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Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Small Group Tour (One Way)

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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$329.00 per person

4.9 (76 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

8 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Tour Overview

Embark on a scenic journey from Auckland to Rotorua, with a pivotal stop at the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set. This tour is tailored for those who appreciate the essence of New Zealand’s cinematic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Starting in Auckland, your guide will introduce you to the city's key landmarks, setting the stage for the adventures ahead. As you leave the urban scenery behind, the tour weaves through the Waikato countryside, New Zealand’s heartland of pastoral beauty. Here, you’ll witness a tapestry of rolling green fields dotted with livestock, framed by the distant mountains.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to Hobbiton, the iconic setting of The Shire from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. On this 12-acre set, you’ll explore 44 meticulously crafted hobbit holes and be treated to stories of the movie's making. Your visit culminates with a refreshing stop at the Green Dragon Inn, where a complimentary beverage awaits.

En route to Rotorua, the journey pauses at Tirau, the quirky 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World'. Here, you’ll enjoy the inventive sculptures that give the town its distinctive character.

Upon arrival in Rotorua, you’ll be comfortably settled into your accommodation or, if you choose, continue on to explore more local attractions at your leisure. This tour not only highlights the natural and cinematic beauty of New Zealand but does so with a personal touch, ensuring a memorable and intimate experience.

What's Included

  • Entry ticket and fully guided tour - Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Water available & snacks provided

Not Included:

  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Waikato Region

    Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and a variety of farm animals along the way.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Hobbiton Movie Set

    – Arriving at the first feature attraction ‘Hobbiton’ you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses and depart on a two & a half hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set, with a professional Hobbiton guide to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.

    2 hours

  4. 4

    Tirau

    Departing for Rotorua we pass through Tirau on our adventure. Dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.

    Pass by without stopping

  5. 5

    Lake Rotorua

    Once in Rotorua your guide will drop you at your accommodation in Rotorua (central hotels only) or at a main Rotorua central location.

    5 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (SkyCity Hotel). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minutes prior to your specific pickup time. ...

Or Meet At Meeting point

SkyCity Hotel Auckland

72 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Please wait by the glass doors into the SkyCity Hotel & Casino, at the bottom of the Sky tower.

End Point

Rotorua Central

1170 Amohau Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

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we can accommodate drop offs to central Rotorua accommodations only.

Important Information

*You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
  • The legal drinking age is 18, and ID at Hobbiton may be required
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.