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North Island

Start: The Shires Rest, Matamata
Location: Matamata
Duration: 4.5 hours
Difficulty: 1

Feast Like a Hobbit Inside the Green Dragon Inn

Settle in for an unforgettable evening banquet inside the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, where hearty Hobbit fare, glowing lanterns, and the warm atmosphere of the Green Dragon Inn bring Middle-earth to life.

Your experience begins with a guided tour through Hobbiton at dusk before arriving at the legendary Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary Southfarthing beverage beside the firelight. From here, guests are welcomed into the banquet hall for a generous family-style feast featuring traditional Hobbit dishes, shared platters, and second helpings encouraged — just as they are in The Shire.

The combination of themed dining, storytelling, and the cosy tavern atmosphere makes this one of New Zealand’s most memorable food and movie experiences.

Wander Through Hobbiton Beneath Lantern Light

Before dinner, wander through the peaceful pathways of The Shire with your guide sharing behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Pass famous landmarks including Hobbit Holes, the Millhouse, and the double-arch stone bridge before visiting Bagshot Row and stepping inside the detailed interiors of a Hobbit home.

As the evening continues, Hobbiton transforms beneath the glow of lantern light. After your banquet feast, rejoin your guide for a magical lantern-lit walk through the village, where glowing Hobbit Holes and gently smoking chimneys create an unforgettable nighttime atmosphere beneath the stars.

  • Fully guided Hobbiton Movie Set evening tour
  • Entry to Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Visit to Bagshot Row and Hobbit Hole interior
  • Complimentary Southfarthing beverage
  • Traditional Hobbit banquet dinner
  • Lantern-lit night walk through Hobbiton
  • Expert guide commentary

Please note: This menu is indicative only and subject to seasonal changes without notice. Served family style, designed to be shared amongst the table.

Main Course
DishDietary Info
Golden roast chickenDF/GF
Roasted fillet of salmonDF/GF
Beef stewGF
Slow cooked lamb shanks on potato and garden pea mash with gravyGF
Cumberland sausages with tomato relish
Selection of roast vegetablesDF/GF/VGN
Garlic and thyme roasted potatoesDF/GF/VGN
Kumara mashDF/GF/VGN
Garlic braised mushroomsDF/GF/VGN
Seasonal vegetable pieDF/VGN
Fresh green saladDF/GF/VGN

Selection of homemade breads and condiments


Dessert Course
DishDietary Info
Pavlova with fresh cream and strawberry coulisGF/V
Bakewell tarts
Sticky date puddingV
Seasonal fresh fruitDF/GF/VGN
Baked apple crumbleDF/GF/VGN
Butterscotch sauceDF/V
Vanilla custardGF/V

DF - Dairy Free / GF - Gluten Free / V - Vegetarian / VGN - Vegan

Please note that Hobbiton Movie Set does its best to accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements and allergies. Hobbiton operates as a ‘halal-friendly’ kitchen and follows a strict allergen management plan. However, as the kitchen handles many allergens, dishes cannot be guaranteed completely free from trace amounts.

Guests are asked to advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Please note that Hobbiton Movie Set is currently undergoing ongoing maintenance and restoration to help preserve this iconic film location for years to come.

All daily tours continue to operate as scheduled. Guests may occasionally notice construction equipment or hear background activity, but this work is carefully managed within designated areas to minimise any impact on the experience. Visitors will still enjoy the full Hobbiton tour, along with added insights into the preservation efforts through updated guide commentary.

Coach & Vehicle Access
At times, vehicle access may be adjusted for safety or parking capacity. Please follow the instructions provided by Hobbiton’s Tour Operations team on arrival, as these may vary throughout the day.

  • Full payment is required upon booking.
  • Cancellation within 7 days of departure will be charged in full.*

Note: *Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Hobbiton Movie Set can cater to many dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal-friendly options. Guests should advise dietary needs at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure.

Yes, the Hobbiton Movie Set Evening Banquet Tour can be a wonderful family experience, especially for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Children often love the lantern-lit walk, Hobbit Holes, and themed banquet atmosphere. However, families should note that the tour finishes later in the evening, which may be tiring for younger children. Comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing are recommended for little ones during cooler months.

The Hobbiton Evening Banquet Tour is one of New Zealand’s most popular experiences and often sells out months in advance. Early booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays.

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour includes guided outdoor walking paths around the Hobbiton Movie Set during the evening and after dark.

The full Hobbiton Evening Banquet experience typically lasts around 4.5 hours, including transport from The Shire’s Rest to the movie set, the guided tour, banquet dinner, and the nighttime lantern walk.

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