Hobbiton Movie Set & Blue Springs tour from Hamilton

Bilbo's Bag End and the Shire's gardens, then turquoise water and native bush in one day

A full-day guided tour departing Hamilton that splits between the Hobbiton Movie Set on a sprawling sheep farm and the Blue Springs walkway. The 2.5-hour Hobbiton experience covers hobbit holes, film locations and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. The Blue Springs stop includes a short walk through native forest beside some of New Zealand's clearest water. Pickup and return to Hamilton are included, along with an English-speaking guide, bottled water, snacks, tea and coffee.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Hobbiton and Blue Springs

• Depart from Hamilton city
• Drive through Waikato countryside to Waitomo
• Drive to Putāruru and Blue Springs
• Stroll along Blue Spring walkway
• Take guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
• Enjoy drink at Green Dragon Inn
• Return to Hamilton city

The experience

The tour leaves Hamilton and heads toward the Waikato countryside, with a drive of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your guide introduces the day's route as you travel, then leads a 2.5-hour walk through the 1,250-acre sheep farm where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films were shot. You'll move through the charming hobbit holes, lush gardens and iconic landmarks, pause for photos at Bilbo's Bag End, and finish with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before the drive back toward Hamilton.

Between the movie set and the return journey, the tour stops at Blue Springs near Putāruru. A short, easy walk follows the Te Waihou Walkway alongside the spring itself, where the water runs so clear it appears almost unreal. There's time to photograph the vivid turquoise and absorb the quiet of the native bush before heading back to the city. The whole day runs 7 to 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from Hamilton.
• English-speaking guide.
• 2.5-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
• entry to the 1,250-acre farm.
• a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
• visit to Blue Springs with a walk along the Te Waihou Walkway.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• tea and coffee.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 10:30 and 11:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (under 11)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Expedigo Tours and Travels Hamilton

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the Hobbiton experience intimate and allow your guide to move at a pace that lets you linger at the film locations and gardens without feeling rushed. This works well if you want the set's details without a crowd.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (under 11).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long do you spend actually on the Hobbiton Movie Set?

The guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set lasts 2.5 hours, covering the hobbit holes, gardens and film locations across the 1,250-acre farm.

What's included in the tour price from Hamilton?

Pickup and drop-off from Hamilton, an English-speaking guide, admission to the Hobbiton set, a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, bottled water, snacks, tea and coffee are all included. All fees and taxes are covered.

How much walking is involved at Blue Springs?

Blue Springs includes a short, refreshing stroll along the Te Waihou Walkway beside the spring, designed to let you take in the water and native surroundings without strenuous effort.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. The walking at Blue Springs is easy, but the full day and Hobbiton terrain should be considered.