Hobbiton is the most famous film location in New Zealand, and seeing it is the reason many visitors fly to Auckland. The set lies on a sheep farm at 501 Buckland Road near Matamata, in the green hills of the Waikato, roughly two hours south of the city by road. When Peter Jackson’s crew rebuilt it permanently for The Hobbit, the Shire became a lasting set rather than a temporary one, and today guided tours lead you along the lanes past the round doors of the hobbit holes, the gardens, the party field and the mill, ending with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. The movie set tour itself takes about two and a half hours. From Auckland the simplest option is a coach day tour, and Tiqets lists a Hobbiton and Waitomo day tour that adds the glowworm caves, as well as a version that finishes in Rotorua. This page links to the Tiqets Hobbiton Movie Set Tours page, which shows all of the current options.
How to visit: choose between a guided day tour from Auckland, which handles transport and the set booking, or driving yourself and booking a movie set tour time directly. The Tiqets Hobbiton and Waitomo day tour from Auckland runs about eleven and a half hours with an English-speaking guide, and the movie set tour on its own takes about two and a half hours. Every visit to the set is guided; you cannot wander the farm on your own, so book ahead, especially for weekends and school holidays.
What to expect: the tour is outdoors on gentle slopes and gravel paths, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a rain jacket, as the Waikato weather changes quickly. Guides share stories from the filming and plenty of time is allowed for photos. The drink at the Green Dragon Inn is a highlight for most visitors.
Making the most of it: a combined Hobbiton and Waitomo day is long but efficient, giving you the Shire and a boat ride under the glowworms in one trip. If you prefer a slower pace, travel on to Rotorua and stay the night. Visit Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland before you go for the story of how Middle-earth was made.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, reached by coach day tour from Auckland or by car, with an optional add-on of the Waitomo glowworm caves.
Best time
A dry day in spring, summer or autumn, booked well ahead for weekends and school holidays.
How long
About two and a half hours on the set, or a full day of around eleven hours with transport from Auckland.
Tips
Book early, wear comfortable shoes, carry a rain jacket, and consider combining the trip with Waitomo or an overnight in Rotorua.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans, and anyone who wants to see the countryside south of Auckland.
- Families
- Children enjoy peeking into hobbit holes and the gentle walk around the Shire.
- Couples
- Raise a drink at the Green Dragon Inn and stay on in Rotorua for a romantic night away.
- Pair with
- Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland the day before, or the Waitomo glowworm caves on the same day.
- Time needed
- A full day from Auckland.
Good questions
How far is Hobbiton from Auckland?+
The Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata is roughly two hours south of Auckland by road. Day tours from Auckland include coach transport there and back.
Can I visit Hobbiton without a tour?+
No, all visits to the movie set are guided tours that you must book in advance. You can drive yourself to the farm and book a set tour time, or join a day tour from Auckland.
How long is the Hobbiton Movie Set tour?+
The movie set tour takes about two and a half hours. A day tour from Auckland that adds Waitomo lasts about eleven and a half hours.
Can I combine Hobbiton and Waitomo in one day?+
Yes, Tiqets lists a Hobbiton and Waitomo day tour from Auckland. It makes for a long day but covers both highlights efficiently.
Is there a drink included at Hobbiton?+
The tour ends at the Green Dragon Inn, where visitors enjoy a drink. Check the inclusions of your specific ticket when you book.