Hobbiton, Rotorua & Te Puia tour from Auckland: Small group
Walk through the Shire, then stand in front of New Zealand's largest geyser
This 13-hour small group tour from Auckland visits Hobbiton Movie Set, Te Puia geothermal reserve and Rotorua city with a local guide, hotel pickup and a modern minibus. You board a Hobbiton bus for a two & a half hour guided tour of the 12-acre movie set, see 44 hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, then experience Pōhutu Geyser, Māori architecture and native bird enclosures at Te Puia, finishing with a guided drive through Rotorua's landmarks. The tour operates in all weather and involves uneven surfaces and a moderate amount of walking.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Hobbiton and Rotorua highlights
- Start tour in Auckland city
- Drive through Waikato countryside
- Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
- Pass through Tirau town
- Guided tour of Te Puia geothermal and Maori culture
- Visit Nga Manu Ahurei native bird enclosure
- View Pohutu Geyser eruption
- Guided driving tour of Rotorua city sights
- Return drive to Auckland with secret stops
What’s included
- The tour includes fully guided access to Hobbiton Movie Set with a professional guide and the complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
- fully guided entry to Te Puia with the geothermal sites, Māori cultural attractions and native bird enclosure.
- hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland CBD.
- bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
- and an air-conditioned minibus with a local driver and guide for the full 13 hours.
Times
- Every day 06:00
Before you book
Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
If you're arriving in Auckland and want to see the real film locations and geothermal wonders that make New Zealand distinct, this tour packs both into one day without you arranging transport or timing. You start in the city, then drive south through the Waikato farming region, the world's most extensive, where your guide points out the countryside, rivers and mountains along the way. The route itself is part of the day: you'll pass through Tirau, a town famous for its corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, where the guide shares the local stories.
At Hobbiton you board one of the big green buses and spend two & a half hours on the movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide. You walk through the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see the gardens where scenes were filmed, and hear the behind-the-scenes stories. The tour includes a cold drink at the Green Dragon Inn, the famous hobbit pub on set. After that, you drive to Rotorua and arrive at Te Puia, where a second fully guided tour takes you through the geothermal landscape and Māori cultural sites. You see Pōhutu Geyser (New Zealand's largest active geyser, erupting several times a day and reaching up to 30 metres) walk through geothermal craters, visit the National Māori Arts School and the native bird enclosure where you can see kiwi birds up close. The day finishes with a guided drive through Rotorua city, past Lake Rotorua, the museum, Government Gardens and the Blue Baths, then a fully guided return to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
The tour runs in a modern, air-conditioned minibus with a local driver and guide who share their background knowledge throughout the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland CBD is included, along with bottled water and snacks. The whole day is 13 hours, and because the group stays small, the pace and stops are built around the people on the bus rather than a fixed schedule rushing through each site.
Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day free and want to see both Hobbiton and Te Puia's geothermal features in one trip: the small group and local guide pace lets you absorb each location rather than moving quickly between them.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).
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.
What exactly do you see and do at Hobbiton Movie Set?
At Hobbiton you board a dedicated green bus and spend two & a half hours on the 12-acre movie set with a professional guide. You walk through the Shire's pastures, visit 44 hobbit holes, see the gardens and film locations, hear the stories behind the making of the movies, and enjoy a complimentary cold drink at the Green Dragon Inn pub on set.
What is Pōhutu Geyser and how often does it erupt?
Pōhutu Geyser is New Zealand's largest active geyser, located at Te Puia in Rotorua. It erupts spectacularly several times a day, reaching heights of up to 30 metres, and is one of the region's most iconic natural attractions. You see it as part of the fully guided Te Puia experience.
Does the tour include lunch?
Lunch is not included, but there are opportunities to purchase food along the way at various stops during the day.
How much walking is involved on this tour?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven surfaces, particularly at Hobbiton and Te Puia. It is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties or wheelchair users, and travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Is hotel pickup included, and which hotels are covered?
Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland CBD is included, though only select locations are covered. Confirm your hotel address when booking to verify pickup availability.
What's included in the tour price?
The tour includes the fully guided small group experience with a local driver and guide, entry to both Hobbiton Movie Set and Te Puia, hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland CBD, bottled water and snacks, and an air-conditioned minibus for the full 13 hours.
Hobbiton, Rotorua & Te Puia tour from Auckland: Small group
13h · EN · at your hotel
from NZ$ 449 per person
≈ US$ 258 in your currency
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