Journey to Middle-earth itself as you travel from Auckland to Matamata, home of the legendary Hobbiton Movie Set, where Peter Jackson filmed The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. When location scouts discovered the Alexander family's 1,250-acre sheep farm in 1998, they found rolling green hills that looked "like a slice of ancient England"—the perfect setting for Tolkien's Shire. Originally built in 1999 with 37 temporary hobbit holes, the set was partially dismantled after filming, but 18 holes survived heavy rains. Rebuilt permanently in 2010 for The Hobbit trilogy, Hobbiton now features 44 meticulously detailed hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and gardens that bloom year-round, transforming this once-quiet farming town into one of cinema's most beloved destinations.
Once at Matamata, you'll have the freedom to explore the Hobbiton Movie Set and its picturesque Shire landscapes at your leisure. Meanwhile, your driver will wait for you nearby, ensuring a stress-free return trip.
Step into the Shire at Hobbiton Movie Set, where 44 hobbit holes nestle into rolling hillsides exactly as Bilbo and Frodo knew them. Your guided walking tour begins at Gandalf's Cutting—the identical path the wizard takes in The Fellowship of the Ring—then winds through Bagshot Row's colorful round doors, past meticulously maintained gardens growing real vegetables and flowers, and up to Bag End crowning the Hill. The attention to detail stuns: each hobbit hole features hand-carved letterboxes, miniature tools, working chimneys, and doors sized differently to create forced perspective for filming—some built for Gandalf-scale, others for hobbit-scale. The Party Tree's artificial leaves were individually wired from Taiwan onto a 26-ton oak trunk transported from nearby, while the Mill and double-arched bridge over the pond recreate scenes where Samwise dreamed of adventure. Wander to the Green Dragon Inn, rebuilt permanently after The Hobbit filming, where your complimentary beverage—perhaps a Southfarthing beer or ginger beer—awaits in the atmospheric interior complete with wooden beams and hobbit-sized furnishings.
Yes, it is strongly recommended to book your Hobbiton tour in advance, particularly during the summer months (December to February) and school holiday periods when the set sells out well ahead of time. Hobbiton operates guided walking tours only, and walk-up tickets are rarely available. Booking directly through the Hobbiton website before your trip will secure your entry.
Matamata is approximately 106 miles (170 km) southeast of Auckland. The drive takes around 2 hours via State Highway 1 and the Waikato Expressway under normal conditions. The route passes through the scenic Waikato region, offering a pleasant journey through New Zealand's green, rolling countryside before you arrive at the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Yes, Hobbiton is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. The set is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom, but the lush New Zealand landscape looks striking in all seasons. Evening banquet tours are also available on select dates for a more atmospheric experience.
Absolutely. The set is visually stunning even without prior knowledge of the films. The meticulously maintained hobbit holes, lush hillside gardens, and Green Dragon Inn create a genuinely magical atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. The attention to detail in the construction and ongoing upkeep of the site makes it one of New Zealand's most impressive attractions in its own right.
Standard Hobbiton tours are guided walking tours that take approximately two hours. They include access to 44 hobbit holes, the Party Tree, Bag End, and the Mill, concluding at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary beverage. Photography is welcome throughout the tour. Note that admission to Hobbiton is not included in your Daytrip transfer price and must be purchased separately.
Spring (September to November) and summer (December to February) offer the best weather and the most vibrant garden displays at Hobbiton. Autumn (March to May) is also lovely, with mild weather and golden tones across the landscape. Winter visits are perfectly possible, and the farm takes on a moody, atmospheric quality in cooler conditions, though it is worth dressing in warm layers.
Matamata is a charming rural town with a relaxed atmosphere. The town has a small Hobbiton-themed visitor center, cafes, and a good range of local lunch spots. The surrounding Waikato countryside is beautiful, and the drive through the region is itself a highlight. For those with extra time, the nearby Wairere Falls walk is a popular option for nature lovers.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the tour covers uneven terrain across a working sheep farm. New Zealand's weather can change quickly, so a light waterproof jacket is a smart addition regardless of the season. Sun protection is advisable in summer, when conditions can be quite warm. Most visitors spend around two to four hours on the property.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.