Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rotorua, New Zealand
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Immerse yourself in the movie magic of Hobbiton—and enjoy a hassle-free way to explore—on this full-day tour from Rotorua. Following morning pickup from select hotels, head straight to Hobbiton, passing pretty scenery along the way. Upon arrival, head right in with your included admission tickets, go for a guided tour of the highlights, and even enjoy a tasty lunch before you go.
- This Hobbiton tour is perfect for visiting "Lord of the Rings" fans
- Leave all the transit and planning to someone else
- Round-trip transit from Rotorua hotels makes getting there easy
- A delicious lunch and admission tickets are both included
What's Included
- Lunch
- Live commentary on board
- Pick up from selected hotels - please call to book
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Restroom on board
- Admission Fee - Hobbiton Admission Ticket
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Coach pick-up is located outside the Rotorua I-site visitor center
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.8:15 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
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- All tours are operated by a luxury 5 star coach with on board toilet
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
What a wonderful tour with a great tour guide, including the tour bus driver. The tour is highly recommended even if you’re not a fan of LOTR or hobbits. The scenery was incredible with the rolling hills, and there were so many hobbit holes. The buffet that we had was really good considering it’s a buffet. Our bus driver was very informative and always kept us on schedule. Our tour guide through Hobbiton was really nice, informative and funny. We would do this tour again!
Reviews
4.5
based on 605 reviews
Review summary
Last 12 months
99 reviews
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Travelers praise the Hobbiton movie set for its authentic hobbit holes and scenic surroundings, with highlights including the Green Dragon Inn. Food and beverage offerings, especially the buffet lunch and concluding drink, receive consistent commendation. Guides and drivers are noted for their knowledgeable, engaging, and friendly delivery, enriching the experience with cultural insights and storytelling. Overall, the tour is described as immersive and enjoyable, combining informative content with a well-rounded hospitality experience.
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This tour was excellent.
Our bus driver Natta was entertaining and helpful for all our needs. The travel goes fast with such a joyful and wonderful driver! He cared for the elderly on our bus, and was gracious and helpful to those who did not speak English very well.
Hobbiton itself was amazing as expected. It feels professional and special without being commercial. And that would explain the whole day! It felt like a family day out from the moment we met our bus driver.
Would highly recommend this tour to everyone.
My husband and I had a wonderful time visiting Hobbiton and seeing the detail and care put into these sets, despite a bit of rain during the tour. The accompanying lunch was delicious, and we were given plenty of time to take pictures and explore each area. Our only quibble was that the tour group of ~30-40 people was rather large, and made for a cramped experience in some of the smaller areas of the tour. Was worth the visit and would recommend if you are a major LOTR fan or a casual like us!
We really enjoyed our day in Hobbiton. Great scenery, fun tour guide and exceeded my expectations! Walking pace was good & allowed for lots of pics. Lunch at the Green Dragon was tasty as well.
We arrived at the info centre, hopped on the bus which was helmed by a very lovely tour guide, got to hit the gift shop at hobbiton, which was then commenced by a walking tour throughout the shire. Everything was done to great detail and as a fan of the films it was really immersive and fantastical to be there in real life.
A very enjoyable tour, guide was knowledgeable, explained everything that we passed by, patiently waited and volunteered to take pictures, lunch was bountiful, a lot of choices.
It provided an excellent tour with a meal at the end. It was great value for what we had and the experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Hi John,
Thank you for your wonderful review.
We're thrilled to hear you found the tour to be excellent value and enjoyed both the Hobbiton experience and the included meal. Hobbiton is a truly special place to visit, and it's great to know the day exceeded your expectations.
We appreciate you choosing to travel with us and hope to see you again on another New Zealand adventure.
Kind regards,
The GreatSights Team
Hanah was a great bus driver with many local stories to share and she looked after us to get us onto the Hobbiton tour and was there at the end of the tour to collect us and return us to Rotorua. The Hobiton tour was fantastic,
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Kia Ora Mark,
Thank you for your review. We're delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable day at Hobbiton. Thank you for travelling with us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
This is a must do experience for any LoTR fan. My partner and I were excited if a little wary given all the hype for this tour. Expectations were high and I was ready to be disappointed. That couldn't have been further from our experience. The tour guide was passionate and knowledgeable about the books and films and her energy was infectious. Getting to your a hobbit hole and get a drink at the legendary Green Dragon is in our all time top ten experiences. If you are a true fan you simply must do this tour!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Kia Ora Richard,
Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear your day with us exceeded your expectations and lived up to the hype. From exploring the Hobbit Holes to enjoying a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, we're so pleased the day became one of your all-time favourite experiences. Thank you for joining us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Here’s a positive review you could use:
Our experience at Hobbiton was absolutely magical! From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping straight into Middle-earth. The gardens were immaculate, the hobbit holes were incredibly detailed, and every corner was picture-perfect.
Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the tour both fun and informative with stories and behind-the-scenes insights. Finishing the tour with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn was the perfect way to end the experience.
Even if you’re not a huge Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan, this is a truly unique experience that showcases the beauty of New Zealand and the amazing craftsmanship behind the movie set. Highly recommend adding Hobbiton to your bucket list – it was worth every minute! 🌿🏡🍺✨
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such kind and detailed feedback! You’ve really described a magical day, and we’re so glad we could be part of it. It’s wonderful to hear you’d recommend the day for both fans and non-fans alike. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
An absolute mist of you can and are a fan of the movies. The set is a unique and worthwhile experience
Response from Host, Jun 2026
KIa Ora Dane,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you would consider your day with us a must-do experience while visiting Rotorua. We really appreciate your recommendation and wish you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
This tour was a tale of 2 experiences. Visiting Hobbiton was outstanding -- great logistics, amenities, facilities, lunch, information, and site tour guide was phenomenal. If you are either a Hobbit or LOR fan, this is a bucket list item for sure.
But less than ideal was our bus driver who drove us from Rotorura to Hobbiton, and back. Hanna had an attitude from the start. She lied about making more hotel stops to pickup more passengers, believing these comments would make us move more quickly. Comments like "I will discipline you" got us off on the wrong foot, immediately. She peppered her commentary with political rhetoric, opinions on government, and her personal believes on a variety of topics. This was a big turnoff, as we go on vacation to avoid these topics. The bus also had very dirty windows, making the beautiful New Zealand countryside drab looking. We take plenty of tours, and in many cases the bus driver makes certain the vehicle is in pristine condition for the guests. I sincerely hope Hanna was just having a bad day, but we are not going to hide what we experienced.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora Mark,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. We’re delighted to hear that you found Hobbiton outstanding and that your guide left such a positive impression. However, we’re sorry to hear about other aspects of your day, and would really appreciate the opportunity to look into this further, if you’re willing, please reach out to info@greatsights.co.nz with your booking details so that we can look into it further for you.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Very enjoyable trip. Nice scenery, and its a great experience to see the real movie set. The guide is nice and friendly. The driver Hana is very friendly and knowledgeable
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so pleased to hear that Hana made such a memorable impression, and we hope you were able to take away some of the knowledge shared along the way. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
It’s a dream come true to see the beautiful Hobbiton movie set, either you have seen the movie or not, you will fall in love with this beautiful nature setting and Hobbit holes.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your lovely feedback! It really is a place that’s easy to fall in love with, and we’re delighted to hear that you believe the set can be appreciated by both fans and non-fans of the movies alike.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
We joined a large tour group and filled a big bus. We drove out of Rotorua for about an hour and arrived at the movie site. Our guide/bus driver was informative and the guide (Mackenzie) who took us around Hobbiton was excellent. I enjoyed the tour more than I expected as I am not a Lord of the Rings fan. Lunch was also excellent.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora Karen,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear your driver made such a positive and lasting impression, and it’s wonderful that you enjoyed your day so much, even without being a LOTR fan! We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
There is a lot of walking, some of it uphill, otherwise, it is such a worthwhile tour, and we were absolutely delighted. We took the tours that included lunch, which said it was at the green dragon, but really it was in a tent next to the green dragon. Nevertheless, the food was excellent and definitely worth the money we spent. As we were there in the shoulder season before they close? Some of the adult T-shirts were no longer available at Coast. We couldn’t find any coasters that didn’t that didn’t have mugs attached to them and we really didn’t need any more mugs. We were very happy with the tour and would recommend it.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Diane_L,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the buffet lunch and had a great day with us. We really appreciate your recommendation.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Bus driver Hannah was very knowledgeable about the area we were traveling through. She gave us some Maori history as well as movie history which made the journey seem shorter. Hobbiton itself was a great experience as was the lovely lunch provided. Overall excellent.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Dyan_L,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so pleased to hear that Hannah made such a great impression, and we hope you came away with some interesting new facts. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Go with a tour on the bus, this way you get information about other things on the way as well. Our business driver was wonderful she was funny as well.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed travelling with us and found value in learning along the way. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Highly recommend! Ngata was a great tour guide! So funny and full of great local info! Work every penny!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! It’s wonderful to hear that Ngata made such a positive impression on you, and we hope you were able to take away some new and interesting facts. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Full day with pickup by tour bus from Rotorua. Bus driver EXCELLENT! Informative, entertaining & great with people.
Hobbiton much more than expected- the attention to detail of the village & info by great guide made me want to watch the whole LOTR all over again.
Buffet lunch terrific & trip back was seamless.
Well worth booking this experience - highly recommended.
It’s very well run. The actual tour is about an hour from the pick up spot, but it was an enjoyable experience. The movie set was very unique.We ordered the buffet lunch and that was very good too. .
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Maria_P,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you found the day well organised, and isn’t the buffet a great way to wrap the day up? We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
The ride to Hobbiton takes about an hour with beautiful scenery along the way. You have a guided tour that includes lunch in the Green Dragon.
It was great. Tourist shop is super expensive so be prepared. All guides were very informative. It is a good experience.
I had the pleasure of being driven by Nata who was an absolute pleasure and made the drive so enjoyable/ hilarious and welcoming
Learnt more about the history of NZ, history of his ancestors and so many wonderful things (including the length of his name)
Would recommend this tour and Nata to anyone who asks
Thank you so much
Aside from Nata - hobbiton was absolutely stunning / the views/ the shire itself and the food at the end 10/10
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora lillikan_f,
Thank you for your wonderful review! It’s fantastic to hear that Ngata made such a lasting impression, and we hope you learned some interesting new facts from his extensive knowledge. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
My main goal during our stay in the north island was to see Hobbiton, though I had no desire to stay in a big city! So I was happy that this was available from Rotorua as a day trip, and the pick up spot was convenient as well! Our driver Hana was very informative during the drive over, and communicated clearly on our meet up spots and how much time we had at each destination. I would recommend to anyone staying in Rotorua.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear that Hana made such a great impression and that you felt well-informed throughout your day with us. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
This was an amazing trip whether you knew Tolkien’s books or not- very enthusiastic guides and a great two hours spent there. Go for the lunch if you can- a typical English carvery!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed the day, no matter if you’re a fan of the books and movies or not, and the buffet lunch really is a wonderful way to finish the day. Thank you for choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Better than anticipated....go hungry as the lunch is amazing....way better than we expected!!!! Bring a water bottle and dress in layers
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Bret_A,
Thank you for leaving a review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed your day with us, and isn’t the buffet just fantastic with so many delicious options to choose from?
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Every 10 minute, a bus full of tourists ( 40 persons) is arriving with a guide. The guide is keeping the group strict on schedule. In front of each door, you can just take a picture and you must move on. There is one single path and the line of tourists is following the path from one door to the other. No way back, no standing and admiring. Just keep moving because the next group is behind. Very commercial and very stressy!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Kia Ora Ruud_V,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear that your experience felt rushed and stressful. We really appreciate you sharing your thoughts, and if you have any more comments, you’re very welcome to pass them along to info@greatsights.co.nz.
Many Thanks,
Madeline
The hobbiton tour guide was amazing and you have plenty of time to look around the hobbiton set. Unfortunately, we were rushed through our lunch only having 30 minutes to get food and eat. Following this we were told we only had 15 minutes in the gift shop packed with people or the coach would leave without us. The coach companies seem to buy all the hobbiton tickets well in advance so you have to pay to travel on their coaches and work to their time schedule. My partner and I just wanted to go round the tour and drive ourselves but the only available tickets included the coach and lunch. Very disappointed by the rushed nature of the coach company.
A must to do. Even if you have not already read the books and watch the movies. We've been there with our grand daughter and enjoy every moment of the visit. The buffet was super. The guide was very interesting and jocking all the time. The driver of the coach from Rotorua (Anna?) was a pearl and was explaining the Maori and the country history: she was speaking slowly and with real conviction. A great day.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so pleased to hear that you consider visiting Hobbiton with us a must-do experience. We’re glad you enjoyed the buffet, it’s a great way to end the day. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Definitely come with some comfortable shoes since there's a decent amount of walking even if the area isn't that big. Also you should rewatch the movies before so you can more essily identify the different scenes where they filmed different parts of the sets!
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$179.57
per personWas $189.02(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton
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