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

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$325.00 per person

4.9 (58 reviews)

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Check Availability on Viator

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’. ** Maintenance & restoration construction at Hobbiton is set to begin 01 June 2025, with the major works being completed in September 2025. During this period, construction and maintenance equipment and noise will be present. Tours will continue as normal but will take an alternate route around the construction zone, while being able to get a glimpse of the work that goes into keeping Hobbiton Movie Set as magical as it looked in the films.

    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

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

- Enjoy the convenience of pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option & meet us there! - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time....

Important Information

Hotel Pick ups start 20 mins before the tour time. Please check your pick up time in tour information to ensure you do not miss your pickup. You will be picked up in a minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it. Pick ups are: Park Hyatt 05:40 AM Sofitel Viaduct Harbour 05:40 AM Hilton Hotel 05:40 AM M Social 05:45 AM Movenpick Hotel 05: 45 AM Adina Apartment Hotel 05:45 AM Copthorne Auckland City 05:45 AM Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments 05:45 AM Pullman Auckland 05:45 AM SO/Auckland 05:45 AM JW Marriott Auckland City 05:50 AM Heritage Auckland 05:50 AM Ibis Budget Auckland Central (Pick up also for CityLife, Barclay Suites, Holiday Inn Express) 05:50 AM Crowne Plaza 05:55 AM Rydges Hotel 05:55 AM The Grand By SkyCity 05:55 AM SkyCity Hotel 05:55 AM Four Points by Sheraton 05:55 AM Grand Millennium Auckland 06:00 AM Mercure Hotel 06:00 AM Kiwi International Hotel 06:00 AM VR Auckland City, 188 Hobson Street 06:00 AM Cordis Auckland 06:05 AM

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
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • 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 provide your own or one can be provided for $20 NZD (with 24 hours notice).
  • The legal drinking age is 18, and ID 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.