A must-visit location for anyone who has ever watched Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit trilogies, a Hobbiton Movie Set day trip is an amazing chance to see widely-known filming locations and the vibrant New Zealand countryside.

Here's all you need to know about visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, one of the most epic destinations for day trips from Rotorua.

How to get to Hobbiton Movie Set from Rotorua?

About a 1-hour drive from Rotorua, you will find the Hobbiton Movie Set. Located on a beautiful private farm around 8 kilometers west of Hinuera and 10 kilometers from Matamata, there are plenty of ways to reach this fantastic destination.

From Rotorua to Hobbiton movie set by car

One of the easiest ways to reach the Hobbiton Movie Set is by car. You can take a taxi straight from your hotel to the site or drive yourself in less than an hour. Simply follow the signs for Matamata and then Hobbiton.

From Rotorua to Hobbiton movie set by public transport

There are buses available to Hobbiton from Rotorua to Matamata, but you have to take a short taxi ride from the final stop to reach the actual movie set.

Guided tour to Hobbiton Movie Set

Arguably the best way to get to the Hobbiton movie set is to take a day tour. This way you have transport covered, you’re accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide and have everything included in one go. Many day tours to Hobbiton will pick you up at your hotel in Rotorua, making your day tour even more conveniet.

How much does the entrance ticket to Hobbiton Movie Set cost?

You can purchase Hobbiton Movie Set tickets for tours without a guide at the following prices:

• Adults: NZ$89 (US$55)
• Children (9-16 years old): NZ$44 (US$27)
• Children under 9: Free
• Family pass (two adults and two children): NZ$225 (US$140)
• NZ Gold Card holder: NZ$79 (US$49)

What is the typical itinerary?

On a typical day trip to the Hobbiton movie set, you will be picked up at your hotel or meet at a specific point, then drive over to the site. Some tours include other stops, like the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, so check what you are getting before you book.

On arrival at the movie set, you will take a 2-hour tour of the stunning farm, look at all the details and scenery around you, and finish up with a visit to the local pub for a drink. You will get dropped off back at your hotel after the tour.

What kinds of tours are available?

There are a number of different tours available to the Hobbiton Movie Set including private tours and those that visit extra locations.

Guided tours to the Hobbiton Movie Set

Head out from Rotorua to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour of the peaceful Hobbit home area. You’ll be able to snap shots in the iconic landscape that comes straight from the Hobbit trilogy.

Private tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set

Take a private tour to the Hobbiton movie set and follow your own agenda, allowing you to explore the Hobbit Holes and farmland at your own pace.

Day trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set plus Waitomo Glowworm Caves from Rotorua

For a truly memorable day filled with natural and manmade beauty, take a day trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set and visit the Waitomo Glowworm caves in one go. These caves are truly spectacular, with constellations of glow worms shining above you.

Rent a kayak or SUP to paddle through the caves and enhance your full-day magical experience.

Day tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set plus Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Auckland from Rotorua

You can also add in a trip to Auckland after visiting both Hobbiton and the Glowworm caves. This is an affordable way to see more of the area and get from place to place quite easily.

How much does it cost?

The exact cost will vary a great deal depending on the type of tour you wish to take.

Guided tours to the Hobbiton Movie Set from Rotorua (including other stops on the way) cost around US$155 to US$200 per person, and varies depending on the number and location of any additional stops.

For a day trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set plus Waitomo Glowworm Caves from Rotorua, expect to pay between US$200 and US$225.

A day tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set plus Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Auckland from Rotorua costs an average of US$225 per person.

A private tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set from Rotorua costs around US$625 per group of up to four passengers.  A private is more exclusive, and some tours have more stops and extras than others.

What will you see and do?

One of the main highlights of an excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set is the Hobbit holes and other features from Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. You can admire all of the details that went into the set from bridges to clothes hanging on the line.

Finish up your trip with a visit to the Green Dragon Pub and enjoy a refreshing drink in this highly characteristic setting. There is also a store where you can pick up souvenirs.

When is the Hobbiton Movie Set open over the year?

Hobbiton movie set day trips occur all year round, with no closed season for weather or other reasons. It is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

What are the opening times?

The Hobbiton Movie Set is open from 9:00 AM with tours departing from 9:30 AM every day. The last tour ends around 5:30 PM.

When is the best time to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set?

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set first thing when they open to beat the crowds and the heat.

There is no bad time to visit the set since the climate stays mild throughout all seasons. However, avoid school holidays.

Are there any tours to the Hobbiton Movie Set from other cities in New Zealand?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in New Zealand:

• Day trips to the Hobbiton movie set from Tauranga
• Day tours to the Hobbiton movie set from Auckland

Travel tips

• Wherever possible, always book your trip in advance. Particularly at busy times like school holidays, Hobbiton Movie Set day trips could get overbooked and even sell out.
• Make sure you bring your camera. You won’t want to forget visiting Hobbiton and pictures comparing the heights of doors and dwellings always turn out very amusing.