Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way in Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way

Outty Ranking 66 4.9 · 11 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $248

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$248
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way worth booking?

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way is a 6-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $248 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (11)
Duration
6 hours
From
$248 per person

Travel south after morning pickup from your Auckland hotel. En route to Hobbiton, enjoy a quick stretch break before arrival at the Hobbiton Movie Set. Fans will love the guided tour of the Shire, a prime filming locati

What you get

    About this experience

    Travel south after morning pickup from your Auckland hotel. En route to Hobbiton, enjoy a quick stretch break before arrival at the Hobbiton Movie Set. Fans will love the guided tour of the Shire, a prime filming location for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movie series. Explore inside a Hobbit home on BagShot Row. Stop for photos as you’re entertained with tales about the making of the films. Then head to the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary drink before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch at the Party Marquee After your tour of Hobbiton, you will be transferred to Rotorua by 2.15pm, allowing time to explore the city in the afternoon.

    What's included

    Included

    • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
    • Hobbiton Movie Set entry and tour
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Inner city Rotorua drop off (selected hotels)
    • Drink inside the Green Dragon Inn & Buffet lunch at the Party Marquee
    • Inner city Auckland accommodation pick up (selected hotels)
    • NZ$10 shopping voucher to be used in the Hobbiton gift shop

    Not included

    • Snacks
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hobbiton Movie Set

      Your guided walking our around the 44 Hobbit holes includes the chance to take a photo in a Hobbit hole and stand by the gate to Bilbo's house - from here look out over the whole set and over the Party Tree to the Green Dragon.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Enjoy a drink in the Green Dragon Inn. Please note from 1 Dec 2023 the price of this tour increases to include lunch. Lunch is not included prior to this date due to shuttle timings.

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Auckland

    This is the last pick up for the tour at 6.50am - If you are meeting here will need to be confirmed with us. Please call to confirm the night prior - 0800 423 224

    Meeting point

    Auckland

    If you have not confirmed an inner city hotel pick up with us then our central meeting point is the entrance to the SkyCity Hotel at 6.40am. If you are meeting here will need to be confirmed with us. Please call to confirm the night prior - 0800 423 224

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Drop off at selected Rotorua accommodation included or you will be dropped off at the Rotorua i-Site

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Bush and Beach

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Minimum TWO adults required for this tour to run.
    • Tour joins a larger group at Hobbiton for the tour around the set

    Photos

    Delicious buffet lunch included at the Party MarqueeAuckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way in Auckland, photo 3Hobbiton Movie SetExplore inside a Hobbit homeHobbiton photo opportunityThe Mill

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    10
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    AmundRybakken · October 2025

    The best guided tour around

    Bush and Beach made our whole guided tour special from start to finish. We got picked up at our hotel on time by Damien, our guide for the day. He was really friendly and heartwarming. He genuinely seemed interested in us as guest, and made us feel special. He had so much interesting to say the whole trip. He told us about everything from culture, nature, animals and infrastructures around the landscapes we traveled through in Waikato. As we got closer to Hobbiton Movie Set he told us stories from the movies, which were my favourite. Damien took really good care of us and made sure we were comfortable, and during our tour he made sure our stuff was safe. Since we were travelling to Rotorua afterwards, we switched car and guide to Michelle. She also took good care of us the rest of the trip. On the way to Rotorua she told us all about Māori culture in and around Rotorua. She also had the best infectious laugh. She gave us tips for what to do for the best experience. She also help us book a tour at Te Puia. Safe to say, if you travel with Bush and Beach you get taken care of. Thanks to Damien and Michelle for making our day feel special!

    via Tripadvisor

    davidbT679LV · April 2025

    Best tour ever:)

    Absolutely amazing and breathtaking tour of Hobbiton, the glow worm caves and the trip to Auckland. The best thing about these trips were the guides Herms and Damian. Especially Damian since we had him from Hobbiton, glow worm caves to Auckland. He made it extra special with the interaction with the group and with his vast knowledge of the area, the culture and the people. He is an exemplary guide, what a guy! I would highly recommend Bush and Beach tours to anyone visiting the area.

    via Tripadvisor

    Ashley_R · February 2025

    Tried to watch Lord of...

    Tried to watch Lord of Rings in preparation, but do not our thing. Didn’t matter though because the experience was awesome! Such a cool place and the buffet was so good. Our tour guide was great and so interesting and knowledgeable. It was a long day, but was so worth it.

    via Viator

    patricktM5077GX · February 2025

    Excellent banter, more than just a transfer!

    Obviously hobbiton itself isn't controlled by Bush & Beach (an excellent experience nonetheless). Where Bush and Beach absolutely stood out was the staff. Wayne took what could have been a bleary eyed silent early morning drive and turned it into a mobile comedy club, geological survey, and study of NZ character and personality all rolled into one. Can't recommend enough!

    via Tripadvisor

    O5739IDthomash · January 2025

    Wayne is Great !

    We used Bush and Beach to travel from Auckland to Rotorua, via Waitamo Caves and Hobbiton. It turned out that we were the only group who had booked it that day, so we had what in essence was a private tour in the Bush and Beach van. Our driver/guide Wayne was wonderful. He was knowledgeable, safe and entertaining. As a result of his years of experience, he can tell every joke known to man. He expertly managed the trip and was a lot of fun. Lunch in Hobbiton was great too, and for us former Minnesotans, Wayne had the additional benefit of being a Vikings fan and best buddies with Carl Eller. We could not have asked for a better day, our second day in New Zealand.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $248 to $540
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)37
    Booking momentum (14% weight)28
    Value for money (12% weight)69
    Listing quality (10% weight)83
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.

    How much does Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way cost?

    +

    Prices start at $248 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.

    Is Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Auckland?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Auckland?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Auckland?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way.

    Pick your date