Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland: Small Group Experience

A leisurely afternoon into Middle-earth, starting mid-morning from the city

A small-group guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set departing from Auckland in the morning and returning by late afternoon, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The 2.5-hour guided walk covers the 1,250-acre farm, hobbit holes, gardens and the Green Dragon Inn, with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the films. Water and snacks are provided. Lunch at the Shire's Rest Cafe is optional and at your own cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day trip to Hobbiton Movie Set

• Depart Auckland for Waikato countryside
• Arrive at Hobbiton Movie Set
• Guided tour of hobbit holes and gardens
• Visit Green Dragon Inn for a toast
• Hear behind-the-scenes filmmaking stories
• Shop at Hobbiton Gift Shop
• Lunch at Shire's Rest Cafe (not included)
• Return to Auckland and hotel drop-off

The experience

You leave Auckland mid-morning and travel 2.5 hours through the Waikato countryside to reach the Hobbiton Movie Set. The drive itself is part of the day: rolling farmland and the Kaimai Ranges come into view as you approach the 1,250-acre sheep farm where the films were shot. Your guide leads a 2.5-hour walk through the set, stopping at hobbit holes built into the hillside, the vibrant gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn, where you get a complimentary drink from the Shire. Throughout, the guide shares how the filmmakers built and dressed each location, and what the landscape looked like before the sets arrived.

After the guided portion, you have time to browse the official Hobbiton Gift Shop and visit the Shire's Rest Cafe, where you can buy lunch or a coffee and sit in the grounds. The return journey to Auckland takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with drop-off at your hotel or accommodation in the CBD. The whole day runs 8 to 9 hours door-to-door, which means no 5am pickup and no late evening return.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland CBD in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• admission to the Hobbiton Movie Set with a fully guided 2.5-hour tour.
• bottled water and snacks during the day.
• a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 13:00

Book up to4h before

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

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled 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

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Expedigo Tours and Travels Auckland

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're arriving in Auckland with a free afternoon or prefer not to start before mid-morning: the later departure and return time fit a relaxed schedule while still giving you the full guided experience of the set.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

82 verified traveler reviews

5 ★74

4 ★7

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

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

How long is the actual walking tour at Hobbiton?

The guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set lasts 2.5 hours, covering hobbit holes, gardens, and landmarks like the Green Dragon Inn on foot.

What's included in the tour price?

Admission to the Hobbiton Movie Set, a fully guided experience, hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland, bottled water, snacks, and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn are included. Lunch is not included but available for purchase at the Shire's Rest Cafe.

How much time do I spend traveling versus at Hobbiton?

Travel from Auckland takes 2.5 hours each way. The guided tour at Hobbiton is 2.5 hours, plus time at the gift shop and cafe. Total day is 8 to 9 hours.

What will the guide tell us about the films?

Your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories from 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' films, explains how each location was built and dressed, and discusses the landscapes that served as cinematic backdrops.

Can I take photos at Hobbiton?

Yes, you can capture photos throughout the tour, including at Bilbo's Bag End and other iconic landmarks on the set.