Hobbiton & Rotorua with Te Puia Tour

North Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

AU$344

per adult

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Lush green hills and Hobbit holes set along a peaceful lakefront at the Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand

Experiences

Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

History and Māori Culture

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Auckland

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 13 hours

Details

A Day of Middle Earth Magic and Geothermal Marvels

A day trip to Hobbiton and Rotorua with Te Puia is a journey through two of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations. From the rolling green hills of the Shire to Rotorua’s steaming geysers, you’ll discover why these places are top of many travellers’ lists. Along the way, you’ll also experience warm hospitality and stories that bring the land to life.

The tour blends fantasy with natural wonder, offering film fans and nature lovers something special. Hobbiton provides a glimpse into the enchanting world of Middle-earth, while Te Puia reveals the living power of Aotearoa’s geothermal landscape. Together, they showcase the magic, culture and beauty that make New Zealand truly unique.

Experience Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set is world-famous for its lush farmland, charming hobbit holes and storytelling magic that brings Tolkien’s world to life. Guided tours take you past the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the Party Tree, where you’ll feel transported into a film set that looks like it has always existed in the Waikato countryside.

Finishing the day in Rotorua with a visit to Te Puia adds depth to the journey, where bubbling mud pools, powerful geysers and Māori traditions create an unforgettable finale. The combination of Hobbiton’s cinematic magic and Rotorua’s cultural heartbeat leaves you with memories that capture the very spirit of New Zealand.

Charming hobbit house with a yellow door nestled beneath a tree in the lush landscape of Hobbiton Movie Set

A blue round-door Hobbit hole nestled among lush flowers and greenery at Hobbiton Movie Set

Aerial view of Bagshot Row at Hobbiton Movie Set, featuring three colourful hobbit holes surrounded by lush gardens

Red round door opening into Bagshot Row Hobbit hole with rustic interior decor

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

Thatched mill building beside the lake at Hobbiton Movie Set, with trees reflected in the still water

Pōhutu Geyser erupting under a clear blue sky at Te Puia in Rotorua with visitors on the boardwalk nearby

Family walking along a boardwalk with steam rising from geysers in the background at Te Puia in Rotorua

Close-up of a traditional Māori stone carving in progress at Te Tekapu carving school, Rotorua

Close-up of hands weaving a traditional flax basket at Te Rito, Te Puia

Close-up of hands weaving a traditional Māori piupiu skirt at Te Rito, the national weaving school at Te Puia in Rotorua

Māori artist carving traditional patterns into wood at Whakairo Rākau in Te Puia, Rotorua

Te Puia guide speaking to visitors inside the Kiwi Conservation Centre in Rotorua

Close-up of a young kiwi bird being held carefully as part of the conservation programme at Te Puia in Rotorua

Purple flowers in front of historic Government Gardens building in Rotorua

Inclusions

Small Group Experience
Expert Guide Included
Admission Tickets
Complimentary Water & Snacks Provided

Age Information

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 4-14 years
Infants: Under 4 years

Cancellations & Refunds

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

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

Itinerary

Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand's bustling metropolis. As we venture out of the city, your guide will share fascinating insights, highlighting some of Auckland's most famous landmarks and setting the stage for the day's journey ahead.

Next, we journey south through the breathtaking Waikato countryside, celebrated as one of the most expansive farming regions in the world. This route offers a feast for the eyes with its magnificent rivers, scenic photo opportunities, towering mountains, and an array of farm animals.

Upon reaching Hobbiton, you'll hop on one of the iconic big green buses for a two-hour guided tour of this enchanting 12-acre movie set. Led by a professional guide from Hobbiton, you'll wander through the vibrant pastures of the Shire, discover 44 unique hobbit holes, meander through stunning gardens, and uncover behind-the-scenes secrets from the films. The experience is topped off with a refreshing complimentary drink at the famous Green Dragon Inn.

Continuing towards Rotorua, we'll pass through Tirau, a town renowned for its quirky corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, guaranteed to capture your interest and bring a smile to your face.

The journey then takes us to Te Puia Geothermal Park, where you'll delve into a world of geothermal wonders and Māori cultural heritage. The tour at Te Puia includes marvels such as the Pōhutu Geyser, exquisite Māori architecture, insights from The National Māori Arts School, and the chance to see geothermal craters and phenomena up close. You might even catch a glimpse of a Kiwi bird in their special viewing house.

As we conclude our time in Rotorua, enjoy a driving tour of the city's key attractions, including Lake Rotorua, the Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring), and the Blue Baths. Time permitting, a stop at a local souvenir shop offers the chance for discounted shopping and to sample Manuka Honey.

Finally, as we make our way back to Auckland, the journey isn't over yet. Relish a guided return trip filled with secret stops, ensuring your day is packed with memories right until the end.