Hobbiton Movie Set Tours in Auckland

The Lord of the Rings was one of the biggest movie hits of the 21st century and not only set records at the box office, but was also instrumental in putting the north of New Zealand on the map, with its magical landscapes and lush mountains that served as a backdrop for the filming of the saga's movies.

Among the best things to see and do in Auckland to learn about the key sites and the history of the filming of The Lord of the Rings are a trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, a visit to Mount Tongariro, a tour of Rotorua and a costume-themed tour of the most emblematic places that link northern New Zealand with J. R. R. R. Tolkien's saga.

If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and want a unique experience, a 10-hour tour to the Hobbiton film set and Waitomo Caves from Auckland is a must-do option to immerse yourself in J. R. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth.

These tours usually include round-trip hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the tour starts with the rural and mountainous landscapes on the way to Matamata, the town where the iconic Hobbiton is located, which places these activities on the list of the best full-day excursions from Auckland.

There you'll marvel at the green fields and tiny houses peeking out over the grass. In addition, you can also tour the hobbit village with the assistance of an expert local guide to discover fascinating details that will transport you to J.R.R. Tolkien's universe. You will see the famous feast tree, Bag End's house, the Green Dragon Inn and many other sites that have become iconic in the trilogy.

Towards the afternoon, you will continue the tour to Waitomo Caves, which will draw your attention to the stalactite and stalagmite formations that have taken millions of years to create. You will be able to explore the caves via a subway boat ride, where you will witness the glowing lights of the glow worms that inhabit the cave ceiling.

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an approximate initial cost of 185 euros per person, including round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 10 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: it is one of the best alternatives to know the main site of the trilogy in New Zealand and also a magical natural site.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: it can be a very intense experience due to the long journey in a few hours.

One of the natural settings of the Lord of the Rings trilogy is Mount Tongariro, which is located on the North Island of New Zealand, about 4 and a half hours from Auckland. On a full day excursion you can tour this natural site, which is currently an active volcano, and also see the National Park that contains it.

In the mountain you will be able to know the trails for walking and trekking, and also take a guided tour where you can see some of the scenery that was included in the movies, as Mount Tongariro was used as the Mordor of the movie and Mount Ngauruhoe, a nearby volcano, was used as Mount Doom.

During the hike you can also discover some of New Zealand' s most beautiful volcanic landscapes, crystal clear lakes and snow-capped peaks, especially if you plan to visit Auckland in winter. In the bush you can also opt for a bike tour.

Although the hike can be strenuous, it is definitely worth it for any Lord of the Rings fan and for those who simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of northern New Zealand. Please note that the hike is challenging and is recommended for people in good physical condition and with hiking experience.

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 132 euros per person, including round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 9 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to visit one of the most outstanding natural sites in New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: it can be a bit intense and exhausting.

If you want to combine a sightseeing tour of New Zealand's hot springs with a tour of the natural settings of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, then perhaps these tours can offer you the solution, as you will experience Rotorua and Hobbiton on a full day tour with round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up.

Rotorua is known for its geothermal and hot springs, which offer a unique and relaxing experience in the middle of nature. On the way from Auckland you can enjoy some of New Zealand's most varied scenery, with mountains, lakes and forests. In addition, if you visit the city at Christmas time, you can also discover the eve lights that flood the road.

In Rotorua you can visit the geysers and hot mud pools, as well as take a dip in the hot springs. In addition, you can explore Maori culture and visit Te Puia, a cultural center that offers local dance and music performances, as well as craft and cooking workshops. Without a doubt, visiting Rotorua is one of the best tours you can do in Auckland.

After spending the day in Rotorua, the next stop on your itinerary will be Hobbiton, the film set of the famous Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy. The drive to Hobbiton is an adventure in itself, as it will take you through the rolling green hills of the Waikato, before arriving in town to see the hobbit houses and visit the Middle-earth village inn.

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an approximate initial cost of €154 per person, including round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to combine a natural tour with a visit to one of the busiest places in New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: you will have little free time to rest during the excursions.

If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, there is no better way to have an unforgettable experience than visiting Hobbiton. This small town, located in northern New Zealand, is the perfect setting for you to immerse yourself in the fantasy of Middle Earth.

On these themed tours you can enjoy a day of adventure, as you arrive in Hobbiton you will find the attention to detail is impressive. From the round doors of the houses to the perfectly manicured gardens, you'll feel like you're walking through the sets of any of the movies in the trilogy.

Plus, to maximize the experience, you'll be able to choose from some of the Lord of the Rings costumes provided by the designated guide. Whether it's a hobbit, elf, dwarf or even Gandalf costume, you'll feel like a character in the saga and you'll be able to take some of the best pictures of your trip, especially if you plan to visit Auckland in summer, when the weather is nice and sunny and cooperates with the setting.

The Hobbiton themed tour also includes a guided tour of the city, where you can learn about Hobbit history and culture. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at the Green Dragon Inn, Hobbiton's most famous pub and often included in the best beer tours.

A Hobbiton themed tour from Auckland is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of The Lord of the Rings. With costumes, a guided tour and a meal at the Green Dragon Inn, there's no better way to experience the fantasy of Middle Earth. So don't hesitate, dress up as your favorite character and get ready for an unforgettable day in Hobbiton!

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an approximate initial cost of 120 euros per person, including round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up, costumes and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to live a complete experience of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: it is an excursion designed almost entirely for fans of the saga.

You can choose to book the tours in advance online or book them once you are in Auckland, although this option could be inconvenient because it could cause delays or you could lose your place in the tours on the chosen day, which could be detrimental if you have a short stay planned. If that is your case, here is a list of activities you can do to discover Auckland in 3 days.

If you plan to visit Auckland in February or during the summer months I advise you to book in advance to avoid last minute price increases and so that you can also organize a proper itinerary that will allow you to optimize your time during your trip.

The Lord of the Rings tours in and around Auckland focus on the places that were used in the movie to represent Middle-earth. Some of the sites you will learn about during these tours are as follows:

• Hobbiton: is a reconstructed hobbit village in Matamata, south of Auckland. This is the place where the scenes of the hobbits' homes in the movies were filmed, making it the main destination for Lord of the Rings oriented tourism in New Zealand.
• Mordor: this fictional region was recreated in the trilogy in the Mount Ngauruhoe volcano in Tongariro National Park, which is located on the North Island of New Zealand. This volcano was the model for Mount Doom in the films and also offers some of the most beautiful sweeping views of northern New Zealand.
• Rivendell: the home of the elves, is located in the Kaitoke Valley Regional Park in Upper Hutt, just an hour from Auckland. Some tours include a visit to this site.
• The Shire: in Alexander Regional Park, east of Auckland, you can see the setting for some of the scenes in the movie. Excursions to Mount Tongariro usually include a stop at this site.

During the tours, in addition to the filming locations, you will also learn about the production of the movie and hear behind-the-scenes stories and tidbits from expert local guides.

The Lord of the Rings tours are a major part of tourism in and around Auckland, so perhaps these tips could help you enhance your travel experience in northern New Zealand.

• Book your tour in advance: since these tours are very popular, it is advisable to book in advance to make sure you get a place, especially if you plan to visit Auckland in summer, which is part of the high season.
• Dress appropriately: make sure you wear comfortable clothes and appropriate walking shoes. It is also advisable to bring a jacket or coat, as it can be cold in some of the areas you visit.
• Be prepared to walk: it may seem like a no-brainer, but some of the areas visited may require short or long walks, so make sure you are prepared to walk. If you have any disabilities or physical restrictions, let your tour guide know in advance so that they can make the necessary arrangements and let you know if the activities are compatible with your physical condition, as some may be very strenuous.
• Take care of sacred sites: some of the places you visit may be sacred to the local Maori tribes, so be sure to follow your tour guide's guidelines and be respectful of the places you visit.
• Don't forget your camera: there are many must-see sights you will see on the tour, so be sure to bring your camera or cell phone to capture the best photos of your trip!

Taking a Lord of the Rings tour in and around Auckland is one of the best alternatives you can choose during your trip, as you will see the most iconic sites from the movie. These tours are designed to take visitors to the set designs that were used to depict J. R. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, so you will feel like you are inside the trilogy.

You will also learn about the production of the film, since the local guides usually have a lot of information about the particularities of the saga and you will also learn curiosities about the filming and cinema in general.

Also, a tour of this type is the ideal excuse to learn more about Maori culture, as many excursions include visits to places that are sacred to the local tribes, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about this characteristic minority of New Zealand.

Last but not least, you will be able to enjoy the country's beautiful natural scenery and take some of the best photographs of your tour.