Let Bush and Beach take you on a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit film trilogies for a fascinating guided tour. This is followed by a tour of Rotorua including the geothermal wonders, Kiwi birds and a Māori cultural show.
Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills signalling that you are approaching The Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way to Hobbiton with insights into the areas you are travelling through, along with some background to the movies.
On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance.
A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to go inside a Hobbit hole. This interactive part of the tour gives you the chance to explore inside a Hobbit home! For example – try out a hobbit sized bed, sit at the dining table and check out the amazing detail that has gone into this creation.
The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink.
After the tour your sumptuous buffet feast is included at the Party Marquee. Enjoy time in the Hobbiton gift shop and the opportunity to spend your souvenir voucher before continuing onto Rotorua.
Once you reach Rotorua your first stop is Te Puia, home to the Pōhutu geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy a guided tour of the geothermal area Te Whakarewarewa, see the famous Rotorua mud pools and other geothermal wonders. While on the tour you have the chance to see traditional Māori carving and weaving at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, located within Te Puia. Try to spot a kiwi bird in the Kiwi House before experiencing the cultural performance.
After a spine-tingling ceremonial welcome, you will be invited onto Rotowhio Marae. From there you will enter the carved meeting house where you will have a true taste of Māori culture with traditional ancestral storytelling, song and dance – known as Kapa Haka
A relaxed drive back to Auckland completes the day.
The tours at Hobbiton and Rotorua are with a larger group – if you want a private tour at Hobbiton please ask for a quote and availability.
These prices are valid for up to 8 people. For groups of 9+ please ask for a quote (use the enquiry form on this page)
Child price for ages 5-14
To send an enquiry about availability for this private tour just fill in the form below with the dates and number of people in your group and we’ll get right back to you.
The map is for indicative purposes only.