand Package 11 Days & 10 Nights

Get a taste of Hollywood at the Lord of the Rings set at Hobbiton

Enjoy scenic boat rides at Wellington Lake

Go on a scenic TranzAlpine ride on this New Zealand vacation

The view of Auckland skyline will leave you spellbound

Visit the beautiful Rotorua on this Hobbiton tour

Hotel included in package:

• Auckland (1D)
• Rotorua (2D)
• Wellington (3D)
• Queenstown (3D)
• Christchurch (2D)

Starting from:

₹116,999/- ₹119,924/-

Per Person on twin sharing

Price For The Month

TravelTriangle has served 3000 + travelers for New Zealand

Embark on a thrilling journey delving into the fantasy realm with this 10 nights, 11 days Lord of the Rings Hobbiton New Zealand tour package. Explore the home of the Hobbits among numerous destinations which bring the epic to life. Indulge in a Weta Workshop to experience first-hand the work that goes on backstage that makes the epic, The Lord of the Rings what it is.

This package also takes you to destinations not part of the Middle Earth but which are a part of the splendor of this part of the earth. Witness the best of New Zealand with a Milford Sound Cruise, explore the sights aboard the famed TranzAlpine Train, taste the finest of wines in Gibbston and let your adventure junkie loose in the Global Adventure Capital of Queenstown.

With such a unique experience served at affordable rates, this lord of the rings tour in New Zealand is meant to keep every tourist, adults and children alike, hooked till the entirety of the trip. And, beguile them to extend their sojourn to let them dig deeper into the magical world. So, book this 10 nights and 11 days Lord of the rings and Hobbiton New Zealand tour package now to add some magical memories to your life.

• Visit Rotorua & dig into Matamata to find the hobbits’ home, Hobbiton
• Climb atop Mount Victoria to savour breathtaking views of Wellington
• Cherish adrenaline pumping with a Shotover Jet Ride in Queenstown
• Get on a cruise ride at Milford Sound to experience the grandeur
• Witness the beauty of the Southern Alps via TranzAlpine Train ride

Auckland: Arrival

• Leisure Activities

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Arrive in the bustling metropolis of New Zealand, the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland. Explore the serene seas of the wonderful Waitemata Harbour by taking a cruise at your own expense.

You can also choose to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Kiwis with a visit to the Auckland Museum where you will witness the must see Maori Cultural Performance. Return your hotel in Auckland for an overnight stay.

Optional: Waitemata Harbour Cruise, Auckland Museum visit

Rotorua: Private Hobbiton Movie Set

• LOTR extravaganza
• Lake Rotorua

Brace yourself to discover the depths of Middle Earth as your New Zealand Tour Package takes you to the town of Matamata. Dig a little deeper in Matamata and you will find the home of the hobbits, Hobbiton.

As you explore the lush hills of the immaculately preserved Hobbiton, you will feel transported to the set of Peter Jackson’s epic!

A guide will take you to the lengths and breadths of The Shire to leave you spellbound. After immersing yourself in the fantasy realm via this Lord of the Rings tour, continue on to the city of Rotorua.

Enjoy a view of the enchanting Lake Rotorua as you head off to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Distance from Auckland to Rotorua: 228 km

Travel time (Auckland to Rotorua): Approx 3 hours

Rotorua: Sightseeing tour

• Lord of the Rings
• Waimangu Valley

Today you will go on a thrilling tour of one of New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots, Waiotapu. Feel teleported to Mordor as you explore the geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools all laced with colours you will only find together on an artist’s palette.

Take in the misty air for a captivating Lord of the Rings feel. You can choose to indulge in the culture and tradition of the island nation by taking the Mitai Cultural Experience including the traditional war dance, Haka.

To further explore the terrains of Mordor, take a self-guided tour of the Waimangu Valley and discover more craters and geysers. Continue your Kiwi expedition with an optional canopy tour gliding through the forests, visit the Rainbow Springs for an encounter with precious reptiles or go on a bike ride through the Rotorua forest.

Return to your hotel in Rotorua to unwind and relax with an overnight stay.

Wellington: Arrival and day at leisure

• Botanical Garden
• Leisure Day

Arrive in the capital city of Wellington. Take the day to explore the sandy beaches of this waterfront city at your own pace.

Pay a visit to the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Wellington before returning to your hotel for some respite from ‘Windy Wellington’ and an overnight stay.

Flight duration from Rotorua to Wellington: 1 hour

Optional: Request your tour agent to include a visit to the Botanical Gardens in your LOTR New Zealand package.

Wellington: Weta Workshop tour

• Weta workshop
• Mount Victoria
• 360 Degree View

Explore the city on your own before proceeding for a Weta Workshop in Wellington.

Witness first hand what made the Lord of the Rings so great with access to the costumes and props used in the epic.

A Weta technician would then guide you special effects that make the trilogy so captivating. Then proceed to climb atop Mount Victoria to savour a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Kiwi capital. Something for your taste buds as for an extra cost, a private guide will take you on a unique gourmet experience of Wellington along with a few treats from Middle Earth thrown in for good measure.

Return to your hotel to replay the day’s events as you prepare for an overnight stay.

Optional : Include the Zest - A Food Tour through Wellington in your tour package.

Wellington: Helicopter tour

• Tour highlight
• LOTR locations

Get a bird’s eye view of the settings of the epic as you board a helicopter which takes you into the depths of Middle Earth.

Fly over the Cook Strait to discover what Lord of the Rings calls the Dimholt Road. Continue over to the Rivendell, the waters of the mythical Anduin River before your tour concludes at Miramar where studios that were the backbone behind the epic’s epic success, reside.

Explore the luscious landscapes of the city before returning to Wellington for an overnight stay.

Queenstown: Arrival and Shotover jet boat ride

• Shotover jet boat ride
• Unlimited adventure

Arrive in the Adventure Capital of the World - Queenstown via flight. Indulge in the adrenaline pumping Shotover Jet Ride in Queenstown through spectacular narrow canyons.

To satisfy further the adrenaline junkie in you, fly down on a zipline just like Gandalf at an additional cost.

Return to your hotel in Queenstown to relax and stay overnight.

Flight duration from Wellington to Queenstown : Approx 1 hour

Optional: Include adventure activities like a zipline ride in your tour itinerary.

Queenstown: Sightseeing

• Gondola ride
• Gibbston Valley
• Unlimited fun

Wake up and get ready for a thrilling tour of Queenstown. Embrace the beauty of the place before indulging in activities for the adrenaline junkie in you.

Get your heart racing with Bungee Jumping and Skydiving in New Zealand. On your way back you will visit Arrowtown where you can taste some fine wine at the Gibbston Valley.

Experience the cold with a night out at the Below Zero Bar before returning to stay overnight in Queenstown.

Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise

• Eglinton Valley
• Mirror Lake
• Homer tunnel
• Dolphins & seals

Experience the grandeur as you set off for cruise at Milford Sound, voted one of the best tourist attractions of the world.

The Milford Sound Cruise will have on board commentary to keep you posted. Overnight stay will be in Queenstown.

Christchurch: TranzAlpine

• TranzAlpine Train
• Scenic Drive
• Waimakariri River
• Arthur's Pass
• Otira tunnel
• Canterbury Plain

Arrive in Greymouth before taking the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps with its misty valleys, snowy peaks coupled with a dash from the past while passing through old towns as you set foot on one of the most scenic train journeys of the world.

Overnight stay will be in Christchurch.

Distance from Greymouth to Christchurch: 241 km

Travel time (Greymouth to Christchurch): Approx 3 hours

Christchurch: Departure

Embrace the beauty of this island nation one last time as you proceed to the airport for a flight back to your homeland.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Christchurch

Garden city motel

242 Main North Road, Redwood Christchurch - 8051 , New Zealand

• Air conditioning
• Non-smoking rooms
• Free Parking
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access

Rydges lakeland resort queenstown

38-54 Lake Esplanade Queenstown - , New Zealand

• Business services
• Health club
• Room service
• Business center

Comfort hotel wellington

213 Cuba Street | Dunlop Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

• 24-hour front desk

Ibis budget auckland central

20 Wyndham Street, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand

The grand hotel

1130 Pukuatua Street Rotorua - 3010 , New Zealand

• 01 Night accommodation in Auckland
• 02 Nights accommodation in Rotorua
• 03 Nights accommodation in Wellington
• 03 Nights accommodation in Queenstown
• 01 Night accommodation in Christchurch
• Accommodation on twin sharing basis
• Meal Plan for Hotel: Breakfast
• Airport pick & drop
• Auckland city tour + Sky tower
• Waitomo Caves tour
• Rotorua city tour
• Weta Workshop Tour
• Helicopter Tour
• Gondola ride + Shotover jet boat ride
• Milford Sound Cruise & transfers
• Franz Josef: Glacier walk
• TranzAlpine train ride
• All land transfers & sightseeing
• Peak Season Surcharge
• GST on total package cost
• Early check-in and late checkout
• Personal services like telephone, laundry and others
• Meal Plan for Hotel: Lunch & Dinner
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions

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FAQs for New Zealand

What are the best things to buy from new zealand.

There are many items one can pick up on this New Zealand holiday package. Tourists can buy famous jade ornaments and hand crafted glass, and wood products while in New Zealand. The knitwear found in Kiwi markets is of a high quality and is widely popular and is a good option to purchase. Tourists can contact the tour guides at TravelTriangle for more assistance in this regard.

What are the famous types of cuisines one can enjoy on their New Zealand vacation?

Being an island nation, New Zealand is replete with an amazing array of seafood. New Zealand is also home to one of the finest cheese and wines in the world. Tourists can get more information on the same from the tour guides at TravelTriangle.

Which weather should one plan their New Zealand vacation in?

New Zealand has summer time from December to February. March to April offers a warm but cosy climate making it the best time to visit New Zealand. From May through August you can indulge in winter activities in the Southern Alps. Tourists can customize this 10 nights, 11 days New Zealand tour package to visit New Zealand in the season they are most comfortable in.

Are all Lord of the Rings venues included in the New Zealand Package?

Yes, this New Zealand tour itinerary will include visits to all major shooting location of the epic trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.

What is the Weta Workshop like?

The Weta Workshop includes access to costumes and props that were used in the movies. This New Zealand tour package also includes a guided session with a Weta technician who will demonstrate the usage of special effects used in the movies to bring the characters to life.

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