Best Hobbiton Tours from Auckland
Calling all Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fans! If you’re headed to Auckland, you’re in luck because one of the most magical experiences New Zealand has to offer is just a short drive away – Hobbiton!
Tucked away in Matamata countryside, this movie set is the location for the Shire in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. But before you embark on your Hobbiton journey, let me share with you some tips and tricks for finding the best tours and making the most of your visit.
Best Hobbiton Tours leaving Auckland
Pick from our top-three chosen tours (below), or scroll further for other options.
Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland
Visit a pair of New Zealand’s must-see attractions with this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit Holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a Kiwi-style lunch.
In the afternoon, explore Maori myths and history on a boat ride through mesmerizing caves lit by thousands of glowworms, and finish with a drive through some of the North Island’s most majestic scenery.
- Full-day combo tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves from Auckland
- Enjoy a Kiwi-style lunch
- Includes round-trip transport from Auckland CBD hotels
- Small group limited to 14 ensures personal service
Read more about Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland
Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip in Luxury Minibus from Auckland
Cover plenty of ground in one day by combining several North Island highlights: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and Rotorua. Ride a boat through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to see these radiant lights. Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you find the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the home of Bilbo Baggins from ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Enjoy lunch at Te Puia, home to Pohutu Geyser. You can start and finish your tour in either Auckland or Rotorua, traveling one-way or round-trip.
- North Island combo tour of Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves
- Visit structures of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings claim to fame
- View Pohutu Geyser in Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley
- Marvel at glowworms on a boat trip through Waitomo Caves
- Hotel transport available from central Auckland or Rotorua
- Travel one-way or round-trip and be dropped in either city
Read more about Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip in Luxury Minibus from Auckland
Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Small Group Tour (One Way)
Make the most of the journey from Auckland to Rotorua by visiting one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions along the way—the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Relive memorable moments from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films on a guided tour of Hobbiton, enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) at the Shire’s Rest Café, then continue to Rotorua, where you’ll be given an introductory tour of the city before being dropped at your hotel.
- Guided Hobbiton tour including a drink at The Green Dragon Inn
- Photo opportunities of Lake Rotorua and the Government Gardens in Rotorua
- Hassle-free hotel pickup and one-way transport from Auckland to Rotorua
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 11 people
Read more about Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Small Group Tour (One Way)
Best Hobbiton Tours for every traveler
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or love a good brewery tour, there’s a Hobbiton tour for you. You can pick a classic tour, an evening banquet tour, or even combine it with a trip to nearby Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
If you’re more interested in the films and their making, you can book a private VIP tour that takes you behind the scenes and shares insider knowledge. If you’re going in a group, you can take a private group tour too.
With tours ranging from a few hours to a full day and so much variety, there’s something for everyone. Check out these options:
What to Expect When You’re There
Hobbiton is a magical and immersive experience. As soon as you step off your bus in Matamata, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered the Shire. The picturesque scenery is breathtaking and you’ll quickly realize why Peter Jackson picked it as the location for the movies.
You’ll get to see all your favorite spots from the films, such as Bag End, the Green Dragon Inn, and Sam’s House.
The guides are knowledgeable, fun, and full of behind-the-scenes trivia. Be prepared to walk a lot, so bring comfortable shoes.
Preparing for Your Trip
When planning your trip to Auckland and Hobbiton, it’s always a good idea to book ahead. Tours sell out quickly, especially in high season.
Choose a reputable tour company and review what each tour entails. Be sure to pack for all weather types, as it can often change throughout the day.
Matamata town and Hobbiton are quite rural, so it’s good to bring snacks or drinks, although there are plenty of food options if you need them.
Discover the Hidden Gems
If you have a love for beer, take some time to enjoy a pint at the Green Dragon Inn. You’ll have exclusive access to The Green Dragon during your Hobbiton tour where you can take a break and sample a wide range of brews and ciders.
Take a stroll through the picturesque gardens and imagine yourself as a Hobbit living in a peaceful life. You’ll have a chance to purchase souvenirs and your favorite beverages from the fictional Middle-Earth town.
Whether you’re a movie buff or not, a Hobbiton tour is a must-do for any New Zealand visitor. Step into another world and experience the magic of Hobbiton, from the stunning scenery to the fascinating stories, history, and movie trivia.
Hop on a comfortable bus, let your guide take you on a journey to the Shire, and make memories that you will never forget! With so much to see and do in Hobbiton, this day trip is guaranteed to be a highlight of your Auckland experience. Book your tour now and embark on an adventure in the Shire!
