Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: Evening Feast & Lantern Walk

The Green Dragon Inn serves a real two-course banquet inside the actual film set.

A private evening tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set includes a guided walk across the 12-acre Shire at dusk, a two-course banquet feast in the Green Dragon Inn, and a lantern-lit walk back through the village under moonlight. Your guide recounts how the film set was built as you pass Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the double arched bridge. The tour runs about 10 hours with hotel pickup and return included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Banquet

• Pickup from Auckland CBD
• Drive through Bombay Hills
• Coffee and comfort break
• Guided dusk tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
• Enjoy banquet feast at Green Dragon Inn
• Lantern-lit walk through the Shire
• Return to Auckland or local accommodation

The experience

The drive from Auckland through the Waikato takes you past the Bombay Hills and into dairy farming country before you arrive at dusk. A comfort break and coffee stop (at your own expense) breaks up the journey before you reach the 12-acre movie set. Your guide meets you there and walks you through the structures and gardens built for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, pointing out where major scenes were shot and explaining the behind-the-scenes details of how the set was created. The terrain is uneven in places, though about 75% is wheelchair accessible, and sensible walking shoes are essential.

At the Green Dragon Inn, you start with a complimentary drink from the Hobbiton Southfarthing range in front of the open fires, then move into the dining room for a two-course banquet. Second helpings are encouraged in true Hobbit fashion. After dinner, you pick up an authentic handheld lantern and walk back through the Shire as it lights up for the evening: chimney smoke rising from the Hobbit holes, lanterns glowing against the darkness, and the rolling Kaimai Ranges visible in the distance. The lantern-lit walk is the finale of the experience before the drive back to your Auckland hotel.

Departure times shift throughout the year to match sunset: roughly 3pm in January, dropping to noon by May and June, then climbing back to 3pm by December. The vehicle is a temperature-controlled minibus with complimentary high-speed internet and refreshments on board. Special dietary requests can be accommodated if you mention them at booking, though preferences are subject to availability. You must be at least 18 to drink alcohol and carry a valid photo ID. Children under 8 need a car seat, and those aged 5–7 should travel in a booster seat.

What’s included

• Private minibus transportation with hotel pickup and return from Auckland CBD.
• complimentary high-speed internet and refreshments on board.
• admission to the 12-acre Hobbiton Movie Set with a fully guided tour.
• a two-course banquet feast inside the Green Dragon Inn.
• a complimentary Hobbiton beverage before dinner.
• an authentic handheld lantern for the evening walk through the lit-up Shire.
• a local English-speaking guide throughout.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 17 Jan 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by ExperienceKart Luxury Travel

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Auckland hotel means you don't need a car or a rental to reach the set. The minibus collects you and returns you at the end of the evening, so you can focus on the experience rather than the drive.

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Top questions

What exactly happens during the banquet at the Green Dragon Inn?

The Green Dragon Inn serves a two-course banquet feast inside the actual film set building. You sit down after a complimentary drink by the open fires, and second helpings are encouraged as part of the Hobbit tradition. The meal is included in the tour price.

How much walking is involved on the Hobbiton set?

The guided tour covers the 12-acre Shire on foot, passing Hobbit Holes, the Mill, the double arched bridge and other film structures. The terrain is uneven in places, though about 75% of the set is wheelchair accessible. Sensible walking shoes are essential, and the lantern-lit walk after dinner adds another stretch through the village.

Does the tour include the drive from Auckland?

Yes, private transportation from your Auckland CBD hotel is included, along with the return drive. The journey passes through the Waikato region and includes a comfort break and coffee stop (at your own expense) before reaching the set. You can also arrange drop-off in Hamilton or Matamata if you're staying in that region.

What time does the tour leave Auckland?

Departure times change throughout the year to align with sunset. In January it's around 3pm, dropping to noon by May and June, then climbing back to 3pm by December. You'll receive the exact time for your date when you book.

Can I take photos at Hobbiton?

Yes, there are photo opportunities in front of every Hobbit hole and throughout the set. Bring a camera or phone with camera capability. The lantern-lit walk under moonlight is particularly good for photos, though the lighting is low.

Is alcohol included, or do I need to pay extra for drinks?

A complimentary beverage from the Hobbiton Southfarthing range is included at the Green Dragon Inn before dinner. Additional drinks are available to purchase throughout the evening if you want more.