Take a Hobbiton tour from Auckland and immerse yourself in middle earth, on your journey through the original movie set of Hobbiton.
Sir Peter Jackson, director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, put New Zealand firmly on the world stage for many of reasons.
- Showcasing the amazing scenery here in New Zealand
- Attracting top actors and actresses to New Zealand
- Proving how ideal New Zealand's geography and landscape is for making world class epic movies
The follow-up, The Hobbit, was not as successful Emmy-wise but has still been a resounding success. Hobbiton movie set located on a private working farm in a small rural farming town called Matamata.
Matamata is approximately a 2-hour drive from Auckland or 1-hour drive from Rotorua. The township of Matamata itself has many of restaurants, cafes and shops if you want to make a day of it on your "Hobbiton Tour from Auckland".
A Hobbiton Tour from Auckland is a must do for any Lord of the Rings and Hobbit enthusiast.
Options to visit Hobbiton New Zealand.
Hobbiton Tour From Auckland
- Self-drive in a car or campervan
- Catch an Intercity Bus to the i-Site, board a Hobbiton Bus to travel to the movie set
- Take a full or half day; all included tour of Hobbiton with GreatSights tours.
Hobbiton New Zealand
The Party Tree and Lake
Hobbiton is the only movie set that is still available to be visited and viewed as it was in the movies. Other Lord of the Rings sights around New Zealand are just scenic locations, where particular scenes were shot and you have to use your imagination and extensive knowledge of the trilogy to visualise the scenes.
Hobbiton New Zealand enjoyed by enthusiasts, interested persons, families and virtually anyone wanting a day excursion. Hobbiton is visited daily by many people from all nationalities who have never even seen the movies.
The Hobbiton experience begins with a trip to the film set with a personal expert guide explaining how the Hobbiton Movie Set came into being. Once you alight the bus, you take a guided walking tour of the set. In the event of it raining, umbrellas are available.
The Tour
Begin extremely passionate about the movies and their place of work. The guides will point out many fascinating aspects of interest and explain where and how various scenes appeared in the film
The Green Dragon Inn
The tour ends with a visit to the "Green Dragon Inn", for a complimentary Ale, cider or non-alcoholic drink. Customers can also purchase tea, coffee and delicious muffins.
An extensive array of gifts and souvenirs are available from the onsite souvenir shop located nest to the cafe, ideal for lunch, in the Shire's Rest.
Where is Hobbiton?
GPS Co-Ordinates: -37.872764, 175.680750
New Zealand Weather
Click here to see what the weather is likely to be like when you visit.
My Personal Recommendation
Take the GreatSights tour and have a total experience.
Travel in a modern coach through the rich farmland of the Waikato region while listening to an excellent commentary from your highly experienced driver/guide.
After your included tour of Hobbiton sit down for a scrumptious buffet lunch in a carnival type marque. On conclusion of your Hobbiton experience head off in your luxury coach to the World Famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves for a tour of this fairyland grotto. Travel back to Auckland with a thousand photos, vivid memories and stories to tell.
The great advantage of taking the GreatSights all included tour, is you don't need to worry about a thing. All the bookings and driving is taken care of. Just sit back, relax and take in the wonder of the day.
Options for hotel pickups are available.
Simply click the box below to start your middle earth adventure
"I got to say I have an inside running on the GreatSights tours, as it is my day job as a tour coach driver/guide. Who knows I may even be your driver guide for the day."
NOW IT'S YOUR TIME TO COMMENT
Have you been here and how was your experience?
What other information can I provide for you?
Please leave a comment below I would love to hear from you.
This looks amazing, I’m adding this to my bucket list. Also, it’s cool that you are the tour guide. What is the weather like in New Zealand?
Greg, thank you for the comment.
The weather is always great here, lol nI have to say that. 🙂
The weather can be very changeable, four season in a day at times. However mid Jan to mid March are usually the busiest months and the warmest. Either side there is usually snow on the mountains and of course winter, June to October, is great for skiing.
Cheers Mark
I’ve never been but I’d love to go! New Zealand looks like an absolutely beautiful place and visiting Hobbiton would be like having icing on a cake!
I always think it’s better going with a tour because, as you say, they can point out oh these scene was shot here and this was Biblo Baggins room etc. and make sure you don’t miss the best photo opportunities.
It’s on my bucket list, I promise one day I’ll make it!
Simon, thank you for your comment.
Yes I believe New Zealand is a beutiful place and having those hiden treasures like Hobbiton are very special.
Mark
Is it wrong to say I liked the movies better then I liked the books? I read a lot, a lot… and I enjoyed the books, but seeing them com alive was a special treat.
Anyway, my wife and I are planning a trip to New Zealand. I’ve always wanted to go there. From the pictures I have seen it looks like one of the most beautiful places on the planet – to me.
I came across your web page by accident, but I’m glad I did. I am not sure if a visit to Hobbiton is going to be in the agenda for our trip. But who knows…
Great information!
Thank you for your comment.
Well of course I’m biased and think New Zealand is beautiful. 🙂
When come be sure to contact me if I can be of any assistance and yes go to Hobbiton.
Mark
Wow Mark – Your pictures and descriptions of Hobbiton New Zealand are beautiful and so enticing. I’m from the U.S. and have never been to that part of the world (yet). It sounds like a tour is the way to go to see everything in Hobbiton.
I’m curious – what is the best time of year to visit? I hope to make it there soon!
~Jen
Jen, thank you for your comment.
The best time of year to visit depends on what you like to do. Mid Jan to Mid March are usually the busiest months and the warmest. Either side there is usually snow on the mountains and of course winter, June to October, is great for skiing.
Gives an idea for a post so stay tuned.
Mark
I’m a fan of all the movies in the Hobbit, it’s an excellent idea to visit all the locations where they made the movie, it’s a long trip but I think it’s worth it, beautiful country and a great movie!
Jairo, Thank you for your comment. Yes it is a long way to go, however I am sure you will be impressed with what you see and do. definitely worth the travel.
Mark
This sounds and looks amazing! I hope to come for a visit one day. I’m adding it to my list of places to visit for sure!
Awesome Michelle, love to see you here
Mark
See I knew this beautiful countryside was in New Zealand but I had no idea where!
Thank you so much for sharing. Now I know that when I visit New Zealand I can do the tour from Auckland. The information you shared is greatly appreciated and the personal recommendation for the GreatSights tour is as well. I know I can count on you to shoot me straight when it comes to New Zealand!
Dalton,
Thank you for you comment. Will be my pleasure to help you out when you come to New Zealand.
Mark
This looks great Mark. It’s my plan to visit New Zealand one day and this is something I am interested in seeing. I like how you can make a day of it too or choose half a day. We live in Malaysia so not too far to travel compared to some countries. I’ll be sure to bookmark this for later. Is there a preferred time of year to do this tour or is it open all year round?
Craig,
Thank you for your comment. We have a lot of Malaysians visit New Zealand as you say not that far to travel.
The tours run all year round but the better weather is Mid January to Mid March.
Mark
I loved the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies and have watched them over and over again. I would love one day to visit New Zealand and see where these movies where made.
As you said it did firmly put New Zealand on the map. It must really put some money into the country’s economy no doubt.
I am particularly interested in the GreatSights tour. Is there commentary provided as well. I just love hearing all sorts of interesting facts when I am on a tour.
Owain, thank you for your comment.
If you are a fan of LOR then Hobbiton is a must.
Yes the Greatsights tour comes with a great commentary about New Zealand and the surrounding country side.
Cheers
Mark
OK, too cool.
Now I have to go see New Zealand. Every time I see pictures it looks so lush and green, like English countryside only more of it.
What a beautiful country – and now it has a permanent Hobbit village? I cannot imagine anything more lovely.
I wonder if you have ever considered putting together an entire travel package from a major city, like Dubai, London, New York or the like?
The tour sounds amazing and a lot of fun. I would really like to experience this interesting site. Thank you for the interesting and informative article. New Zealand looks beautiful.
Grace
Grace, thank you for your comment. Hobbiton sure is a great experience and as I have said before I not what you would call an avid fan.
Very informative site! New Zealand looks like a great place to explore. Taking tours of every country I visit is a must. I look forward to visiting this beautiful country in the future!
Krystle, thank you for your comment.
We look forward to having you visit our country. Yes when I visit new countries or places I usually take a tour, as you learn so much more.
Mark
Great content & Advises Mark, that’s very beneficial to the audience
Thank you for your input.
Mark, you took me back to the trilogy with fondness. My husband was the real fan, and he is the one that introduced me. He doesn’t fly, but I am sure if he did, Hobbiton would be first on his bucket list. And you are right, it is thanks to movies such as Lord of The Rings or Narnia trilogy from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe books, that people have discovered what a beautiful country New Zealand is. Definitely worth saving money to visit!!
Giulia, Thank you for your comment. Yes, there has been a lot of movies now that have been shot here. Shame about your husband not flying. Just feed him up on something, blindfold him and bring him with you lol
Love to see you both here.
Mark
These photos of New Zealand are so beautiful. I have never been there before but would definitely like to visit in the near future.
Krissy,
Thank you for your compliments. Yes, we think it is a beautiful place and would be delighted to have you come visit sometime.
Mark
I have to tell you, this is a second look I’ve had at your site! It was so amazing, I came to check out this Hobbiton Tour. I have never been to NZ but from the looks, it’s absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!!!! Maybe someday I’ll get the opportunity to travel that direction. Just an amazing place. Thanks for building such a beautiful site for people like me to see.
Paula,
Thank you so much for your comments and revisiting my site. It’s my pleasure building this site and I do hope you make it here soon to come and see our great country.
Mark
I’m in Australia, and I’ve never been overseas! My partner suggested New Zealand because it’s close, and has cultural differences, but is not too different from here. This would be a fantastic experience to have while over there! I’d have to watch lord of the rings again to make sure I get the most from the tour. Thanks for sharing!
Angela, thank you for your comments.
Yes we are similar in many ways but also so different in others. You don’t have to be a Lord of the rings fan to enjoy Hobbiton but would help you get the most out of you trip to Hobbiton.
Mark
My Husband and I are huge fans of Lord of the Rings and we are recently looking for our next great adventure! Thank you so much for the information we are going to look into taking the GreatSights Tour!
Jessica, that sounds great. Be sure to let me know when you come and if there is anything I can help you with.
Thank you for your comments
Mark
It is interesting to find this because I have heard people recently saying they would like to go visit New Zealand. I enjoyed watching Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton sounds like it would be worthwhile to check out. There have been other movies done down there making it even more interesting to visit the terrain. When would be the best time to visit New Zealand?
Kevin, thank you for you comments. Yes there have been many many movies shot in New Zealand.
Narnia, Last Samari, The Piano, Verticle Limit to name just a few.
I have post regarding the best time to visit https://newzealandbycampervan…. hope this helps. we would love for you to come visit.
Mark