Hobbiton from Auckland: Movie Set Tour & Party Marquee Lunch

Summary

Walk among Hobbit holes, taste cider in the Green Dragon Inn, and linger over lunch beneath the Party Tree on this small-group trip to Hobbiton from Auckland

You’ll walk right into Hobbiton’s movie set from Auckland, guided by locals who know every story behind each hobbit hole. Sip cider at the Green Dragon Inn, share laughs over lunch in the Party Marquee beneath the Party Tree, and take home memories (and maybe a quirky souvenir) after this small-group day trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we rolled into Matamata was how green everything looked — not just regular green, but that soft, storybook kind. Our guide, Jamie, kept pointing out little details in the farmland as we drove from Auckland (“that’s where they filmed Gandalf’s cart coming in,” she said with a grin). We stopped for coffee at a roadside café — honestly, their scones were so good I almost forgot we were heading for Hobbiton. The air smelled like wet grass and sheep somewhere nearby. It felt sort of unreal, seeing signs for “The Shire” just off a regular New Zealand highway.

I didn’t expect to feel so giddy walking past those round doors on Bagshot Row. Our Hobbiton guide (her name was Li) had this way of telling stories that made you believe she’d lived here her whole life. She let us peek inside one of the hobbit holes — tiny bed, teacups still on the table, even a little fireplace with fake embers. I tried sitting at the table and nearly knocked over a wooden spoon. Li laughed and said I had “big folk energy.” The main keyword here is definitely Hobbiton tour — but honestly it felt less like a tour and more like wandering through someone’s very detailed daydream.

We crossed the bridge by the mill (the water really does make that gentle splashing sound you hear in the movies) and ducked into the Green Dragon Inn. The ginger beer tasted spicy-sweet and cold after all that walking. Some people went for ale; I stuck with cider because it just seemed right. Lunch was served under this huge white marquee next to the Party Tree — long tables covered in platters of roast veggies and bread rolls you could tear apart with your hands. There was a lot of laughter from our group when someone tried to guess what “second breakfast” would actually be if you lived here full time.

I still think about that view from Bilbo’s gate — sunlight slanting across those hills, sheep moving like little dots far off. On the drive back to Auckland (with one last bathroom stop), everyone got kind of quiet. Maybe tired or maybe just trying to hold onto that feeling a bit longer. I bought a fridge magnet with my souvenir voucher but now wish I’d grabbed something sillier — like those woolly socks they sell near checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hobbiton tour and lunch from Auckland

• Pick up from Auckland accommodation
• Travel to Hobbiton with guide commentary
• Stop at local café for coffee or snack
• Walking tour of Hobbiton movie set
• Explore inside a Hobbit hole
• Visit Green Dragon Inn for drink
• Enjoy buffet lunch at Party Marquee
• Receive souvenir voucher
• Return to Auckland with toilet stop

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Auckland to Hobbiton?

It takes about 2 hours each way by minibus between Auckland and Hobbiton.

Is lunch included on this Hobbiton tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included in the Party Marquee next to the Green Dragon Inn.

Do you get to go inside any hobbit holes?

Yes, there’s an interactive part where you can explore inside a hobbit home on Bagshot Row.

What drinks are available at the Green Dragon Inn?

You can choose between ale, cider, or ginger beer—all included with your tour.

How big is each group on this day trip?

The transport group is limited to 13–15 people; at Hobbiton itself you'll join a larger guided group.

Is hotel pickup included in Auckland?

Yes, central Auckland hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Are there stops along the way for food or restrooms?

Yes, there’s a brief stop at a local café en route for coffee or snacks (“second breakfast”), plus bathroom breaks as needed.

Can children join this Hobbiton tour?

Yes, children are welcome; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Auckland, comfortable minibus transport through lush countryside with commentary from your driver-guide, entry fees for the full Hobbiton movie set walking tour led by specialist guides (including going inside a hobbit hole), a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn—ale, cider or ginger beer—and a generous buffet lunch served in the themed Party Marquee beside the Party Tree before returning to Auckland. You’ll also receive a NZ$10 voucher for souvenirs at the gift shop.