Hobbiton Tour from Tauranga: Movie Set, Lunch & Falls Walk

Summary

Middle Earth magic, Waikato hills and sheep farms from Tauranga

You’ll ride from Tauranga past beaches and farms into Middle Earth itself on this Hobbiton Movie Set tour with a local guide. Walk among real hobbit holes, sip a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, grab lunch at Shires Rest Cafe, then stroll through native bush to McLaren Falls before heading back — expect laughter, stories, and maybe a new favorite spot.

What’s the experience like?

We were still joking about second breakfasts when our guide, Dave, pulled the van over near Mount Maunganui — he pointed out surfers bobbing like seals and I swear you could smell salt and sunscreen through the window. The drive inland felt like peeling away layers of New Zealand: city to farmland to these rolling green hills that just kept going. Dave told us stories about the Kaimai ranges (I probably pronounced it wrong), and at one point we stopped for a photo. It was windier than I expected — my hat nearly flew off, but the view made up for it. You know how some places just feel quiet in a different way?

Arriving at Hobbiton felt oddly familiar — maybe too many rewatches, or maybe it’s just that everything looks exactly like it does in the movies. Our Hobbiton Movie Set tour started with a bus ride through this working sheep farm; sheep everywhere, not even caring about us. Our guide Li had this way of making all the behind-the-scenes stuff sound casual (“Peter Jackson wanted a tree here, so they built one”), but you could tell she loved it. I touched one of the little round doors — not sure if you’re supposed to — and it was rough under my hand, painted bright green but chipped at the edge. At The Green Dragon Inn they handed me a ginger beer (included) and I sat by the fire even though it wasn’t cold. Still think about that taste.

Lunch was quick — sandwich and coffee at Shires Rest Cafe because we’d lingered too long taking photos (Li just laughed). On the way back toward Tauranga we stopped at McLaren Falls Park for a short walk through bush that smelled like damp earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. Nobody really talked much there; just listened to water over rocks and birds somewhere above us. Then back in the van, everyone kind of quiet until we crossed the harbour bridge again. Funny how six hours can feel both packed and slow at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic drive and Hobbiton tour

• Drive along Mount Maunganui beach
• Cross Tauranga Harbour bridge
• Drive past Tauranga city center
• Travel inland over Kaimai ranges
• Enjoy panoramic Waikato farmland views
• Arrive at Shires Rest Cafe
• Board Hobbiton bus to movie set
• Take guided 2.5-hour Hobbiton tour
• Break for lunch and shopping
• Return over Kaimai range
• Stop at lookout for photos
• Visit McLaren Falls park
• Walk to view waterfall
• Return across harbour bridge
• End tour at starting point

Top questions

How long is the Hobbiton tour from Tauranga?

The full day trip lasts about 6 hours including travel time from Tauranga.

Is lunch included on the Hobbiton Movie Set tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is time to buy food at Shires Rest Cafe during the tour.

Does this Hobbiton tour include pickup in Tauranga?

Yes, pickup and drop-off in Tauranga are included as part of your booking.

Can you visit Hobbiton from cruise ships docking in Tauranga?

No, starting October 2024 this tour no longer operates with cruise ship arrivals.

What is included in the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour?

The tour includes entry to Hobbiton Movie Set, transport in an air-conditioned van, live commentary from your local guide, and a drink at The Green Dragon Inn.

Do you stop anywhere besides Hobbiton on this day trip?

Yes, there’s also a stop for photos over Waikato farmland and a short walk to McLaren Falls Park before returning to Tauranga.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off in Tauranga by air-conditioned van with live commentary from your local driver-guide; entry tickets for the guided Hobbiton Movie Set Tour; a complimentary beer or soft drink at The Green Dragon Inn; plus time for lunch at Shires Rest Cafe (at your own cost) before finishing with a walk to McLaren Falls Park.