Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland worth booking?
Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland is a 10-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $1249 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $1249 per person
Drive through the scenic roads of Waikato on a chauffeur driven premium luxury vehicle to experience life as a Hobbit like never before! Join the Hobbiton Film Set at dusk with a guided tour of the Shire and a banquet fe
What you get
- Chance to step into a real The Lord of the Rings film set
- Private transportation
- Complimentary High-Speed Internet on-board the minibus
- Complimentary refreshments and water on board
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
- Dinner
About this experience
Drive through the scenic roads of Waikato on a chauffeur driven premium luxury vehicle to experience life as a Hobbit like never before! Join the Hobbiton Film Set at dusk with a guided tour of the Shire and a banquet feast fit for a Hobbit served inside the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. Eat like a King (Hobbit) before a gentle lantern-lit walk through the Shire with Hobbiton lit up. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the Shire as featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies. Feast on a Hobbit-inspired dinner banquet and end the evening with an unforgettable lantern-lit walk through the village wandering paths of the Shire.
What's included
Included
- Chance to step into a real The Lord of the Rings film set
- Private transportation
- Complimentary High-Speed Internet on-board the minibus
- Complimentary refreshments and water on board
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
- Dinner
- Alcoholic beverages
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
- Admission to 4 hours fully guided tour at Hobbiton
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Listen to fascinating stories from your guide as you explore the 12-acre movie set
- Learn how the film magic was made from a local guide
- Opportunity to have a drink at the cosy Green Dragon Inn
- A lantern-lit walk through the movie set under moonlight
- Remarkable 360-degree views of the rolling Kaimai Ranges
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- Amazing photo opportunities in front of every hobbit hole
- Travel through the Waikato region, which is well known for cattle and dairy farming
- See where major scenes were filmed and discover behind-the-scenes secrets
Not included
- Additional drinks available to purchase throughout the night
- Breakfast
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
15 minutes here
The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.
Pass by without stopping
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.
15 minutes here
Hobbiton Movie Set
Experience the Hobbiton Movie Set at dusk with a guided tour across the twelve acres of the Shire. As you tour Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, the double arched bridge and other structures and gardens built for the films, your guide will recount with you fascinating details of how the movie set was created. The last stop on the tour is The Green Dragon Inn where you have ample time to relax in front of the open fires enjoying a complimentary beverage from the exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing range. Then, move through to the Green Dragon dining room and be treated to banquet feast fit for a Hobbit. As is the tradition in the Shire, second helpings are more definitely encouraged. After dinner, take your authentic handheld lantern to light the way back along the pathways of the Shire. This stunning journey under moonlight will take you through the village as it is breathtakingly lit up with Hobbit hole chimney's smoking and lanterns glowing against the darkness.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Auckland Central
After an exhilarating fun-filled adventure experience at Hobbiton, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Hamilton / Matamata locations if you are staying locally in the region.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ExperienceKart
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
- Tours operate in all weather conditions; umbrellas are provided in the event of rain.
- There is uneven terrain on the set; approximately 75% is wheelchair accessible.
- We are able to accommodate a stroller or a pram, provided it is fully collapsible and can fit in the luggage compartment of our buses.
- The only way to access the Hobbiton Movie Set is with a guided tour.
- Please note this experience is extremely popular and may require you to book 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season.
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items
- Easy and good fitness level required
- This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended
- Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as Hobbiton is the perfect place to get some great travel photos.
- The departure time from Auckland for the evening banquet experience will change throughout the year due to sunset timings.
- Indicative departure time from Auckland is [03:00 pm in January]; [02:30 pm in February]; [02:00 pm in March]; [12:30 pm in April]; [12:00 pm in May]; [12:00 pm in June].
- Indicative departure time from Auckland is [12:00 pm in July]; [12:15 pm in August]; [12:45 pm in September]; [01:45 pm in October]; [02:30 pm in November]; [03:00 pm in December].
- You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.
- Special dietary requirements catered for upon request, please advise at the time of booking. Preferences and requests cannot be guaranteed. Special requests are subject to availability
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An Enjoyable Ride to a Magical Place
None us are diehard Lord of the Rings fans, but our visit to Hobbiton was fantastic. The attention to details in the shire is amazing; the guided tour is well paced and narrated; and the included hobbit banquet was delicious. We were transported to this fantasy land by Ama from Experience Kart. She made the long drive to/from Auckland go quickly as she was willing to tell us about her Māori culture.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora SproutTrout, Thank you for your lovely 5-star review. We’re delighted to hear that your visit to Hobbiton was such a fantastic experience, even without being die-hard fans of the films. The incredible attention to detail in the Shire and the banquet at the Green Dragon certainly make it a memorable visit. We’re also pleased to know that Ama helped make the journey enjoyable by sharing stories about her Māori culture and insights along the way. Thank you for choosing to travel with us, and we hope to welcome you back again for another memorable experience in Aotearoa. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Tour through the New Zealand countryside and to Hobbton
We had special needs on our tour. Our driver Peter adjusted instantly to our needs and made the trip very enjoyable. This was a high quality tour. I highly recommend giving this company your trust to create an amazing experience.
Response from the operator: Kia Ora William, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that Peter made your tour comfortable, enjoyable, and perfectly tailored to your needs. His ability to adapt with care and professionalism is something we’re incredibly proud of, and it’s fantastic to know it helped create such a positive experience for you. Hearing that you found the tour high quality and worthy of your trust truly means the world to us. We’re honored to have been part of your journey and would love to welcome you back for more amazing adventures across Aotearoa! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Priceless service
Driver went above and beyond! We were late… he waited… and waited… and waited. We had the times confused. He was so patient. Made the tour with. One ta to spare. Excellent guide for the ride there and back again. Took us to our accommodation afterwards. Truly special treatment. 10/10
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Fred, Thank you so much for this amazing review! We're absolutely thrilled you had such a magical Hobbiton experience—and so glad our driver could turn a stressful moment into a smooth and memorable journey! His patience, calm nature, and commitment to giving you the royal treatment are exactly what we strive for at ExperienceKart. From start to finish (and even “there and back again”), it’s all about creating unforgettable moments with heart. We’re so grateful you chose us—and we’d love to welcome you back anytime for more epic adventures! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Driver and trip was fantastic
Fantastic. Hobbiton did not disappoint! Evening banquet was spectacular. Guides were fun and informative. Our driver Krantv (sp?) went above and beyond for us. Waited ( we were late misunderstanding the timing) and panicked. He was calm patient and wonderful. Afterwards he dropped us at our accommodations. Superb customer service ! 10/10
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Fred, Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re over the moon to hear you had such a magical time at Hobbiton—especially the Evening Banquet, which truly is something special! A huge shoutout to Karthik for going the extra mile with grace and kindness—he’ll be thrilled to know his calm and care made such a difference during a stressful moment. Your kind words about the service mean the world to us. We're so glad the experience was 10/10 for you, and we’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure across Aotearoa! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Viator
Hobbiton banquet Experience is a must! For Frodo!
A great experience! Highly recommend for LOTR fanatics! We had a wonderful ride over to Hobbiton filled with many stories and facts about New Zealand. We also received many recommendations on places to visit. Our driver was extremely kind and professional. If you’re looking for a stress-free transfer to Hobbiton from Auckland it’s definitely worth it! The
Response from the operator: Kia Ora Gerardo, Thank you so much for the amazing review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic experience traveling to Hobbiton with us! For true LOTR fans, it's a dream destination—and we're so glad we could make the journey just as memorable as the destination itself. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the stories and fun facts shared along the way, and that our recommendations added even more value to your time in New Zealand. Our team takes great pride in delivering not just a transfer, but a personalized and enriching experience from start to finish. A big thank you as well for your kind words about our driver guide —professionalism, warmth, and genuine care are at the heart of what we do, and it’s great to know you felt that throughout the journey. We're so happy we could provide you with a smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable ride to Middle-earth. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for more adventures across Aotearoa! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $1249 to $1395
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland cost?
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Prices start at $1249 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 Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland?
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Around 3 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?
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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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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