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Hobbiton Movie Set

The lake front village

Bag End, home of Frodo & Bilbo Baggins

The Green Dragon Inn

The Evening Banquet Tour feast.

The Hobbiton Lights

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

501 Buckland Road , Matamata , New Zealand .

For your own Middle‑earth™ adventure, daily tours are available to visit the original Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and The Hobbit films.

Pricing and Conditions

Children aged 0-10 are free Youth aged 11 - 17 are $60 Adults 18+ Please note children and infants are free but must have a ticket allocated prior to arrival and be accompanied by a full paying adult. Please book a ticket for all children travelling in your group.

Refunds will be paid at 100% if a cancellation is made more than 24 hours before the scheduled tour departure. If cancellation is made less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour departure, no refund will be given.

Experience Middle‑earth™ with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle‑earth™ adventure.

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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

"Exceptional! Marvellous! Outstanding! Just a few of the words I could use to describe how fabulous the Red Carpet Tours winter Lord of the Rings tour was. The organisation from beginning to end couldn’t be faulted. Hotels were carefully selected for location and quality. The days...

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...

This was a trip of a lifetime. I honestly couldn’t imagine seeing Middle Earth any other way. Julie is amazing and truly cultivated an experience that I will treasure forever. If you’re thinking about booking this trip—just do it. I promise that you will have the time of your life.

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...

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...

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 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

This is the best and ONLY way for a LOtR/Hobbit fan to experience New Zealand. Julie and her team are fantastic, knowledgeable people who, you can tell, put so much time and effort into making sure your experience with them is an amazing one! You will not regret choosing them as your guides...

Stephanie B

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 concluded my third trip with Red Carpet Tours. 5 stars for the 3rd time running! Excellent planning and attention to detail by the James Family and fabulous guiding by Julie. Once again, a very lovely, friendly ‘Fellowship’ of travellers with a common interest. You might expect...

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An Honest Review of Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in New Zealand

• August 24, 2024 August 24, 2024

Is the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Worth the Money? How Much Does the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Cost and What’s Included? Can You Visit Hobbiton Without Paying for a Guided Tour? What Do You Get to See on the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour? Can You Go Inside the Hobbit Holes at Hobbiton? Where Is Hobbiton Movie Set and How Do You Get There? Do You Need to Book Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in Advance? Can You Stay Overnight at Hobbiton Movie Set? What Do You Need to Bring With You for the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour? Does Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Have Good Reviews? Can You Visit Hobbiton Movie Set Alone?

Find any New Zealand travel guide on the internet and I can pretty much guarantee it will recommend the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour .

Featuring heavily in The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit trilogies, the 12-acre set was the chosen filming location for the fictional village of Hobbiton in the Shire, home to the Hobbits.

Each year, around 650,000 visitors flock to the movie set, keen to experience the magic of Sir Peter Jackson’s movies for themselves. But is the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour worth it?

Is the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Worth the Money?

At $75 US Dollars a ticket, we were initially unsure whether to go ahead with the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour booking .

However, after some consideration we realised that there were two reasons to book the tour:

• We are huge fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
• This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand and visiting Hobbiton was a bucket-list activity.

After completing our tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, I can honestly say that the ticket price is so worth the money and that this was one of the most magical experiences we had whilst travelling New Zealand.

Visiting Hobbiton is an essential stop on your New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary .

First thing’s first, if you’re a fan of the films then you’ll be amazed by Hobbiton and the fact that it looks exactly like it does in the movies.

The lush green pastures and rolling hills you’ve seen on screen are even more magical in real life and the 44 hobbit holes are seriously impressive up close.

Every single detail has been thought through meticulously, from the hobbit clothes hanging on washing lines to the pots of honey for sale on doorsteps and the real vegetables growing in the veggie patch.

How Much Does the Hobbiton Cost and What’s Included?

The price includes a guided tour of the 12-acre Hobbiton Movie Set by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, as well as coach transport to/from the set from the carpark and ticket centre (The Shire’s Rest) . In addition to this, you’ll also receive a complimentary drink from The Green Dragon Inn at the end of the tour. In total, the tour lasts around two hours and the time will fly by because you’re having so much fun.

The entrance fee for Hobbiton Movie Set is $120 NZ dollars for adults, $60 for youths (11-17) and kids between 0-10 go free (this seems fair to me as we had a few young kids on our tour and they had no idea what LOTR was) . I wasn’t able to find a promo code for Hobbiton tickets, but you can get a family pass discount if your group consists of 2x adults and 2x youths, which saves you just over $50 NZ dollars in total.

Can You Visit Hobbiton Without Paying for a Guided Tour?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to visit Hobbiton without a guided tour. The movie set is located in the middle of Alexander Farm, a huge 1250 acre working sheep & beef farm. You’ll be transported to the movie set by coach from The Shire’s Rest (departure point) and no other vehicles have access to the road because it’s private land.

What Do You Get to See at Hobbiton?

From the car park and visitors centre you’ll be transported by coach through lush green fields to the Hobbiton Movie Set. The journey takes around fifteen minutes, during which your tour guide will tell you some interesting facts about the history of the set.

Your guide will also play a short video on the coach TV screens where director Peter Jackson will tell you all about the aerial search in 1998 and why they decided on Alexander Farm as the perfect location for Hobbiton.

During this journey you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the location and you really feel as though you’ve entered The Shire.

Once you arrive at the movie set, you’ll pass through a small picket fence and walk the stone-lined path from the iconic scene in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey when Bilbo runs out of Hobbiton village whilst shouting “I’m Going On An Adventure!” .

From here, you’ll explore several different Hobbit holes along with the veggie patch and the pond before heading up the big hill towards Bag End.

At Bag End, you’ll be able to see the legendary home of Bilbo Baggins, complete with the ‘no admittance except on party business’ sign on the garden gate and the iconic oak tree on top of the house. You’ll learn that the oak tree is actually fake and made of fibreglass! Even more impressive is that all of the 1000+ leaves are made of silk and were imported from Taiwan, before being individually hand-painted and attached to the branches.

Next, your tour guide will take you down to the ‘ party tree ‘, a huge pine tree overlooking the lake which was integral to J. R. R. Tolkien’s vision of Hobbiton and one of the main reasons why director Peter Jackson chose the site. You’ll be able to walk across the field where Bilbo celebrated his eleventy first birthday in the shadows of the tree with fellow Hobbits, who were actually the children and spouses of the film crew in real life.

After leaving the party field you’ll walk towards Samwise Gamgee’s house to admire the beautiful wildflowers in his garden and the real smoke coming from his chimney (fish is smoked here and sold in the The Green Dragon Inn).

From here, you’ll walk past the mill complete with a functioning water wheel and over the stone bridge which crosses the millpond to The Green Dragon Inn.

After all that walking you will have definitely worked up a thirst, so it’s time for a complimentary drink in the Inn by the roaring log fire.

The Inn offers a variety of exclusive Southfarthing Distillery ales and ciders which you can only purchase from Hobbiton and they’re truly delicious. We also got beef and ale pies for $6 each which were really tasty.

And last but not least, you’ll be able to go INSIDE some hobbit holes and see how Bilbo Baggins lived his life.

On the coach back to the car park, you’ll watch a compilation of Lord of The Rings clips which showcase all of the significant locations across New Zealand that represent Middle Earth in the movies. Given that both the LOTR & Hobbit trilogies were filmed entirely in New Zealand, the footage will make you so excited about the rest of your trip around the country.

Can You Go Inside the Hobbit Holes at Hobbiton?

The answer is yes!

All tours of the Hobbiton Movie Set now feature an interior Hobbit Hole experience, designed by the creative teams behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Located on Bagshot Row, these Hobbit Holes provide a glimpse into the cosy homes of Hobbits as they live their daily lives in the Shire.

As you explore the maze of rooms and hallways, crafted to Hobbit scale, be sure to watch your head. The walls are adorned with intricate hand-painted details and carvings, whilst hand-stitched linens add to the homely atmosphere.

Throughout the interiors, you’ll find subtle nods to the inhabitants’ family histories, with heirlooms and trinkets passed down through generations. A well-stocked pantry, ready to supply seven daily meals, and a warm hearth complete the picture, offering a window into the lives of these charming halflings

Where Is Hobbiton Movie Set and How Do You Get There?

Hobbiton Movie Set is located in Matamata in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island . It’s approximately 160km south of Auckland and the drive takes just under two hours.

Most road-trippers visit Hobbiton on the way to Rotorua, a city famous for geothermal activity, bubbling mud and Maori culture which is about 70km away.

Do You Need to Book Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in Advance?

Hobbiton is New Zealand’s biggest tourist attraction, so it’s definitely a good idea to book your tickets in advance. You can book your tickets here .

Can You Stay Overnight at Hobbiton Movie Set?

Currently there are no facilities for an overnight stay at Hobbiton Movie Set. If you have a late-afternoon tour or you are lucky enough to experience one of the evening banquets at Hobbiton, definitely stay at the wonderful Hills Vista Lodge which is just 2.4 miles from the set. Other great accommodation options near Hobbiton are Peria Hills Cottage , Denchys B&B and Chalet Frodo .

What Do You Need to Bring With You for the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour?

The most important thing to bring with you to Hobbiton Movie Set is your camera. With 44 Hobbit holes to explore and not a power line or road in sight, there are ample photo opportunities and the guides are happy to take group and couples photos at various locations.

*Top Tip: Morning is the best time of day to visit Hobbiton as the sun shines directly on the village .

You’ll also need to bring comfortable footwear as you’ll be walking up hills on dirt tracks and across fields. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours go ahead in sun, rain, snow and hail so it’s worth checking the weather forecast beforehand and bringing a raincoat if necessary, although the helpful guides do keep some spare rain ponchos in the Hobbit holes in case of emergencies.

Does Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Have Good Reviews?

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour has excellent reviews, with a score of 4.7 on Google with over 10,000 reviews and a score of 4.5 on Tripadvisor.

Can You Visit Hobbiton Movie Set Alone?

It’s definitely a great idea to visit Hobbiton Movie Set alone. In fact, you’re sure to find some other LOTR enthusiasts on your tour to buddy up with.

Hobbiton New Zealand: How To Visit The Shire Movie Set

One of the most photogenic places in New Zealand is actually a movie set — Hobbiton, from the popular ‘Lord of the Rings’ series!

Hobbiton village was filmed on green farmlands in the North Island of New Zealand, and fans will be thrilled to know that they’ve kept the entire movie set from the Shire intact for people to tour.

My wife was in love with this place. If you’re a fan of the LOTR series, or fantasy movies in general (or even if you’re just a hobby photographer), don’t miss out on it! The shire was one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip!

What Is Hobbiton?

Unless you’ve been living underground (no pun), you’ve probably heard that New Zealand is where the award-winning ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Hobbit’ trilogies were filmed.

In the books (and movies), the Shire is the peaceful green countryside where the protagonist hobbits live. Synonymous with peace and quiet, Hobbiton is a village paradise complete with dozens of little turf covered houses that look like something out of medieval England (with a fantasy twist).

The Hobbiton movie set was first created for ‘Lord of the Rings’ in 1999, with road-building help from the New Zealand Army, and then the set was completely rebuilt and expanded in 2010 for the ‘Hobbit’ movies.

The current Shire movie set you see today has 44 hobbit homes, farms, and gardens, and covers 5 hectares (12 acres)!

Where Is The Shire / Hobbiton?

The Hobbiton movie set is located just outside of Matamata , a tiny town on the North Island of New Zealand.

From the city of Auckland, it’s a 2 hour drive through small towns and mostly rural roads.

How To Get To Hobbiton New Zealand

You can self-drive to Hobbiton (cheaper and recommended), or there are bus tours starting from Auckland that do all the driving for you.

Either way, a walking tour is required for visiting the movie set, and you will want to make an online booking at least a few days in advance, because the tickets do sell out, especially if you’re wanting a specific time slot.

Klook has meet up (self drive) Hobbiton New Zealand tours for $47 USD or they also have more pricey private day tours from Auckland that include hotel pickups and everything else you might need.

Hobbiton New Zealand: What To Expect

Visiting the Hobbiton movie set requires a walking tour, and these run daily with dozens of time slots to choose from between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Unless you’ve booked a private tour (very pricey!), this also means you will be on a shared tour with other LOTR fans eager to relive their favorite movie memories.

Our group had about 25 visitors and, compounded with the other groups touring the set at the same time, I have to admit it felt pretty crowded on the narrow paths winding through the village.

It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to. Bilbo Baggins, In The Lord Of The Rings

Best Time To Visit Hobbiton

Honestly, Hobbiton is one place where I don’t think there is any ‘best’ time to visit.

The North Island of New Zealand has a mild/comfortable climate all year round, and even during the dry summer months, the grass and plants in the movie set are watered to keep them looking fresh and green.

The Hobbiton movie set is also photogenic at any time of the day. Even if you’re a photographer, you don’t need to worry about lighting at the Shire.

Where We Stayed

Most of our time in New Zealand was spent in a campervan, but for our last night on the North Island we stayed at this BNB style villa/homestay in Auckland for $55 USD ($87 NZD).

For this price we got a clean triple bedroom with cold A/C, extremely fast WiFi, a comfy living room area, and a shared bathroom/shower that were immaculate. Best of all, the location was just a 15 minute Uber drive to the airport for our early morning flight.

You won't find a better deal this close to the airport! Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.

We stayed at this BNB style homestay in Auckland for $55 USD.

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Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour from Auckland

The lords of the rings and the hobbit trilogies brought us a completely new world of fantasy. the hobbiton movie set private tour from auckland brings the adventures of bilbo, frodo, gandalf and their friends to life as you retrace their footsteps and embrace the iconic locations from the movies..

The Hobbiton Movie Set still remains one of New Zealand’s biggest fantasy attractions of the past decade. Without this movie set, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies could not exist, so this tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience for you to embrace these magical stories.

Approx 9 hours

Car , Minibus

Hobbit , Lord of the Rings

• Private tour

From € 1.460 per person

• Stops for scenic Photo taking
• Admission & guided private tour at the Hobbiton Movie set
• Free Beer, Ginger Beer or Cider in Green Dragon Inn

Tour details

Meeting point.

Auckland city centre pick up

Tour departs

Pick up time will be confirmed the day before tour departure.

Auckland city centre drop off

Live guide speaks

Max group size, tour operator.

Auckland & Beyond Tours

Cancellation policy

48 hours  or more before start: full refund less 5% booking fees. After that time or no-show: no refund .

Accessibility

All ages welcome Suitable for children Children must be accompanied by an adult

Snacks Complimentary Drink at The Green Dragon inn (Alcoholic or Non Alcoholic) Bottled water Admission and 2-hour private guided tour inside the Hobbiton Movie Set Auckland city centre pick up Auckland city centre drop off Transport and driver/guide Vehicle with air condition WiFi on Board

Food & Drink unless specified Gratuities (optional)

Things to bring

Appropriate clothing Comfortable shoes Sun protection

Film series

Full description.

The Hobbiton Movie Set Private Tour from Auckland begins as soon as we pick you up from Auckland CBD. Enjoy a two-hour drive across the stunning landscape south of Auckland all the way to Waikato . While you travel by car there are some breathtaking photo opportunities to take advantage of.

Arriving in Waikato, our first stop will include a visit to the Shire’s Rest Cafe . As the name suggests you’ll be able to have a rest while enjoying some tasty food and drink. Whether you’re a Lord of The Rings superfan or someone just starting out, you’ll be certain to find a keepsake available at the Hobbiton Gift Shop here.

Upon reaching Hobbiton, meet with your private tour guide , which will lead you on a captivating two-hour Private Guided Tour through The Hobbit Village, guiding you through enchanting sites such as The Hobbit Holes , The Mill , and The Double Arched Bridge.

As part of the experience, enjoy a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn , adding a touch of charm to your Middle Earth journey. A wealth of photo opportunities you won’t find anywhere else reside here, so it’s recommended to keep your camera close by.

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Ultimate Guide For Visiting Hobbiton In New Zealand 2024

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“Will you follow me one last time?”

If you are a fan of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings  and The Hobbit trilogies, I don’t need to convince you to put a visit to the The Hobbit movie set at the top of your must-do list when visiting New Zealand’s North Island.

I remember picking up a weathered copy of The Hobbit  in 7th grade, introduced for the first time to this fantastical realm and joining Bilbo Baggins on his grand adventure. It was one of my favorite books growing up and seeing the world of Tolkien come to life when the Lord of the Rings came out was a true geek-out experience. When I decided to come to New Zealand, I treated it like coming to Middle Earth. And you can’t come to Middle Earth without a visit to the Shire.

My friend, Corey, and I saved this bit for the end of our grand camper van adventure exploring New Zealand. With a bit of luck, I was able to arrange access to a private walk-through of Hobbiton at sunrise to photograph the permanent set when there were no other visitors around. I didn’t want to waste the opportunity to be here and shoot when the sun was hanging high and harsh overhead. This bit of pre-planning and good fortune made my visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set an absolute highlight of my travels in the land of Kiwis.

I’ll walk you through my experience and share some of the magic of visiting this bucket list spot. Al the information you’ll need for visiting Hobbiton as well as the different types of tours and accommodations options will be below. Or you can use these quick links to jump straight to the information you need.

How To Get To Hobbiton | Where To Stay | Ticket Prices | Second Breakfast | Party Marquee Lunch | Evening Dinner

There And Back Again…In New Zealand

The morning of the shoot, I woke up well before dawn even though we had parked our camper van just 10 minutes away from Hobbiton. Empty memory card. Check. Spare batteries. Check. The elvish translation for OMGTHISISGOINGTOBEEPIC. Check. All set.

We met up with Henry, Hobbiton’s point person when it comes to promoting the location (as if it needed any extra promotion), at the Shire cafe and took a ride in his car to the set. Somehow I thought we’d be transported in via giant eagles or Gandalf’s carriage.

Hidden In The Hills

From the entrance across the street from the Cafe and ticket office, it looked so much like the same scenery we had been driving across for the last month. Endless rolling hills. And at least a handful of sheep. Henry tells us that one of the appeal of the location was that it was on a private land and Hobbiton itself could not be seen from any of the main roads in the area offering Jackson and the crew the privacy they needed to shoot.

After about 20 minutes of driving, we pulled up to a plain parking lot with a small sign welcoming us to Hobbiton. The morning fog had blanketed the hills as we drove in and didn’t look to clear anytime soon so most of it was still hidden, further heightening my anticipation. As I walked down the stone path leading into the village, Henry pointed out that this was where Gandalf first rides into the Shire. Holy Galandriel, indeed it was.

Don’t Wake The Hobbits

The sizing and the fog threw me off at first, but we had officially entered Hobbiton. And then there it was. A real hobbit hole. And it looked exactly like it did in the movie. Better even, because it was right in front of me. Most of the time, movie sets are made of some light, cheap material and then painted to look realistic. This was not that, the gates were made of wood, the walls were laid with real solid bricks and even the vegetation and tools in the garden were real.

Though the fog was still covering most of Hobbiton, I could make out the paths leading through the rest of the village. As we walked through, I found myself trying to stay quiet half-worrying that I would be waking up the hobbits still slumbering in their homes. It was just that realistic. Before we headed to the top of the Bag End, Henry took us to a small lake looking back towards the village. I was stunned.

When The Magic Happens

While Henry explained how the set was rebuilt to be a more permanent attraction when The Hobbit trilogy began filming, I took the time to capture a time lapse of this view as the fog was whipping across the scene. It’s a favorite of mine in my Time and Again video. I tried to get as clear a view as possible by getting as close to the lake as possible without falling in. Within minutes the fog was dramatically changing the landscape. Again, absolutely incredible.

And then the sun tried to peak through behind the fog. I turned around and captured this light flooding through the trees. No hobbits required for me to turn my attention away from the hobbit hill for this shot.

We continued our walk back through the village giving me the chance to get some close-up of all the “props” of this set. Whether you come as a fan of the movie series or not, you can’t help but appreciate the attention to detail that Jackson’s team put in. Interesting factoid: the hobbit houses higher up on the hill are wealthier and so that is reflected in how their gardens were kept and maintained relative to the ones at the bottom of the hill.

Real Vegetable Gardens

The vegetables grown are seasonal so they change depending on when you come to visit. I’m sure they can replace a gourd or two with some of the plastic variety to save from having to have a team of gardeners maintain the place, but the fact that they don’t should be noted. And it’s not about keeping a static vision of Hobbiton. In the wintertime, the grapes wouldn’t be hanging off the vines, so in true fashion, it doesn’t when you come and visit during that time of year.

Visiting Bag End

At the very top of the hill was Bilbo Baggins’ Bag End. Say that 10 times. We were first introduced to this place when Gandalf enters the gate with the now iconic “No Admittance Except On Party Business” sign and greets Bilbo at his front door only to be turned out before being recognized. Remember that scene?

Bilbo: “No thank you! We don’t want any more visitors, well-wishers or distant relations!”

Gandalf: “And what of old friends?”

It was so familiar, I felt like I was coming home. And THAT DOOR.

This part is off limits on the tour, so don’t be too disappointed if you can’t pose in front of the door. From here, we exited out the gate and wandered down the hill back towards the old mill next to the bridge that leads to the Green Dragon Inn.

Having A Drink At The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon Inn is a real pub. With real beer, cider and ale. During the filming of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, they brewed a beer specifically for the movie and the actors, with a lower than usual alcoholic content (you don’t expect the actors to have the same tolerance as hobbits and dwarves for all the multiple takes do you?). Take 2!

When they built out the full Green Dragon Inn for the Hobbit, they came up with a range of beers and cider just for Hobbiton. And it’s included with the tour. You can choose from an Amber Ale, a Stout Ale, an Apple Cider, or a Ginger Beer. I went for the Apple Cider. Who am I kidding? I went for all 4. Let’s get sloshed Hobbit-style. I wasn’t driving.

Dressing Up As A Hobbit

I finished my visit pretty happy at this point and I really should have been satisfied  having gotten some great photos. But I wasn’t. Secretly, I wanted to dress up as a hobbit and use Bilbo Baggin’s Bag End as a backdrop to film a quick scene for my New Zealand video. I had noticed earlier that there were some jackets hanging on the rack in the Green Dragon Inn. And they looked just my size.

Maybe it was that 4th drink, but I felt like I had nothing to lose so I rung up Henry after the tour and asked if I could come back around sunset to get more photos. Somehow, he agreed to my request. So after the last of the tours left, we returned to Hobbiton.

Coming Back For Sunset

Henry asked me what I wanted to shoot and I calmly explained my idea – to dress up as a hobbit. Confident and professional on the outside. A nervous wreck on the inside. His response? A quick “sure”. Wow. If only all requests were handled with such a quick and positive answer. The reputation Kiwis have for being really really nice and hospitable people. Absolutely true. So grabbing a vest, jacket and hat along with ridding myself of shoes (only time I wish I had hairy feet), this is what I looked like.

“I’m going on an adventure!”

I spent about 10 minutes opening and closing that green door countless times filming what is hopefully the opening and closing sequence for my video. Immediately afterwards, I ran down the hill to capture another time lapse as the last light of day began to fade. Barefoot and barreling down the now familiar hobbit path, I nearly ran off an overhang into one of the hobbit’s front yard. Back down at the lake where I shot the morning sequence, I set up for the time lapse as Henry headed to the Green Dragon Inn for a little surprise.

Hobbiton At Dusk

All of a sudden, lights came on through the windows of the hobbit houses. Magic. And I refuse to believe anything else. Even if the explanation is that they had recently installed lights in all the hobbit houses to get ready for the launch of their evening dinner tours. I think people are going to love it when that happens.

Quick Tip: The first and last tour of the day are usually the best and least crowded times to go. It’s also the best time to get photos with better lighting.

So that’s Hobbiton at dusk with the grand party tree in the background. And with that my day in the Shire came to an end. I was actually pretty bummed I had to return the clothes. Sadly, it fit all too well. If you are looking for something to place on your New Zealand Must Do Activity list, this is an absolute can’t miss. It just doesn’t exist anywhere else. Check out Middle Earth and the Shire’s appearance in my around the world time lapse.

The New Venture Beyond The Door Experience

As of 2024, all tours include a visit inside a hobbit hole home. For the first time, you can visit Bagshot Row and set into one of the charming dwellings designed and crafted by the creative teams behind the movies.

How To Get To Hobbiton In New Zealand

The movie set is located in Matamata about 2 hours south of Auckland, 45 minutes north west of Rotorua, 1.5 hours north of Taupo and 1.5 hours north east of Waitomo.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, there’s an easy option to get to Hobbiton with a pick-up from Auckland with also includes a festive lunch at the Party Marquee and special entry into one of the hobbit holes.

If you are already in Matamata, you can also book the tour ahead of time with a free bus transfer from Matamata for the same price.

In Matamata, you go south on Hineura Rd and then turn right onto Buckland Rd until you see the signs for Hobbiton Movie Set.

From the East, you go west on Highway and connect with Buckland Rd. From the South and West, you head north on Highway 1, connect north to Highway 29 and then turn left onto Buckland Rd.

Where To Stay In Hobbiton: Matamata or Karapiro

While Matamata is the closest town to the Hobbiton Movie Set and they also do pick-ups from there, Cambridge and Karapiro is also another option since it’s only a bit more of a drive than Matamata. Both are good options. I would suggest Karapiro if you also want to couple a visit with staying along the Waikato River.

Below are a list of some recommended hotels and apartments, especially if you’re traveling as a group or a family.

Where to Stay In Matamata?

First up is Hills Vista Lodge . This is as close to Hobbiton as you can stay and it’s probably the best option if you’re traveling as a large group or a big family. This place has 3 bedrooms with 7 beds, so it can house quite a few people if necessary. Breakfast is also included. There’s only one Hills Vista Lodge, so book ahead if you can. This is a great option if you’re also doing the evening tour and don’t want to do the longer drive back to Matamata at night.

The next closest option is Cosy Country Stay B&B , which is right in the middle between Hobbiton and Matamata. The queen bed rooms are just for 1-2 people.

In Matamata, I would recommend checking out these accommodations:

House With No Nails . The name is a bit odd, but this large home turned into a guesthouse is quite popular with many room options, if you want a communal experience.

HOH – Chalet Frodo

Mill Corner Studio

Nights on Broadway – The House

Where To Stay In Karapiro, New Zealand

Personally, I think if you can find a hotel or apartment near Karapiro, you get more value for your money as far as accommodations. They are gorgeous and generally cost less than what you get in Matamata. The downside is that a lot of these properties are booked ahead of times.

Memory Lane Country Cottage

Maungatautari Outlook

Karapiro Blackbox

Lakeside Karapiro Downstairs Apartment

Conach House

Lakeview Lodge Karapiro

Above The River Karapiro

Kauri Lodge Karapiro

200 on Lake View

How Much Are Hobbiton Entry Tickets in 2024?

Whether you come as a fan or not, you will enjoy the tour. Dwarves honor. They offer daily tours leaving from Matamata or Hobbiton and a Dinner Evening Tour on certain evenings where you can experience Hobbiton after sunset.

A tour of the set along with a visit to the Dragon’s Inn with a complimentary beverage and a special visit into a hobbit hole:

120 NZD ($71 USD) for Adults.

60 NZD ($36 USD) for Youth 9-16 years

306 NZD ($183 USD) for a Family Pass (2 Adults and 2 Youths).

You can book tickets here with Get Your Guide as well for the same price, but with a 10% discount code if it’s your first time using the site.

The Second Breakfast Tour

This is your normal movie tour along with a second breakfast served in the Millhouse. The prices are as follows:

180 NZD ($108 USD) for Adults.

114 NZD ($68 USD) for Youth 11-17

64 NZD ($38 USD) for children 5-10

Free for Infants 0-4.

You can check for the schedule to see if there’s availability on the day you want to visit. This one is a more intimate experience than the Lunch that’s offered below.

Second Breakfast Menu

• A selection from the pastry basket : Freshly baked scones, sweet danish pastries, muffins, whipped cream, jams and butter
• Fresh seasonal fruit DF/GF/VGN
• A selection of sliced cold meats GF
• Local breakfast cheeses : with crackers and bread
• Preserves and pickles
• Fresh orange and fruit juice
• Coffee and tea
• Fluffy scrambled eggs DF/GF
• Grilled tomato relish DF/GF/VGN
• Sautéed potatoes with fried onion and herbs DF/GF/VGN
• Grilled lamb sausage DF/GF
• Streaky bacon DF/GF
• Rosemary mushrooms DF/GF/VGN

The Movie Set Tour + Lunch Combo

Three set tour starting at 10:10 am, 11:10 am and 11:40 pm include the option of a festive lunch at the Party Marquee. It’s a buffet style lunch and costs the following:

158 NZD ($95 USD) for Adults

98 NZD ($59 USD) for Youth 11-17

Free for children 0-10.

Think of this as a tour followed by a hobbit themed buffet lunch. The menu’s below. Like the Second Breakfast Tour, you will need check the schedule to see the days they are doing it and if there are availability.

• Slow roasted beef rump DF/GF
• Marinated chicken DF/GF
• Minted lamb casserole DF/GF
• Battered fish with a tartare sauce
• Creamy Pesto Pasta
• Tomato and coconut vegetable curry DF/GF/VGN
• Chefs choice of seasonal vegetables DF/GF/VGN
• Herb roasted gourmet potatoes DF/GF/V
• Bulgur wheat salad DF
• Garden fresh green salad DF/GF/VGN
• Hobbit Slaw DF/GF/VGN
• Steamed rice DF/GF/VGN
• A selection from the Green Dragon dessert kitchen including sweet slices and cakes
• Seasonal fruit salad DF/GF/VGN
• Baked apple crumble DF/GF/VGN

The Dinner Banquet Tour

Hobbiton offers a unique experience in the evening that combines a tour of the Hobbiton movie set with a dinner banquet. If you have an appetite, you will enjoy their massive selection of food fit for a Hobbit.

The tours start at 5:45 pm with a tour of the set, followed by a drink at the Dragon’s Inn before moving on to a 2 course banquet feast. After dinner, you get a special moonlight walking tour to digest and take in Hobbiton at night.

Evening Banquet Menu

• Selection of homemade breads and condiments
• Golden roast chicken
• House smoked salmon fillet
• Beef and ale casserole
• Slow cooked lamb shanks on bubble and squeak with gravy
• Cumberland sausages with tomato relish
• Selection of roast vegetables
• Garlic and thyme roasted potatoes
• Kumara mash
• Garlic and butter braised mushrooms
• Roast pumpkin stuffed with chargrilled succotash
• Fresh green salad
• Kiwi pavlova with fresh cream and strawberry coulis
• Bakewell tarts
• Sticky Date Pudding
• Seasonal fresh fruit slices
• Baked apple crumble
• Butterscotch sauce
• Honey and cinnamon yogurt
• Vanilla custard

Evening Banquet Tickets and Booking

Evening banquet prices are as follows:

230 NZD ($137 USD) for Adults

177 NZD ($106 USD) for Youth (9-16 years)

119 NZD ($71 USD) for Children (5-8 years).

Reservations are often made in advance so book early if you want to ensure a spot for you and your family on a specific date.

So nice to get this thing checked off my list of New Zealand experiences. What’s on yours? If you need some ideas, check out my bucket list and go out there and have an adventure.

Looking for more travel inspirations? Scroll through some of the 450+ experiences on my bucket list . Maybe you’ll find your next adventure on there.

How You Can Help

If you’ve found the content useful, you can help support this site by using these links when you plan and book your trip.

Updated on July 26, 2024

Kien is an international photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He captures his adventures on whereandwander.com and believes in living for those moments that make the best stories, told or untold. He is working through his bucket list and wants to help others do the same. Follow him on Instagram @hellokien .

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[…] For fans of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, this is a dream come true. The village of Hobbiton that was used in the movies was turned into a permanent set near Hamilton, New Zealand. In the early morning, when the fog rolls through and the lights are flickering from the hobbit holes, you almost feel like you have to be quiet to keep from waking the hobbits. The set is surprisingly realistic. The gardens and vegetables are all real and you can even enter some of the hobbit holes. To see more from Hobbiton, check out my post on That Time I Was A Hobbit. […]

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Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Tour Packages

The best new zealand lord of the rings & the hobbit tour packages.

If you're looking for a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit tour package in New Zealand where somebody else takes care of all the bookings and planning, including a kayaking experience that fans of the Hobbit can’t miss .

New Zealand is the only option when it comes to Lord of the Rings vacations . However, once you’re here, you’re spoilt for choice with the range of ways to discover the people, places, and pioneers behind Sir Peter Jackson’s big-screen reinventions of Tolkien’s masterpieces. We’ve previously blogged about the best LOTR and The Hobbit filming locations and some sweet as self-drive LOTR/Hobbit tours around New Zealand . Now, though, we reckon it’s time to relax a bit. If you’re not keen to do it all on your own, here’s a few of the best NZ Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit package tours where you won’t have to worry about organising anything !

We’ve focused on the big, do-it-all tours, though of course there are smaller tours you can do within each of these regions (keep your eyes peeled for a post on that in future). These comprehensive New Zealand Lord of the Rings tour packages account for accommodation and transport at every step, and in some cases catering. They start from either Auckland or Wellington, New Zealand’s biggest city and capital, respectively. They finish in Auckland, Christchurch (NZ’s second biggest city and airport) or Queenstown, the South Island’s stunning adventure tourism playground and a major airport, so there are plenty of ways to get there and back again. All of the itineraries pack in plenty of Lord of the Rings sites, so don’t worry about that. We’ll just try point out a few subtle differences between them, in case you’re having trouble deciding which New Zealand tour package to choose.

Middle Earth New Zealand Tour Package, 13 Days

Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua – Matamata/Hobbiton – Wellington – Havelock – Blenheim – Christchurch – Methven/Edoras – Mt. Cook National Park – Queenstown – Mount Aspiring National Park (Isengard, Lothlorien, Amon Hen) – Auckland.

If you want a touch of city tour thrown in with your Middle Earth off-road adventure , this is a choice as tour for you, because this Lord of the Rings vacation package offers a wicked time in Auckland. You stay right in the heart of the city near Britomart and the Viaduct, and the package includes an unforgettable evening dinner cruise across Waitemata Harbour on the Pride of Auckland yacht . After that, you hit the road for an awesome two-week trip the next morning. The Middle Earth New Zealand Tour Package is especially good for those who are fans of the Hobbit trilogy as much as (or more than) the Lord of the Rings . It’s a New Zealand-wide Hobbit tour package that takes in studio tours in Wellington, the Hobbit barrel run in Havelock, a visit to the Hobbiton film set, and a few non-Tolkien highlights including natural thermal valley hot pools!

Lord of the Rings Location Tour, 14 Days

Auckland – Hobbiton – Rotorua – Huka Falls/Lake Taupo – Tongariro National Park – Mt. Ruapehu/Mt. Doom – Wellington – Pelorus river – Nelson – Kaikoura – Christchurch – Mt. Cook – Twizel – Arrowtown – Queenstown

Worth mentioning straight off the bat: this tour lets you see adorable fur seal pups. Really though, the clue is in the title when it comes to figuring out what this tour is about. Chances are, if you have a location from Sir Peter Jackson’s films in mind, it’ll be on this tour. The volcanic landscape Sam and Frodo scramble across on the edges of Mordor and under fearsome Mt. Doom? Cheek. The tree stump where Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin ‘get off the road!’ to hide from a Black Rider? Check. The grassy hill where King Theoden stirs the Riders of Rohan and clangs their swords to begin the battle of Pelennor Fields? Check. The river on which Bilbo and the dwarves stage an epic barrel-bobbing escape with the help of Legolas and Tauriel? Check.

Tolkien’s New Zealand, 13 Days

Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua – Matamata/Hobbiton – Christchurch – Edoras – Mt. Cook National Park – Mt. Cook Village – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Glenorchy (Isengard, Lothlorien) – Fox Glacier – Greymouth – Christchurch

A big plus for this one is its focus on the wonderful South Island (no bias here of course). While a lot of tours, justifiably, just hit the big spots – Christchurch to Queenstown, taking in Central Otago and a view of Mt. Cook along the way – Tolkien’s New Zealand tour lets you see the less accessible, by no means less stunning, parts of the South Island.

Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Tour Package, 15 Days

Auckland – Hobbiton – Rotorua – Trollshaws Forest – Tongariro National Park/Mordor – Wellington – Nelson – Hanmer Springs – Christchurch – Edoras – Twizel – Pelennor Fields, Lake-town – Cromwell – Arrowtown – Mavora Lakes – Queenstown

Red Carpet Tours offer a good do-it-all tour that packs in a lot of what’s mentioned above (minus the West Coast focus of the Tolkien package). As the name suggests, they take good care of you along the way. However, it’s not a fancy, luxury tour. Far from it, it’s a solid choice for families with young kids traveling to New Zealand and solo backpackers wanting to latch onto a group holiday tour package.

Again, anybody wanting more of a New Zealand Hobbit tour package rather than a LOTR one will find a few nuggets in this one. First of all, Trollshaws Forest in the North Island, where Gandalf gives Bilbo his iconic sword, Sting. Then the tour pulls in at Pelorus river, filming location of the barrel escape scene mentioned above, where you can do the Hobbit Kayak Tour to go down the exact river yourself (though at a much slower pace; no experience required). Finally, you’ll recognise the quaint wooden structures and peaceful setting of Tasman Downs Station as Lake-town from the Hobbit movies.

If you’re short on time, or planning to begin your New Zealand LOTR/Hobbit tour from Wellington rather than Auckland, Red Carpet Tours offer that too. Just pick up their 10-day Lord of the Rings Hobbit South Island tour from Wellington, which includes a Cook Strait ferry crossing and the entire South Island portion of their full New Zealand tour package.

Keen for an adventure on New Zealand's most beautiful river? Here's a special gift from us! Use promo code Blog19-20 when reserving your place on our Hobbit Kayak Tour and get 10% off your booking to experience the world-famous filming location of The Hobbit for yourself in all its glory. See you on the river!

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• Visit Middle Earth and see New Zealand through Frodo's eyes!
• Weta Workshop, Wellington
• Chasing Tolkien: The best places to visit on a New Zealand Middle-earth vacation
• Hobbiton Movie Set; Where Real-Life Meets Real-Hobbits

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The Best Way to Experience Lord of the Rings in New Zealand

If you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit trilogies, New Zealand is the ultimate destination to immerse yourself in Middle-earth . From lush forests to towering mountains, the landscapes that brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s world to life are scattered across the country. But the best part? You can visit these iconic Lord of the Rings film locations, stand where your favourite scenes were shot, and even live out your own Middle-earth adventure. Here’s how to do it.

1. Start with Hobbiton in Matamata

When it comes to Lord of the Rings locations, Hobbiton is the crown jewel. Nestled in the rolling hills of Matamata on the North Island, Hobbiton is where the Shire comes to life.

The movie set was originally dismantled after filming, but thanks to the films' success, it was rebuilt and now stands as a permanent attraction. Walking through the lush, green landscape of Hobbiton , you’ll see Bag End, the iconic home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the Party Tree, and even the Green Dragon Inn.

What to do:

• Take a guided tour: The Hobbiton Movie Set tour  is an absolute must. Your guide will walk you through the 12-acre set, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, and you’ll get to finish your Lord of the Rings tour with a pint of Southfarthing ale at the Green Dragon Inn.
• Join a feast: If you're keen to experience Hobbit life to the fullest, opt for a banquet tour. After your evening tour of the set, you'll be treated to a hearty banquet fit for a hobbit in the Green Dragon’s dining room.

2. Venture to the Tongariro National Park – Mordor Awaits

Next up, we’re heading to the dark side. Tongariro National Park on the North Island is home to Mount Doom , or as the locals call it, Mount Ngauruhoe. This otherworldly landscape served as the backdrop for Mordor and is every bit as dramatic in real life.

• Tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: This is considered one of the best day hikes in the world. The 19.4-kilometre trek will take you through the volcanic terrain of Mordor , with the option to detour up Mount Ngauruhoe if you’re feeling brave. The landscape is stunning, with emerald lakes, steaming craters, and panoramic views.
• Go on a guided Mordor tour: If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still explore Mordor with a guided 4WD tour. Local guides know the best spots for photos and can share insights into how the area was transformed for the films.

3. Wander the Forests of Rivendell in Wellington

Wellington , New Zealand's capital, is the next stop on our Middle-earth journey. Just outside the city, in Kaitoke Regional Park, you’ll find the lush forest that became Rivendell . The stunning scenery, with its towering trees and peaceful river, is a perfect stand-in for the elven haven.

• Explore Rivendell: There are self-guided walks through the forest where Rivendell was filmed. You can even find a replica Elven archway that makes for a great photo op.
• Visit Weta Workshop: While you’re in Wellington, don’t miss a trip to Weta Workshop , the creative studio behind the Lord of the Rings films. The “Weta Cave” mini-museum is filled with props, models, and memorabilia, and the guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic was made.

4. Experience Edoras in Canterbury

Time to head to the South Island, where the rolling plains and dramatic mountain ranges make the perfect setting for Rohan . The highlight here is Mount Sunday, which stood in for Edoras , the capital of Rohan .

Mount Sunday is located in the remote Ashburton Lakes region, just south of Christchurch and surrounded by the towering Southern Alps. It’s easy to see why Peter Jackson chose this spot – the sweeping landscapes are absolutely breathtaking.

• Take a guided Edoras tour: Getting to Mount Sunday is a bit tricky, so the best way to experience Edoras with a guided tour.  These tours usually include 4WD transport, lunch, and plenty of time to explore the hilltop, take in the views, and imagine the Rohirrim galloping across the plains.
• Hike to Edoras: If you prefer to explore on your own, there’s a short but steep walking track that takes you to the top of Mount Sunday. The views from the top are well worth the effort.

5. Journey into Fangorn Forest in Fiordland

Our next stop is Fiordland National Park , one of the most stunning and remote areas of New Zealand. This is where you'll find the dark, mysterious forests that became Fangorn Forest , home to Treebeard and the Ents.

• Explore Milford Sound: While the exact Fangorn Forest filming locations are tricky to pinpoint, Milford Sound is a must-visit while you’re in Fiordland. The towering cliffs, waterfalls, and deep blue waters feel like they’re straight out of Middle-earth . You can explore the Sound by boat, kayak, or on foot.
• Take a helicopter tour: For a truly epic experience, consider a helicopter tour over Fiordland . Many operators offer Lord of the Rings themed flights that take you over key filming locations, giving you a bird’s-eye view of Middle-earth .

6. Discover Pelennor Fields in Twizel

If you’re a fan of epic battles, you can’t miss Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin. This small town was transformed into Pelennor Fields for the massive battle scenes in The Return of the King . The wide-open spaces, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop, create the perfect setting for a showdown between good and evil.

• Take a Pelennor Fields tour: Local guides offer tours that take you to the exact spots where the battle scenes were filmed. You’ll learn about how the scenes were shot, see where the actors stood, and even get to handle some replica weapons and armour.
• Explore the Mackenzie Basin: While you’re in the area, take some time to explore the stunning Mackenzie Basin. Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are both nearby and offer incredible views, especially at sunset.

7. Finish with a Journey to the Southern Alps – The Misty Mountains

The Southern Alps stretch down the spine of the South Island, and their rugged peaks and deep valleys were used to represent the Misty Mountains in the films. The Southern Alps are the perfect place to end your Middle-earth adventure, with plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path.

• Drive the Great Alpine Highway: This scenic drive takes you across the Southern Alps from Christchurch to the West Coast . Along the way, you’ll pass through Arthur’s Pass National Park, where many of the Misty Mountains scenes were filmed. Keep an eye out for dramatic mountain passes, waterfalls, and the odd kea (a native New Zealand parrot).
• Go on a Misty Mountains trek: For those who love a good hike, there are plenty of trekking options in the Southern Alps. The Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, offers stunning alpine scenery and is a great way to experience the Misty Mountains up close.

Tips for Planning Your Lord of the Rings Adventure

• Rent a car or campervan: Many of the Lord of the Rings locations are in remote areas, so having your own wheels will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Book tours in advance: Some of the Lord of the Rings tours, especially those in popular areas like Hobbiton and Edoras , can fill up quickly. It’s a good idea to book ahead to secure your spot.
• Pack for all weather: New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Make sure you’re prepared for everything from sunshine to rain, and even snow, depending on the season.
• Take your time: There’s so much to see and do that it’s worth spending at least two to three weeks exploring both the North and South Islands. This will give you plenty of time to visit all the key Lord of the Rings locations and enjoy everything else New Zealand has to offer.

Wrapping Up Your Middle-earth Adventure

Touring New Zealand as a Lord of the Rings fan is a dream come true. The landscapes are as breathtaking in person as they are on screen, and the chance to stand in the very spots where some of your favourite scenes were filmed is an experience you’ll never forget. Whether you’re strolling through Hobbiton , conquering Mount Doom , or gazing out over the fields of Rohan , you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Middle-earth itself. 

Our team of New Zealand Travel Specialists have put together the ultimate Lord of the Rings tours here in New Zealand, with itineraries spanning the nation that include everything from Hobbiton to the Misty Mountains! You can check out our Lord of the Rings tours here . Have some questions about travelling to New Zealand? Read our other Lord of the Rings blogs , or get in contact with us to to see how we can help. So, pack your bags, grab your copy of The Lord of the Rings , and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. New Zealand is calling, and Middle-earth awaits!

Categories: - LOTR, Middle Earth & Hobbits

We have lots more information to share with you if you need it. Our team lives and works within New Zealand. We have travelled to every region and experienced the best (and worst) of what there is to offer.  If you have any questions about tours, locations or just want some friendly advice please reach out to us by chat, email , or phone . There is no penalty for getting in touch, we do NOT charge any consultant fees so you can take the hassle out of your travels for free!

If you are interested in planning a trip then please leave your details in the simple form below and we can provide you with support customising a tour just for you. 

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• Departing from Tour from The Shire's Rest™ From Matamata I-Site
• Departing from Hobbiton™ Beer Festival - Saturday Hobbiton™ Beer Festival - Friday

• Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour + Meal Combo

Experience the magic of Hobbiton™ Movie Set with one of our daily shared tour departures from The Shire's Rest followed by a delicious buffet lunch served inside the festive Party Marquee.

Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.

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

Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row ™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home.

Designed and crafted by the renowned creative teams behind the film trilogies, Bagshot Row offers an authentic glimpse into the charming dwellings of Hobbits going about daily life in the Shire. Your guide will lead you through one of two Hobbit Holes offering time to explore the detailed interiors, with each home designed to create an identical experience.    

Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn , where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive beverage from our Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range before following your guide up to the Party Marquee.

The Party Marquee is adjacent to The Green Dragon™ Inn with an exquisite view across the water. The painted canvas exterior, vibrant bunting and colourful lanterns means visitors are immersed in the festive magic of the movies. Your meal is served buffet style from a specially themed table, bursting with hobbit fare, with shared table seating to dine family style with your group to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

Please note: pre-booking your tour is essential. Our tours can sell-out well in advance so please pre-book to avoid disappointment. 

Tour + Meal options are only available in conjunction with selected Shire's Rest departures. 

Please be aware this experience involves a shared dining experience inside the Party Marquee. You will be seated at a banquet table with others from your tour departure and the meal is self-service from the buffet. 

The Shire's Rest ™, 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, Matamata . 

• 10.10am departure begins with tour followed by lunch at 12.10pm
• 11.10am departure begins with tour followed by lunch at 1.10pm
• 11.40am departure begins with tour followed by lunch at 1.40pm

Tour & Lunch combo:  3.5 hours approximately including transport to and from The Shire's Rest.

NEW! Venture Beyond the Door All tours now include exploring the interior of a Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row. Learn more about Bagshot Row here .

Please report to The Shire's Rest ticketing centre no later than 20 minutes before your tour is due to depart. This is a fully guided walking tour and sensible footwear is recommended. 

Please ensure your booking includes a ticket for everyone in your group even children 0-10 years. All guests must have ticket allocated prior to arrival to ensure we can accommodate your group.

All prices are in New Zealand Dollars.

Maintenance on the Movie Set

Please be aware that there is some maintenance taking place on the Movie Set over your selected dates. This work will continue from 1 June – 30 September 2025. During this time, the main tour route will be unaffected however some contractors, maintenance and construction equipment will be working on site in the gardens and rear of the Party Field during your experience. Bag End, Bagshot Row and The Green Dragon Inn will not be affected.

Marquee Festive Feast

Tour + lunch combo, served buffet style.

• Slow roasted beef rump DF/GF
• Marinated chicken DF/GF
• Minted lamb casserole DF/GF
• Battered fish with a tartare sauce
• Creamy Pesto Pasta V
• Chickpea vegetable curry DF/GF/VGN
• Chefs choice of seasonal vegetables DF/GF/VGN
• Herb roasted gourmet potatoes DF/GF/V
• Bulgur wheat salad DF
• Garden fresh green salad DF/GF/VGN
• Hobbit Slaw DF/GF/VGN
• Steamed rice DF/GF/VGN
• A selection from the Green Dragon dessert kitchen including sweet slices and cakes
• Seasonal fruit salad DF/GF/VGN
• Baked apple crumble DF/GF/VGN
• Special dietary requirements can be catered for, please include details at time of booking. Please note, while we offer Gluten Free menu options, we are not a gluten free kitchen. Cross-contamination could occur and we are unable to guarantee that any item can be completely free of allergens.
• This menu is indicative only. Some menu items may vary based on the season and availability.

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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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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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