Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton with Lunch

North Island

Bush and Beach

from

AU$426

per adult

Book Now

Interior view from inside a hobbit hole looking out through a round door onto the green hills of Hobbiton

Experiences

Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Auckland

Finish: Rotorua

Location: Auckland

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

Details

Auckland to Rotorua with a Middle-earth Twist

This unforgettable day tour takes you from Auckland to Rotorua, stopping at the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set. Perfect for film fans and nature lovers, it’s a scenic and immersive experience through New Zealand’s countryside. You’ll explore the lush landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life on screen.

Once at Hobbiton, wander past 44 hobbit holes, the charming Mill, and the famous Party Tree. A special highlight is stepping inside a hobbit hole, where whimsical touches like tiny furniture and a hobbit-sized bed add to the magic. Your journey also includes a hearty buffet lunch and a local drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

From Shire’s Rest to Rotorua Comfort

The tour begins with a relaxed drive to Shire’s Rest, the gateway to the Hobbiton set. This stretch of the trip showcases rolling green hills and classic Waikato farmland, setting the tone for the fantasy-filled day ahead. Once you arrive, a guide shares behind-the-scenes stories from the film set.

After the tour, savour your buffet lunch under the marquee and enjoy a complimentary ale, cider, or ginger beer in the Green Dragon. By early afternoon, you’re back on the road to Rotorua with stunning views along the way. The day wraps up with drop-off at selected Rotorua accommodations around 2:30 pm.

Hobbit kitchen and pantry inside Bagshot Row with shelves of food props and wooden décor

Stone bridge and watermill next to lake on the Hobbiton Movie Set tour

Hobbit holes on a grassy hillside path bathed in soft sunset light at the Hobbiton Movie Set in Waikato

Interior of a Hobbit hole in Bagshot Row with rustic wooden furniture and warm lighting

Guided tour group posing for a photo near a pond at Hobbiton Movie Set

Couple posing for a photo outside a blue Hobbit door on the Hobbiton Movie Set tour

Visitors taking a photo outside Bag End with the famous round green Hobbit door

Arched wooden hallway inside a Bagshot Row Hobbit hole at Hobbiton Movie Set

Iconic round doorway view from inside Bag End, looking out to misty hills and garden paths in Hobbiton, New Zealand

Buffet table with rustic dishes and decorations at Hobbiton Evening Banquet Feast

Tour Inclusions

Pickup from inner-city Auckland accommodation.
Admission and guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Step inside a Hobbit home for an immersive experience.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Party Marquee.
Receive a complimentary souvenir voucher.
Relax with ale, cider, or ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn.
Transfer to Rotorua after the Hobbiton tour.

Important Information

Departure: 6.45am
Finish: 2.30pm
This tour currently requires a minimum of 2 adults to run.

Age Information

Adults: 15 years +
Child: 5-14 years
Infant: Under 5 years

Cancellation and Refund

More than 24 hours: Full refund*
Within 24 hours: No refund

*Less any booking or credit card fees.

Note: Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Venture beyond the door at Bagshot Row and take a glimpse into the lives of a Hobbit family

This tour from Auckland to Rotorua includes a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set along the way. It’s a wonderful way to travel to Rotorua while experiencing the magical world of Middle-earth, featured in *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit* films.

Departing from Auckland, you’ll travel south through the lush farmland of the Waikato region. As you approach the Shire, the rolling green hills create a sense of excitement. Your Bush and Beach guide will provide commentary along the way, sharing insights about the regions you pass through and background stories about the movies.

Upon arrival at Hobbiton, you'll join a guided tour of the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set still remaining in New Zealand. Explore 44 hobbit holes, the Mill, the double-arched bridge, and the Party Tree, while your Hobbiton guide shares fascinating stories about the filmmaking process.

A highlight of the tour is stepping inside a Hobbit home. You'll have the opportunity to experience its cozy charm—try out a Hobbit-sized bed, sit at the dining table, and admire the intricate details inside.

Before enjoying a buffet lunch in the Party Marquee, relax with a complimentary ale, cider, or ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn.

After lunch, you’ll receive a souvenir voucher to use at the Hobbiton gift shop before continuing your journey to Rotorua. Arrival in Rotorua is approximately 2:30 pm, with drop-off at selected inner-city accommodation.

This one-way tour allows for luggage, so you can comfortably bring your belongings along the journey.