Destinations New Zealand

Explore Hobbiton in New Zealand

How Is It Like to Be in Hobbiton?

Let me share my personal experience from the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. 

This lush green valley with the small hobbit houses will immerse you into the movie “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”. 

Even if you are not a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings, it will still catch your emotions and eyes! 

It is exciting to be part of the movie set, walk in a land where all the famous actors from “The Hobbit” created their masterpiece. 

The valley is magical like a fairy tale, a fantasy place which will reminds you Frodo and Gandalf walking there. It will open your inner child and curiosity. 

I always loved to be in places where they filmed any famous movies. It is like when the dreams come true. You can say “Yes, I have been there”. 

I felt like being a part of the movie. I wish I could spend more time there and absorb all the feelings.


How to Get There?

The only way how to get there is with a tour. If you start from Auckland, there is a bus from Auckland central which go to Matamata. 

It takes around 3 hours and return ticket cost around $60. The tour by itself costs around $79.

Always better to buy a package. It is up to you if you want to see just Hobbiton or also include a Glow Worm Cave which will cost you obviously bit more. You can also choose a package with the Hobbit dinner. Check this package – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland.

If you travel from Rotorua, it is much closer so you will save some money on the bus.

Book your tickets in advance either online or in an office!


How Does the Tour Look Like?

In the beginning of journey you will get a map of Hobbiton and listen to the story about filming while sitting in a bus which will take you to the Hobbiton Movie Set. 

In some tours there is a stop in the Shire Rest for snacks and coffee. However, in my tour we haven’t stopped there.  Instead we had a time for a lunch in Matamata where are few cafes around. 

I was surprised that the first Cafe I saw on the corner had such an amazing cappuccino with chocolate and cinnamon powder (optional) and it literally pumped me up! 

It is called Robert Harris and the food also looked very good!

This time I haven’t booked the tour online but in an office that seemed cheaper. They were selling a package – a  return bus from Auckland with The Hobbiton movie set tour. 

However, the bus got a problem on the way and we had to wait for more than one hour for another bus! Finally, we arrived late! 

Luckily, they rescheduled the tour instead of 12.30pm to 2pm.  It was a bit in a rush as the bus from Matamata went back at 4.50pm.

The tour took 2-2,5 hours and I felt that it was so fast! If I go there next time I would consider trying also The Hobbiton Evening Dinner as it looks kind of cool! 

The standard tour includes just a free complimentary drink – Ginger beer, cider or normal beer with an optional food for purchasing – snacks like muffins, buns or cookies in Green Dragon Inn. 

Finally, the tour guide will take you to a souvenir shop and then head back to Matamata.

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