6hr Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Departs Tauranga

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

PLEASE NOTE: This tour no longer operates in conjunction with cruise ships docking at the port of Tauranga. All other days will operate as normal.

A must do for all Lord of the Rings fans! Join us for a magical journey to Middle Earth where you can become part of the wonder that was created called Hobbiton! The Hobbiton Movie set was used for the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' film trilogies and is situated on a family run sheep farm close to the town of Matamata in the Waikato province. It is now a Tolkien tourism destination, offering guided tours of the set.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Passengers must be able to embark / disembark with minimal assistance.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

12-seater clean, air conditioned van

Entry into the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Subject to Hobbiton availability

Port pickup and drop-off

Live commentary on board

Free Beer or Soft Drink at the completion of the Hobbiton Set Tour

Local driver/guide

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Does not operate with Cruise Ships docking in Tauranga

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Mount Maunganui

NB: From October 2024 this tour will no longer operate in conjunction with cruise ships docking at the port of Tauranga. All other days will operate as normal. This tour starts with a scenic drive along the Mount Maunganui beach before heading over the Tauranga Harbour bridge, past the city center and inland over the Kaimai ranges. We climb to around 1800 feet providing spectacular panoramic views across the rich fertile farmland of the Waikato province. From there we make our way towards Hobbiton passing typical New Zealand farms.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Hobbiton Movie Set

On arrival at the Shires Rest Cafe you are collected in the Hobbiton bus and taken to Middle Earth via the 1250-acre sheep farm. Your expert guide will take you on a 2 and a half hour journey through "The Shire". You will be told the story of how the remote set was discovered and how Hobbiton is a living film set maintained by a team of gardeners and maintenance staff. It is the only purpose-built film set in the world where the public can go and experience it as it is in the movie.

3 hours • Admission Included

Options

6hr Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Departs Tauranga

Pickup included

Reviews

4.97

63 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Hobbiton from Tauranga
Lynette M,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Exceptional experience, the guide to and from Hobbiton was fantastic, she was very knowledgeable, and made the trip there and back from Tauranga so enjoyable. The experience at Hobbiton was excellent and very well run.
Best tour guide ever!
Y7359BFcarlac,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Russell was an enthusiastic wellspring of knowledge on the ride to Hobbiton. He was very informative in regards to historical facts on NZ, to nature, to all things LotR, the trip wouldn’t have been the same without him as a guide.
Awesome Experience!
jimcynthiab,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome experience and our tour driver was fantastic!!! It gave up a view of New Zealand outside the city. Stopped on the way back at McLaren Falls which was beautiful all on its own.
Excellent tour.
Valeriekiwi,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fabulous experience. We had not read the books or seen the movies but so enjoyed our tour. Russell was amazing. This is a trip not to be missed.
Excellent trip
N9646HJanthonys,
Apr 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An excellent trip. Well worth it. Russell was a great guide and he provided excellent background. The travel to Hobbiton was easy and we included a couple of stops on the way.
Excellent!
Scott P,
Mar 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was an absolutely fabulous experience. The tour operator Russell of WickedWanders tours was first rate, entertaining, and personable. He went more than the extra mile (literally) to show us some other fascinating sites as well. Everyone at Hobbiton was so friendly and informative. Highly recommend!
Outstanding Tour & Tour Guide
L3805ITdavidh,
Mar 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We are so glad that we signed upfor this tour and Russell was ourguide. We saw Kiwi orchid, Rotorualake, Maori village with performance,geothermal pool, and the NationalForest. Russell has a wealth of information. It was a very worthwhile trip for the price.
Fabulous day trip!
PatriciaG,
Jan 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Russel as our tour guide. He was friendly and knowledgeable and went out of his way to ensure we enjoyed our tour. Mclaren Falls was beautiful and Hobbiton unforgettable. I highly recommend this five star experience
Amazing experience
Gabriele M,
Nov 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Both Russell and Jess (a guide at Hobbiton) were friendly, knowledgeable and funny. It was an amazing day and I would definitely recommend the tour for anyone who is into the Lord of the Rings.
Am I dreaming?! I’m really here!!
maddylee73,
Aug 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I grew up reading the books and watching the movies so going to Hobbitton was my childhood dream come true! From the time our tour guide, Russell Christian, picked us up in Tauranga, I was immediately transported to another world. Russell gave us the extended cut tour and showed us different places that are present in the filming, as well as behind the scenes information about the films and the location. The tour itself was incredible and I felt like I had entered as one of the hobbits in the movies. Going inside a hobbit hole and having the whole experience will forever be something I cherish and remember sweetly. 10 out 10 would recommend going to Hobbitton needs to be a bucket list item when visiting NZ! Even if you are not a fan, it’s such a fun experience! From pickup to drop off, this was the best day ever and a forever memory!