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5 Best Hobbiton Tours from Auckland

Have you been looking for the best Hobbiton tours from Auckland? I’ve got you covered!

Walking through the shire was one of the highlights of my trip to New Zealand’s North Island even though it rained on the day we visited. But it can be difficult to get from Auckland to Hobbiton by public transportation.

So the best way to see the shire, if you don’t have a car is with a Hobbiton tour from Auckland.

Top Pick
Things to do in the North Island of New Zealand

ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø

Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland

āœ… Combine two major attractions: Hobbiton & Glowworm Caves

āœ… Admission tickets included

āœ… Hotel pickup and drop-off

What is Hobbiton?

Hobbiton is a magical place straight out of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s imagination! Nestled in the rolling hills of New Zealand’s Waikato region, Hobbiton is a real-life movie set used in filming the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

It was one of my favourite things to do in New Zealand, I loved my time at Hobbiton even though it rained when I was on the North Island of NZ.

Me in front of a Hobbit hole; things to do in the north island of New Zealand
Walking through the shire is amazing even in the rain

As you wander through the charming hobbit holes and lush gardens, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Middle Earth itself. From the iconic Bag End to the cozy Green Dragon Inn, every detail of Hobbiton has been carefully crafted to bring the world of Tolkien to life.

You can explore Hobbiton only with a guided tour. On this tour, a knowledgeable guide tells you fascinating stories about the production of the films. At the end of the Hobbiton tour, everyone gets a free drink in the Green Dragon Inn.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movies or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Hobbiton is a must-visit destination that will leave you spellbound.

Why take a Hobbiton tour from Auckland?

You can explore Hobbiton on your own and if you’re travelling through New Zealand with a camper van this is probably your best option. But in case you’re staying in Auckland and don’t have a car, taking one of the amazing tours to Hobbiton from Auckland is your best choice.

Some of the best Hobbiton tours from Auckland combine your trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set with another great attraction in the area. That’s a great way to experience stunning places in New Zealand’s North Island which might be difficult to get to without a car.

Many tours from Auckland to Hobbiton include a snack, so make sure to mention in your booking if you’re vegan or vegetarian. Or you can always buy your own snack at one of the amazing vegan restaurants in Auckland and bring it with you on your day trip.

My Top 3 Picks: Hobbiton Tours from Auckland

#1 Top Pick
Things to do in the North Island of New Zealand

ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø

Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland

āœ… Combine two major attractions: Hobbiton & Glowworm Caves

āœ… Admission tickets included

āœ… Hotel pickup and drop-off

#2 Pick
Hobbit hole you can see on one of the tours to Hobbiton from Auckland

Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

āœ… Best option if you only want to see Hobbiton

āœ… Entrance included

āœ… Small group

#3 Pick
From Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set to see Hobbit Holes

Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu – Small Group Tour from Auckland

āœ… Combine Hobbiton & Hot Springs

āœ… Entrance tickets included

āœ… Small group tour

Best 5 Tours from Auckland to Hobbiton

1. Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland

Things to do in the North Island of New Zealand

ā­ļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | āœ… Book it!

The Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland Tour takes you on a journey to two of New Zealand’s top attractions making it the best Hobbiton tour from Auckland.

First, you’ll visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can explore the largest “green set” in the world and learn about how it was created in impressive detail.

Then, you’ll head to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll be amazed by the stunning natural beauty of the cave system and the thousands of glowworms that light up underground caverns.

With over 1,000 positive reviews and a “Likely to Sell Out” badge, this tour is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the best of New Zealand!

Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland tour includes:

  • Admission tickets to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Small-group tour
  • Local guide and driver
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Kiwi cafĆ©-style lunch

It was really amazing!!! Hobbiton was super cute and beautiful and Glowworm caves were cool!! Our tour guide Michael was so welcoming, taking care of everyone and such a good photographer which makes our trip happier!! šŸ™‚ I would highly recommend this tour. It was so worth it!!

MinWoo_K (Read more reviews)

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2. Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

Hobbit hole you can see on one of the tours to Hobbiton from Auckland

ā­ļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | āœ… Book it!

Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland takes you on a journey through the stunning New Zealand countryside to the real-life Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can explore the charming hobbit holes and lush gardens that were used in the films.

Your local guide will bring you to the Movie Set and there you’ll have an official guided tour through Hobbiton. The knowledgable guide provides fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the movies, and you’ll even get to enjoy a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland includes:

  • Small group
  • Entrance included. Make sure to pick the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Option and not the Transport Only (No tickets) option.
  • Bottled water and snacks

What an AMAZING DAY!! John our tour guide was amazing. The small group was perfect and he made sure everyone was having a good time. Itā€™s about a 2 hour drive but he made it go by fast with conversation, jokes and music. The actual tour (you have a separate tour guide from Hobbiton) was great and John met us toward the end to make sure we got some great pics!! It really is a magical place, even if youā€™re not the biggest fan of LOTR. A MUST SEE!

John_R (Read more reviews)

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3. Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu – Small Group Tour from Auckland

From Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set to see Hobbit Holes

ā­ļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | āœ… Book it!

Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu – Small Group Tour from Auckland takes you on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in New Zealand, including the famous Hobbiton Movie Set and the geothermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu.

You’ll explore the charming hobbit holes and lush gardens of Hobbiton, and learn about the making of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

Then, you’ll head to Rotorua, where you’ll explore the city and visit the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, home to geysers, volcanic mud pools, and geothermal craters.

This tour is the perfect Hobbiton tour from Auckland if you want to combine your trip to Hobbiton with a visit to stunning natural hot springs in New Zealand.

Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu – Small Group Tour from Auckland includes:

  • Entrance tickets to Hobbiton and Hot Springs
  • Small groups

What a magnificent day!!! Hobbiton is so much fun and so cool to visit even if you arenā€™t a LOTR fan! Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu should seriously be an 8th wonder of the world. I was so interested to learn about the thermal baths and land.

Emily_S (Read more reviews)

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4. From Auckland: Two-Day Rotorua, Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves Tour

Hobbit Hole in the Shire at Hobbiton

ā­ļøĀ RATING:Ā 4.5/5 Stars | ā³Ā TOUR LENGTH:Ā 13 hours | āœ…Ā Book it!

From Auckland: Two-Day Rotorua, Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves Tour is the best option to see three highlights of the North Island of New Zealand with one tour.

This epic tour takes you on a journey to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

You’ll explore the charming hobbit holes and lush gardens of Hobbiton, learn about the Maori culture and geothermal activity of Rotorua, and marvel at the thousands of glowworms that light up the underground caverns of Waitomo.

With a luxury minibus and a knowledgeable guide, this tour is perfect for you if you want to visit as many amazing places with just one tour. Since it’s not possible to visit all three attractions in one day, this tour is over 2 days.

This Auckland to Hobbiton tour with stops in Rotorua and includes:

  • All entrance fees
  • Experienced driver and guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Cafe lunch on day 1
  • Maori traditional dinner and concert on day 1
  • Hotel breakfast on day 2

The tour is fabulous! Visit several of New Zealand’s North Island’s top tourist attractions with engaging commentary from your guides. […] One of the best tours I’ve booked in my entire life!

GetYourGuide traveler (Read more reviews)

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5. Small-Group Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland with Lunch

The Green Dragon at Hobbiton Movie Set

ā­ļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | āœ… Book it!

Small-Group Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland with Lunch takes you on a journey through the stunning New Zealand countryside to the real-life Hobbiton Movie Set.

After the interesting tour through the shire, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Green Dragon Inn.

With a small group size and plenty of photo opportunities, this tour is perfect for movie buffs and foodies alike!

Small-Group Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland with Lunch includes:

  • Entrance ticket
  • Buffet lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee
  • NZ$10 Shopping Voucher for the Hobbiton Gift Shop
  • Hotel Pickup + Drop-Off for selected hotels

Wonderful tour! Our driver from Auckland and back was fun and friendly and made sure we knew exactly where to be when. He took good care of us. The Hobbiton guide was knowledgeable and delightful and we had plenty of time to look around. The lunch buffet was fabulous, plentiful and delicious. I highly recommend this tour!

Jean_W (Read more reviews)

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FAQs about tours to Hobbiton from Auckland

Can you visit Hobbiton from Auckland?

Yes, you can visit Hobbiton from Auckland on a day trip.

Can you see Hobbiton without a tour?

You don’t need a tour to get to the Hobbiton movie set, but you can only walk through the movie set on a guided tour.

How far is the Hobbit movie set from Auckland?

Hobbiton is about 167 km from Auckland and it takes about 2 hours to go from Auckland to Hobbiton by car.

What is the best time of year to visit Hobbiton?

Even though summer is the busiest time to visit Hobbiton, it’s a magical experience to see the Hobbit holes surrounded by beautiful flowers.

Can you do Hobbiton and Waitomo caves in one day?

You can see Hobbiton and Waitomo caves in one day. And since both, Hobbiton and the Glowworm caves can only be visited with a guided tour which takes about 2 hours each it’s doable in one day.

What city is closest to Hobbiton?

The closest city to Hobbiton is Rotorua which is known for its natural hot springs and Maori history.

šŸ¤© Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland to combine two of the best experiences on the North Island of New Zealand

Final Thoughts: Is Hobbiton Movie Set worth it?

Green Dragon at Hobbiton
Enjoying my ginger beer at the Green Dragon

In my opinion, visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set is definitely worth it. It was one of my favourite things to do on the North Island of New Zealand.

Walking through the shire is an amazing and unique experience you can only do in New Zealand.

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