Top 15 Hobbiton Tours for an Unforgettable Experience

The Hobbiton movie set serves as the iconic filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, achieving unparalleled global acclaim following the films’ success.

While the movie set itself occupies only 12 acres, it is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural landscapes you could encounter.

Given its location, most Hobbiton tours initiate in Auckland and frequently incorporate additional excursions to the renowned Waitomo caves, celebrated for their dazzling luminescent glowworms.

Various tours are available, offering both half-day and full-day options, making them essential for ardent fans of the Lord of the Rings series.

Outlined below are 15 premier Hobbiton tours.

1. Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day-Tour from Auckland

This comprehensive day tour features visits to the renowned Hobbiton movie set, the Waitomo Caves, and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute.

It offers an extensive exploration of numerous highlights found in New Zealand’s North Island. Door-to-door transportation from your Auckland accommodation is included for added convenience.

The journey between the locations provides remarkable viewing opportunities, and being an all-day tour allows ample time to immerse yourself in the unique attractions on offer.

At Rotorua and Waitomo, you will gain insight into the local indigenous culture, stunning geography, and witness the captivating glowworms as well.

2. Guided Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set

For enthusiasts of Lord of the Rings, this tour of the movie set is an essential addition to your New Zealand travel plans.

The scenic 12-acre set will be instantly recognizable to film aficionados, featuring rolling hills adorned with Hobbit Holes within The Shire.

Your knowledgeable guide will elucidate the history and significance of each location while imparting insights into the filmmaking process.

This two-hour tour is available in English and Mandarin, culminating in a visit to the famed Green Dragon Inn, where you can savor the distinctive brewed beverage associated with the films.

3. From Tauranga, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Shore Excursion

This excursion to Hobbiton sets out from the port in Tauranga, guiding guests through Pilot Bay and alongside the picturesque Mount Maunganui Beach.

Be sure to bring your camera to capture unobstructed views of the area’s most breathtaking sights. Upon reaching the movie set, your guide will navigate you through The Shire and the residences of several key characters, concluding with a beverage at the Green Dragon Inn.

The cost of the tour encompasses all aspects except lunch and gratuities for your service providers, typically lasting around seven hours.

4. Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour with Buffet-Style Lunch

If you are a dedicated Lord of the Rings enthusiast and enjoy a hearty meal, this guided tour with a buffet lunch presents excellent value.

Wander through The Shire and visit the hillside residences of some of the most prominent characters in the trilogy.

This region also offers some of New Zealand’s most stunning vistas. Relax at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary drink before participating in the expansive lunch buffet.

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, featuring traditional, western, and Hobbit-themed dishes.

5. Executive-Style Hobbiton Movie Set Day-Tour from Auckland

If you wish to experience the Hobbiton filming location in elegance, this day tour option from Auckland is highly recommended.

You will be transported from your Auckland accommodation to The Shire in a luxury Mercedes-Benz van. Subsequently, you’ll embark on a tour of Hobbiton, which usually lasts about 45 minutes.

You will encounter the area’s highlights, and before departure, you will stop at the Shire’s Rest Café for a brief refreshment. The journey to Waikato will feature numerous opportunities for memorable photographs.

All elements are covered except for lunch, beverages, and gratuities for your attentive service providers.

6. Hobbiton & Rotorua Tour with Lunch from Auckland

This small group day tour to the Hobbiton movie set and Rotorua originates in Auckland and includes a guided tour of Hobbiton’s key attractions lasting roughly two hours.

Depending on your travel arrangements and accommodation, the tour offers a round trip from Auckland or one-way service if you choose to stay in Rotorua that evening.

In Rotorua, you will receive exceptional insights into the lives and traditions of the local Maori community from your guide, followed by leisure time to engage with Maori arts and crafts and enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by local artisans.

This tour offers an appealing combination of entertainment and cultural experience.

7. Early-Bird Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland

For those who prefer to start their day early rather than catch a few extra hours of sleep, this express early-bird tour of the Hobbiton movie set is an excellent method to optimize your day and avoid crowds.

The tour departs from Auckland at 6:00 AM in a comfortable air-conditioned coach. Upon arrival at the 12-acre movie set, you will undergo a guided tour encompassing all must-see locations while learning about the acclaimed film.

As no worthwhile tour of Hobbiton would overlook the Green Dragon Inn, a stop is included there, allowing you time to relax and enjoy a drink before returning to Auckland.

8. Private Hunua Falls and Hobbiton Tour from Auckland

This tour is ideal for those seeking a private experience of Hobbiton while also appreciating natural wonders.

You will enjoy VIP-style transportation to and from Auckland, and while at the movie location, a personalized tour will showcase the splendors of Middle Earth, featuring all the main attractions.

Prior to returning to Auckland, you will stop at the beautiful Hunua Falls for moments of relaxation or photo opportunities.

The tour covers the guide fees and light refreshments; however, you should plan to purchase your meals if needed.

9. Hobbiton and Waitomo Bus Tour and Lunch from Auckland

This tour commences in Auckland, wherein you and your companions will be transported by luxury bus across the picturesque New Zealand countryside toward Waitomo, known for its captivating glowworms residing in the caves.

Your guide will provide insights into the various amazing sights along the way, after which you will proceed to the tour’s other highlight: Hobbiton.

You can anticipate a guided tour followed by a delightful all-you-can-eat lunch buffet at the Green Dragon Inn.

Throughout your journey, you will gain valuable knowledge about the filmmaking process while enjoying opportunities for photographs of the Hobbit Holes scattered across the rolling hills.

10. Guided Tour of Hobbiton with Evening Banquet from Rotorua

This afternoon and evening small group tour typically spans about six hours, including transportation to and from your hotel in Rotorua.

Your guided exploration of the 12-acre movie location includes visits to all the pivotal areas featured in the films, concluding with a festive banquet-style feast at the renowned Green Dragon Inn.

Your guide will astonish you with extensive knowledge regarding filmmaking, Hobbit lore, and the rich history of this remarkable slice of New Zealand.

After an eventful day and a fulfilling meal, you will enjoy the spaciousness of the bus during your journey back to Rotorua.

11. 2-Day Tour to Bay of Islands, Hobbiton & Waitomo from Auckland

The first day of this two-day tour departs Auckland at 7:30 AM and includes an excursion of the Bay of Islands along with a Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise.

The region boasts breathtaking views, providing ample chances to capture photographs.

The second day features a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set, showcasing all the notable filming locations along with the Hobbit Holes and the Green Dragon Inn.

Additionally, an underground boat cruise through the Waitomo Caves, renowned for their glowing inhabitants, is included.

The journey concludes with a return to Auckland at around 8:00 PM, leaving you pleasantly satisfied.

12. Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour from Rotorua

A half-day excursion is perfectly sufficient to explore the Hobbiton movie set.

This tour encompasses the sheep farm that was transformed into The Shire, allowing you to view numerous Hobbit Holes and make a stop at the Green Dragon Inn.

The tour meanders through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenic terrains, elucidating why this location was selected for such a fantastical production.

You will enjoy unrestricted access to the 12-acre site, and after the tour, you will have nearly half a day remaining for additional adventures or sightseeing activities.

13. Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Auckland

This Hobbiton movie set tour from Auckland includes transportation directly to your pickup point and departs at 9:30 AM.

The journey lasts about 2.5 hours, providing free Wi-Fi onboard the bus, and along the route, you will observe many of New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes.

Before embarking on the guided tour, enjoy lunch at a nearby café, followed by explorations of Hobbit Holes, The Shire, and the Green Dragon Inn.

Be sure to capture a few selfies at Bilbo Baggins’ home or relax with a beer or cider at the Green Dragon Inn before returning to Auckland.

14. Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Full-Day Tour from Rotorua

The full-day tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves commences with pickup from your hotel in Rotorua. Subsequently, you will be taken to explore the tour’s highlights, traversing some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

The Waitomo Caves are famous for their enchanting glowworms, and a guided boat tour through the serene caves is part of the experience followed by travel to Hobbiton.

Upon arrival at Hobbiton, you will receive an official guided tour from your knowledgeable leader, who will elaborate on the filmmaking process and lead you to the most iconic locations.

You will witness a variety of Hobbit holes, including those of Bilbo and Frodo.

15. Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Day Tour from Auckland

This full-day adventure commences in Auckland and features two of New Zealand’s most notable attractions.

It is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers; the first destination will be the Hobbiton movie set, which has gained immense popularity in recent years.

The tour encompasses all highlights of the 12-acre site, after which you will proceed to the remarkable caves of Waitomo, renowned for their unique luminescent glowworms.

You will glide beneath the glowing creatures on a boat before concluding your adventure and returning home.

The tour spans an entire day, providing a remarkable opportunity to explore two significant locations conveniently.