Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See the marvels of the Hobbiton movie set in one day with this guided luxury coach tour. Travel from central Auckland CBD across the Waikato plains to explore filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. This adventure includes a drink at the Green Dragon Inn and a Hobbit feast in a party marquee.
- Convenience: round-trip service from Auckland CBD
- Travel in comfort with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi onboard
- Inclusive: transport to Matamata, Hobbit set, and entry fees included
- Keep energy levels high with lunch and a drink included
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Top off your day with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- LunchHobbits Feast in the Party Marquee
- Restroom on board
- WiFi on board
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 102 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Sky City Coach Terminal
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.7:15 am
Itinerary
1
Hobbiton Movie Set
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
ilana_d
Great experience! The bus was comfortable, our driver Tako shared lots of interesting information about NZ on the way down, and the provided water and cookie were a nice touch. Hobbiton is an extremely well-run operation. Despite many other tour groups on site, we were spaced well and didn’t cross paths much if at all. The buffet lunch was tasty (I had low expectations) and had options for all dietary restrictions. Our tour guide Hannah was also lovely! Would recommend this for both LOTR fans and non-fans. A highlight of our trip so far!
Reviews
4.7
based on 200 reviews
isaac_C, Apr 2026
Go whit at least 1 friend to talk during the trip and obviously read or watch the movie. To have a good experience.
Dallas_R, Apr 2026
I contacted the local tour operator last night to confirm this event was still operation due to weather. I was told last. Ight it was still on. This morning, we checked out of our hotel, took a $40 Uber ride, walked a mile in the rain only to be told the tour was cancelled. We received no notification prior to our scheduled arrival time. While walking another mile in the rain to our new hotel, an alert came in telling us the tour was cancelled…20 minutes after the meeting time.
We have used Viator for years and have never had a negative experience. I fully understand weather can change things but the lack of communication is a problem
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Dallas_R,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that your day didn’t go to plan, and we completely understand how disappointing it is when arrangements change unexpectedly. If you had contacted our team the evening prior to confirm whether your tour was operating, you would have been provided with the most up-to-date information available at that time, as the tour was still scheduled to proceed.
We were only notified of the cancellation of Hobbiton on Sunday morning, and our team immediately worked to contact all affected passengers as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, due to the early departure time of your tour, we were unable to reach you sooner. If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out to info@greatsights.co.nz with your booking details. We do hope to have the opportunity to welcome you onboard in the future and wish you safe travels ahead.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Sara_M, Apr 2026
This excursion was so much better than we even expected. The bus driver and tour guide were both informative. The detail of the movie set is incredible!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Sara_M,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that your day visiting Hobbiton with us exceeded expectations. The level of detail in the movie set is truly incredible, and we hope you enjoyed experiencing it up close inside a Hobbit hole! Wishing you safe travels ahead.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Lionel_G, Mar 2026
Great place if you’re a hobbit fan. Nice being able to actually go into the hobbit house and see were they filmed
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Lionel_G,
Thank you for your kind words! Isn’t it a fantastic experience getting to walk through a Hobbit hole and see all the incredible detail up close? We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Erin_W, Mar 2026
Excellent tour. Fantastic service with the bus charter. Very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend!!
Laura_D, Mar 2026
Hobbiton is a must for any LOTR or film fan and this trip was a really way of doing it without a car. The pick up was easy from the bus station and there was an announcement to the platform which was really helpful!
The reason I mark it down a bit is because there was absolutely no info about LOTR / The Hobbit on the drive over. I won’t name the guide, he was very lovely but he talked down the microphone for the entire two hour drive about things like fuel tax and golf course prices…. Maybe other people found it interesting but personally I would have preferred to just enjoy the countryside with the odd historical or geographical fact here and there OR some more detail about Hobbiton itself if there had to be commentary most of the way.
Hobbiton is great but you can’t wander around on your own and you’re essentially just being guided around the various hobbit holes. I found the tour geared towards people who have never seen the films or read the books which was a bit of a shame as I have wanted to visit here for years. But it was still a really easy way to visit without a car and worth spending the day out.
Carol_S, Mar 2026
A long drive from Auckland to venue but worth it and lovely to take in the scenery. A very early start. Our driver Lenny was great on every way and Mackenzie our Hobbiton guide was super too. The lunch was great.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Carol_S,
Thank you for your kind words! It’s wonderful to hear that both your driver and your Hobbiton guide made such a great impression and isn’t the buffet lunch delicious! We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Michele_C, Mar 2026
Kenny is a great narrator. Very knowledgeable.
Great guy and funny too. Knows his stuff.
Very well organized tour
Thomas_M, Mar 2026
This was a great tour and we enjoyed our time. The lunch was also excellent. We would recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you had such a wonderful experience with us, and isn’t the buffet lunch the perfect way to finish the day? We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
MICHAEL_C, Mar 2026
Excellent experience we enjoyed the entire day the tour bus driver was excellent. We enjoyed lunch..
Donald_R, Mar 2026
A great full day of fun. The tour and guide (Mirie) and the bus driver Rachel were all great. I'm so glad I decided to take this tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you had such a fun day visiting Hobbiton with us, and that Rachel made such a great impression. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
VikkiJ_D, Mar 2026
Absolutely fantastic! The tour guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining, it’s a beautiful experience. They could have given us a little bit more time to eat lunch… That would be the only drawback, but the food was fantastic!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora VikkiJ_D,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! It’s wonderful to hear that your guides made such a lasting impression, and we hope you were able to take away some new facts. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Stephen_P, Mar 2026
Great tour! If you are a LOTR fan, a must do in New Zealand. My sister, who has not seen the movies, also had a great time.
Grace_D, Feb 2026
Staff is excellent, knowledgeable and friendly. The grounds are very well kept, the views are stunning in every direction
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Grace_D,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you were impressed by how well-maintained Hobbiton is, and that the staff made such a positive impression on you.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Marie_d, Feb 2026
The drive from Aukland to the Hobbiton Movie Set is about 2 and half hours. You will have an opportunity to buy Souvenirs at the beginning .. get them while you can because you don't come back to the souvenir shop.
You get back on the bus and drive to the Shire where you are guided by an expert employed by the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your tour is strictly timed as they are trying to put 2500 people through in a day and not have everyone tripping over each other or getting in each other's way. It is an absolutely amazing experience and as long as everyone is cooperative, it will go smoothly. Each group is about 46 people.
There's so much to see .. and there's a lot of hills. It is not for wheelchairs, not for anyone using a walker, or have mobility issues.
Stephanie_D, Feb 2026
The tour itself was wonderful. I requested a golf cart for 2 members of my group and it was not forwarded to the tour company. They were unable to see most of the attractions because of mobility problems. It was upsetting.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would appreciate the opportunity to look into this further. If you’re willing, please contact us at info@greatsights.co.nz with your booking details.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Sandeep_S, Feb 2026
Awesome trip. Hobbiton was a marvelous experience, but importantly so well organized by the tour operator. Rachel the guide was extremely knowledgeable and imparted a huge amount of information to us on the history and geography of New Zealand. Lunch was excellent as well and the whole experience very good.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted that Rachel left such a great impression. The buffet lunch really is the perfect way to end the day! Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Denise_B, Feb 2026
The tour is fantastic! Rachel, our bus driver, and Chris, our Hobbiton guide, were both amazing! Thank you so much
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled that Rachel and Chris left such a positive impression, and we really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Timothy_P, Feb 2026
It was a great location and fantastic experience. It really brings the world of Tolkien alive. Rachel was a great guide and host who provided really good commentary on the history of New Zealand
Alice_L, Feb 2026
This experience was something my husband and I really wanted to do on our honeymoon trip. We stayed with friends that live outside of Auckland and checked traffic patterns for the time of day and drive to make sure we planned accordingly for the morning of. Though we planned to give ourselves 45 mins prior to tour bus leaving for a 25 min drive with planned traffic, the traffic the morning of our experience ended up being 45 mins to the Sky Centre, this did not include parking and walking to the bus pickup. Due to the traffic delays, we messaged the tour provider to let them know we were running late and did not receive a response in return till after the tour bus leave time. Once we arrived, we found out that our bus has left and were informed to message the vendor we booked through to request a refund. When we got back to our lodging accommodation we did so and they unfortunately said they were unable to refund us since we were marked as a no show. We wanted to put this out there to give others a heads up to pad for time getting to this tour prior to the anticipated time.
Additionally it would have been beneficial to receive a message from the operator prior to the tour with best parking information, something all other tours we have done with Viator has done, to help give a heads up on the time from parking to the bus terminal, and having the bus slot number given would be beneficial.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Alice_L,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience was disappointing and understand how frustrating it can be when travel plans are affected by circumstances such as prolonged traffic. While we always aim to provide helpful information to assist guests in preparing for their experience with us, parking at our departure locations is not managed by us, so we’re unfortunately unable to provide guidance on parking availability. Travel insurance can also be helpful in situations where unexpected disruptions impact travel plans, as it may provide support or cover for unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in New Zealand.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
EJIROP_O, Feb 2026
A lot of fun! Super easy to find the location and the bus. Driver and guide were both friendly and informative. A fun day!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re so pleased you had an enjoyable day with us and that finding your meeting point was easy. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Jack_W, Feb 2026
The coach trip and the Hobbiton tour far exceeded what we imagined it would be like. The coach was clean, tidy and comfortable, and the drivers commentary on the journey was interesting. The guide we had for the Hobbiton set tour was also very friendly and made the walking tour so enjoyable. The set itself was so beautiful in its natural surroundings with lots of photo opportunities.
Inside the hobbit house was mind blowing with so much detail.
The drinks at the Green Dragon were excellent as was the buffet lunch which also far exceeded what we imagined it would be like - there was a good choice of food and plenty of it. Can’t praise this tour enough.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Jack_W,
Thank you for your wonderful review! The detail at Hobbiton is impressive isn't it, and we’re so glad it made your visit memorable. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Sandy_C, Feb 2026
Felt the movie & books truly come to life. The interiors were amazing. It is such a beautiful place.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your moment in Middle-Earth, such a beautiful place, isn’t it? Thank you for choosing to travel with us.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Erna_C, Feb 2026
It is a tour that promises a lot and delivers it all. From the extremely knowledgeable driver to the superb guide at Hobbiton not to mention the fabulous feast for lunch, it was a great experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Erna_C,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear that your driver made a wonderful impression and that you enjoyed the delicious buffet lunch. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Tn_S, Feb 2026
Excellent, well worth the 2 1/2hrs from Auckland, but the coach was comfortable and made the trip go by quick.
Annielyn_R, Feb 2026
Something different, worth seeing. We enjoyed and feel like we’re in another world. Our tour guide was wonderful and very knowledable.
Jim_B, Feb 2026
The Hobbiton tour is amazing! This is a must-do if you are travelling in the Auckland or Rotorua area. However, I would strongly suggest that you book going on your own, assuming you have a car or transportation. We almost exclusively book on Viator since we've never been disappointed before (at least 12 bookings that I can recall), however this one was pretty bad. It failed and we weren't the only ones who felt this way on the 2 1/2-hour bus ride each way. Remember, you're really booking the transportation with Viator. First, they promised/guaranteed a bathroom on the bus....well, yes, but the bathroom was non-serviceable, and we didn't find out until an hour into the trip when a young woman begged the bus driver to stop when he could. He reluctantly acquiesced and pulled over a stop but there was some attitude given. The stop also reduced our time in Hobbiton at the giftshop from 20 minutes to 10 minutes, which was frustrating. At the end of the tour, Hobbiton provides a nice buffet meal.....DON"T OVER-EAT or drink.....because the 2 1/2-hour ride back won't have a bathroom. I'd say our bus was very upset about this. Additionally, the bus driver who had been driving for this excursion for 10 years admitting to NEVER seeing the Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit. Think about it, he can't answer questions on the 5-hour round-trip drive because he never saw the movie. Because of this he pretty much talked about real estate and home prices for the majority of the drive. When nearly 75% of your purchase goes to Viator to essentially drive you to/from Hobbiton, I expect (1) a bathroom, especially when promised and (2) a driver who has seen the movie and been on the actual tour. The only reason I rated this review a 3-star is because the Hobbiton tour (conducted by someone who is onsite and not associated with Viator) was amazing! I'd suggest skipping the overpaid promises and under-delivered round-trip drive/narrative.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Kia Ora Jim_B,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re disappointed to hear about your experience and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further. If you’re happy to do so, please contact us at info@greatsights.co.nz with your booking details. We’re pleased to hear that you enjoyed the Hobbiton Movie Set tour and hope you were able to take some new facts away. Wishing you safe and happy travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Harrison_F, Feb 2026
What an absolutely phenomenal experience! Pick up was easy to find and our driver/guide was extremely informative about the history of the areas and landmarks we passed along the way. This tour operates with clockwork precision. Be where your supposed to be or you'll be left behind. The first stop is The Shire's Rest Café & Gift Shop where you're given fifteen minutes or so to grab a coffee, use the bathrooms, and window shop. Then its off to The Shire proper where you follow an official Hobbiton tour guide. Ours was bubbly, informative, and super helpful. Many tours are operating at once, so the tour moves along fairly quickly. We weren't rushed, but snap your photos and take it all in while you can because there is no backtracking. You are allowed a timed entry into one of two fully furnished Hobbit holes (a bee-keeper's or basket weaver's home), which was an absolute highlight.
By the time you migrate to The Green Dragon for your complimentary beverage (exclusive beers, cider, or ginger beer) there won't be much time before they start seating the Luncheon Marquee. Fortunately, you can bring your drink into the Marquee. The buffet was delicious and the seating is beer garden style, so you'll be enjoying the meal with fun strangers unless your party is large. Lunch lasted about 45 minutes.
Afterwards, the coach returns to The Shire's Rest for about 15 minutes for shopping. The return ride was smooth.
I added an extra level of nerd and cosplayed Bilbo Baggins. The staff were super chill and excited about it (I wasnt sure if dressing up was a faux pas)! The whole experience was surreal and I wish I hope to experience it again.
Linda_B, Jan 2026
There is no one at the pick up point who will tell you which bus it is you need to take and the workers at the bus station are quite rude. Also the tour operator makes it difficult to contact them although but the woman I finally spoke to after 45 mins of trying was nice. Unfortunately she was unable to help. 17 people apparently missed the bus that day and if you miss it, there is no other easy way to get to Hobbiton.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Kia Ora Linda_B,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re disappointed to learn of your comments regarding your experience prior to boarding the coach and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you if you’re willing to contact us with your booking details at info@greatsights.co.nz.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
TAKAKO_T, Jan 2026
It was a fantastic day to Hobbiton, tour was well organized the driver was very knowledgeable and lots of fun, a very tasty lunch though we had only 30 minutes allowed for lunch, could have been a bit longer as we were waiting outside for a long time
From $184.57
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