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Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Day Tour from Auckland

Forty-four hobbit holes, one green bus and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Leave Auckland for the Waikato farmland and a two and a half hour guided walk through the Shire, 44 hobbit holes and a cold drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Small group, eight hours door to door.

📍 New Zealand ⏱ 9 Hours 👥 Up to 16 🔥 Active

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$249 AUD

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Booked with Wanderlust, an Australian travel business based in Byron Bay (ABN 34 636 612 523). We handle your booking ourselves, before and after you travel.

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Overview

Hobbiton is a 12-acre working sheep farm in the Waikato that doubles as Middle-earth, and this is the simplest way to see it from Auckland. A guide picks you up in the city, drives you south through one of New Zealand's richest farming regions and keeps the commentary going all day, in a modern minibus with no more than 16 on board.

The drive out is about an hour through the Waikato countryside with photo stops where they earn it. At the set you board one of the big green Hobbiton buses for the official two and a half hour guided tour: the pastures of the Shire, 44 hobbit holes, the gardens, the filming locations and the behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the films. It finishes at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary drink. On the drive home your guide adds surprise stops, depending on weather and timing: a scenic lake, a local treat or a wildlife encounter.

It's a full day out and back from central Auckland for a group of up to 16. Entry tickets, bottled water and snacks are covered, and there's a safety or booster seat for kids aged 7 and under. Lunch is not included, and there are opportunities to buy food during the tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for changing weather and bring a light rain jacket. Hobbiton runs in rain, so the day goes ahead. Suitable for all ages.

Why you'll love it

  1. 1

    Official 2.5 hour guided tour of the 12-acre set

  2. 2

    44 hobbit holes and the Shire gardens

  3. 3

    Complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn

  4. 4

    Waikato farming region drive with commentary

  5. 5

    Surprise stops on the way back

  6. 6

    Maximum 16 guests in a modern minibus

More photos

Itinerary at a glance

1 Morning · Depart central Auckland

Your guide welcomes you aboard at a central Auckland hotel or meeting point and sets the scene for the day on the way out of the city.

1 Stop 1 · Waikato drive, about an hour

South through one of New Zealand's most famous farming regions, with local commentary and photo stops along the way.

1 Stop 2 · Hobbiton Movie Set, 2.5 hours

Board a green Hobbiton bus for the official guided tour of the 12-acre set: 44 hobbit holes, the gardens, the filming locations and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn to finish.

1 Afternoon · Return to Auckland with surprise stops

Rejoin your guide for the drive north. Extra scenic stops, local treats or photo opportunities are added depending on weather and timing, then drop-off in central Auckland.

What's included

✓ What's included

  • Small group tour, fully guided, maximum 16 guests
  • Hobbiton Movie Set entry tickets
  • Complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn
  • Bottled water and snacks
  • Pick-up and drop-off at selected central Auckland locations
  • Safety or booster seat for children aged 7 and under

✕ Not included

  • ✕Lunch
  • ✕Food and drink beyond the snacks, water and Green Dragon drink
  • ✕Pick-up outside central Auckland

Common questions about this trip

  • Where is the pick-up and how early should I be ready?
    Pick-up is from selected central Auckland hotels and meeting points, chosen when you book. If your accommodation is not listed, choose the nearest point. Your confirmation gives the exact time; be outside a few minutes before, since Hobbiton entries run to a timed slot.

  • Is lunch included?
    No. There are opportunities to buy food during the tour, so bring a card or some cash. Bottled water and snacks are provided on the bus, and the Green Dragon drink is included.

  • What should I wear and bring?
    Comfortable walking shoes and clothing for changing weather, plus a light rain jacket. Bring a charging cable for your phone or camera and your booking confirmation.

  • How much walking is there?
    The set tour is about two and a half hours on foot over gentle paths and gravel, with stops for photos and stories. Anyone with reasonable mobility manages it.

  • Can children come?
    Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages. Children under 7 must be in a child safety seat by law, and a safety or booster seat is supplied. Infant fares apply under 4 and child fares from 4 to 14.

  • What happens in bad weather?
    The tour runs in rain. In the rare event the operator cancels for safety, you get a full refund.

  • Is there a toilet on the bus?
    No, but there are frequent comfort stops and facilities at the set. The minibuses have air conditioning and USB charging.

  • What's the cancellation policy?
    Cancellation terms for this trip are set by the operator and confirmed on your booking voucher. Refunds mirror the operator's policy, if they can refund, so can we. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf. Message us for the exact day-by-day terms before you book.

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What travellers say

Reviews from real travellers

Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"The tour itself was fascinating and informative. Just a beautiful and magical place, so well maintained and presented. We loved getting a beverage and hanging out at the Green Dragon at the end of the tour. A wonderful excursion!"
J

Jenn W

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"Even if you have not seen Lord of the Rings, this is a really neat to see. The land scape on the drive down is amazing. And the farm that this site is is beautiful. Highly recommend the tour."
R

Robin B

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"The museum stops gave a great look into the history and culture, and all the stops for views, visits, and food were spot on. All in all, a really fun tour and a great experience!"
C

Coline G

Tripadvisor review

Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.

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