What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• This experience was...

  Alice L,,Feb 21, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  2.00

  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.

• Fun!

  EJIROP O,,Feb 21, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  A lot of fun! Super easy to find the location and the bus. Driver and guide were both friendly and informative. A fun day!

• Absolutely brilliant tour

  Jack W,,Feb 20, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  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.

• Welcome to the shire

  Sandy C,,Feb 19, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Felt the movie & books truly come to life. The interiors were amazing. It is such a beautiful place.

• Don't miss out on this wonderful Hobbiton tour!

  Erna C,,Feb 18, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  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.

• Excellent Experience

  Tn S,,Feb 15, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Excellent, well worth the 2 1/2hrs from Auckland, but the coach was comfortable and made the trip go by quick.

• Another world

  Annielyn R,,Feb 14, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Something different, worth seeing. We enjoyed and feel like we’re in another world. Our tour guide was wonderful and very knowledable.

• Failed Promises

  Jim B,,Feb 14, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  3.00

  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.

• To do!

  Nicolas B,,Feb 8, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Super interesting especially when you are a fan. Of course be careful everything and in English. A friend of mine has never seen the movies or read the books and found it very good.

• There And Back Again ...

  Harrison F,,Feb 6, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  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.

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