Auckland Hobbiton Tours

The Lord of the Rings was one of the biggest movie hits of the 21st century and not only set records at the box office, but was also instrumental in putting northern New Zealand on the map, with its magical landscapes and lush bushland providing the backdrop for the filming of the saga's movies.

Some of the best things to see and do in Auckland to learn about the key sites and history of the filming of The Lord of the Rings include a trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, a visit to Mount Tongariro, a tour of Rotorua and a costume-themed tour of the iconic locations that link northern New Zealand to J. R. R. R. Tolkien's saga.

If you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and want a unique experience, a 10-hour tour to the Hobbiton film set and Waitomo Caves from Auckland is a must-do option to immerse yourself in J. R. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth.

These tours usually include round-trip hotel pick-up and drop-off and the tour starts with the rural and mountainous landscapes on the way to Matamata, the town where the iconic Hobbiton is located, making these activities one of the best full-day excursions from Auckland.

There you'll marvel at the green fields and tiny houses peeking out over the grass. You can also tour the hobbit village with the assistance of an expert local guide to discover fascinating details that will transport you back to the J.R.R. Tolkien universe. You will see the famous feast tree, Bag End's house, the Green Dragon Inn and many other sites that have become iconic in the trilogy.

In the afternoon, you will continue your tour to the Waitomo Caves, which will draw your attention to the stalactite and stalagmite formations that have taken millions of years to create. You'll explore the caves via an underground boat ride, where you'll witness the glowing lights of the glow worms that inhabit the cave's ceiling.

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 185 euros per person, including return transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 10 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: one of the best alternatives to see the main site of the trilogy in New Zealand and also a magical natural site.
• Disadvantages of these tours: it can be a very intense experience due to the long journey in a few hours.

One of the natural settings for the Lord of the Rings trilogy is Mount Tongariro, which is located on New Zealand's North Island, about 4.5 hours from Auckland. On a full day trip you can tour this natural site, which is currently an active volcano, and also see the National Park that contains it.

On the bush you can see the walking and trekking trails, and also take a guided tour where you can see some of the scenery that was included in the films, as Mount Tongariro was used as the Mordor of the film and Mount Ngauruhoe, a nearby volcano, was used as Mount Doom.

During the hike you can also discover some of New Zealand's most beautiful volcanic landscapes, crystal clear lakes and snow-capped peaks, especially if you plan to visit Auckland in winter. In the bush you can also opt for a cycling tour.

Although the hike can be strenuous, it is definitely worth it for any Lord of the Rings fans and for those who simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of northern New Zealand. Please note that the hike is challenging and is recommended for those in good physical condition and with hiking experience.

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 132 Euros per person, including hotel pick-up and return transfers and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 9 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see one of New Zealand's most outstanding natural sites.
• Disadvantages of these tours: can be a little intense and tiring.

If you want to combine a sightseeing tour of New Zealand's hot springs with a tour of the natural settings of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, then perhaps these tours can offer you the solution, as you will see Rotorua and Hobbiton on a full day tour with return transfers and hotel pick up.

Rotorua is known for its geothermal and hot springs, which offer a unique and relaxing experience in the middle of nature. On the journey from Auckland you can enjoy some of New Zealand's most varied scenery, with mountains, lakes and forests. And if you visit the city at Christmas time, you'll also be able to discover the eve lights that flood the road.

In Rotorua you can visit the geysers and hot mud pools, as well as take a dip in the hot springs. You can also explore Maori culture and visit Te Puia, a cultural centre that offers local dance and music performances, as well as craft and cooking workshops. Without a doubt, visiting Rotorua is one of the best tours you can do in Auckland.

After spending the day in Rotorua, the next stop on your itinerary will be Hobbiton, the film set of the famous Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy. The drive to Hobbiton is an adventure in itself, taking you through the rolling green hills of the Waikato, before arriving in town to see the hobbit houses and visit the Middle Earth village inn.

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 154 euros per person, including return transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will be able to combine a natural tour with a visit to one of the busiest places in New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these tours: You will have little free time to rest during the tours.

If you're a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, there's no better way to have an unforgettable experience than by visiting Hobbiton. This small town in northern New Zealand is the perfect setting for you to immerse yourself in the fantasy of Middle Earth.

On these themed tours you can enjoy a day of adventure, as you arrive in Hobbiton you'll find the attention to detail is impressive. From the round doors of the houses to the perfectly manicured gardens, you'll feel like you're walking through the sets of any of the films in the trilogy.

Plus, to maximise the experience, you'll be able to choose from some of the Lord of the Rings costumes provided by your designated guide. Whether it's a hobbit, elf, dwarf or even Gandalf costume, you'll feel like a character in the saga and be able to take some of the best photographs of your trip, especially if you plan to visit Auckland in the summer when the weather is nice and sunny and helps with the framing.

The Hobbiton themed tour also includes a guided tour of the city, where you can learn about Hobbit history and culture. After the tour, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at the Green Dragon Inn, Hobbiton's most famous pub and often included in the best beer tours.

A Hobbiton themed tour from Auckland is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of The Lord of the Rings. With costumes, a guided tour and a meal at the Green Dragon Inn, there's no better way to experience the fantasy of Middle Earth. So don't hesitate, dress up as your favourite character and get ready for an unforgettable day out in Hobbiton!

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 120 euros per person, including return transfers with hotel pick-up, costumes and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to live a complete experience of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
• Disadvantages of these tours: this is a tour designed almost entirely for fans of the saga.

You can choose to book tours in advance online or book them once you're in Auckland, although this can be inconvenient as it can lead to delays or you may lose your place on the tours on your chosen day, which can be detrimental if you're planning a short stay. If this is your case, here is a list of things you can do to discover Auckland in 3 days.

If you are planning to visit Auckland in February or during the summer months I advise you to book in advance to avoid last minute price increases and so that you can also organise a proper itinerary that will allow you to optimise your time during your trip.

The Lord of the Rings tours in and around Auckland focus on the locations that were used in the film to depict Middle-earth. Some of the sites you will see during these tours are as follows:

• Hobbiton: is a reconstructed hobbit village in Matamata, south of Auckland. This is the location where scenes of the hobbit homes in the films were filmed, making it the top destination for Lord of the Rings oriented tourism in New Zealand.
• Mordor: This fictional region was recreated in the trilogy at the Mount Ngauruhoe volcano in Tongariro National Park, which is located on the North Island of New Zealand. This volcano was the model for Mount Doom in the films and also offers some of the most beautiful sweeping views of northern New Zealand.
• Rivendell - home of the elves - is located in the Kaitoke Valley Regional Park in Upper Hutt, just an hour from Auckland. Some tours include a visit to this site.
• The Shire: In Alexander Regional Park, east of Auckland, you can see the setting for some of the scenes in the film. Tours to Mount Tongariro often include a stop at this site.

During the tours, in addition to the filming locations, you will also learn about the production of the film and hear behind-the-scenes stories and trivia from expert local guides.

Lord of the Rings tours are a major part of tourism in and around Auckland, so perhaps these tips could help you to enhance your experience on your trip to northern New Zealand.

• Book your tour in advance: as these tours are very popular, it is advisable to book in advance to ensure you get a place, especially if you plan to visit Auckland in the summer, which is part of the peak season.
• Dress appropriately: make sure you wear comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for walking. It is also advisable to bring a jacket or coat, as it can get cold in some of the areas you visit.
• Be prepared to walk: it may seem like a no-brainer, but some of the areas you visit may require short or long walks, so make sure you are prepared to walk. If you have a disability or physical restriction, let your tour guide know in advance so they can make arrangements and let you know if the activities are compatible with your physical condition, as some activities can be very strenuous.
• Take care of sacred sites: some of the places you visit may be sacred to local Maori tribes, so be sure to follow your tour guide's guidelines and be respectful of the places you visit.
• Don't forget your camera: there are many must-see sights to see on the tour, so be sure to bring your camera or mobile phone to capture the best photos of your trip!

Taking a Lord of the Rings tour in and around Auckland is one of the best things to do during your trip, as you' ll see the most iconic sites from the film. These tours are designed to take visitors to the sets that were used to depict J. R. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, so you'll feel like you're inside the trilogy.

You can also learn about the production of the film, as the local guides usually have a lot of information about the particularities of the saga, and you will also learn interesting facts about the filming and about cinema in general.

Also, a tour of this kind is the perfect excuse to learn more about Maori culture, as many excursions include visits to sites that are sacred to the local tribes, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about this distinctly New Zealand minority group.

Last but not least, you'll be able to enjoy the country's beautiful natural scenery and take some of the best photographs of your tour.