Hobbiton Express
This Tauranga tour brings The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life. Visit the film location chosen by Peter Jackson as the iconic setting for the village populated by Hobbits. Fans of the acclaimed books and films will love being submersed in the environment used to bring the books to life on the big screen.
Depart Tauranga and cross the harbor bridge, enjoying panoramic views of The Mount, a 762 foot high volcanic core. Your guide will lead you on a ride over 1,000 feet, crossing the Kaimai mountain range which divides the Bay of Plenty from the Waikato district.
Arrive at Hobbiton, the set location seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. A professional guide will meet you at Shires Rest, taking you on an informative tour around the former movie set. Walk past Hobbit holes, stand under the party tree, and imagine yourself among the company of story characters. The natural, lush landscape was chosen as a film setting because of its untouched beauty.
Head to the Green Dragon pub where you can purchase a refreshing Hobbit Ale and light lunch at an additional cost. Afterward, begin the journey back to Tauranga, stopping first at the Kaimai Range's summit. Standing 1,000 feet above sea level, the summit is perfect for stunning photographs overlooking the valley below and distant extinct volcanoes. If there's enough time left on your tour, your guide will take you to a local honey center to see the hives and purchase local Manuka honey or delicious honey ice cream.
Return to the port, passing luxurious waterfront homes lining the gorgeous beaches of Mount Maunganui. Book this Tauranga tour today for an incredible experience even J.R.R. Tolkien would recommend.
Worth The TimeDecember 09, 2018
Reviewer: Peter Cheung
By this time, Peter Jackson, knew there's money in leaving the movie sets behind instead of dismantling it with the Lord Of The Ring sets. Everything you want to see I are there. The Party Tree, the Lake, the rolling Meadows, the cottages, the pub. Mostly everything.
Day visit to Middle EarthNovember 05, 2018
Reviewer: Douglas Ash
I am a HUGE fan of Middle Earth so this trip was perfect. We drove into the site and walked down a little path and then the sudden appearance of the Hobbit Holes was breathtaking, complete with gardens and smoking chimneys. While there was new group every 5 minutes the site was not crowded and we were never hurried along. Our guide was excellent - stopping to take pictures of us in the doorways or explaining about the "fake" tree above Bag End. Capped by mug of ale in the Green Dragon. Wow. Everything but themed characters.
Exceptional Hobbiton Excursion!July 09, 2018
Reviewer: EMMANUEL
Best tour in New Zealand! Enjoyable views of the verdant green countryside and rolling hills with sheep and other animals. Hobbiton was amazing with tiny cottage living! Lots of details, each home uniquely quaint! Docent guide was excellent providing interesting tidbits tying in locations with the movie scenes. Bus driver was friendly and informative as well. Such great memories and photos to relive!
Must visitApril 30, 2018
Reviewer: Wendy Lam
This excursion is the highlight of our cruise. Lots of picture perfect site. Bring an umbrella as there are no shades. The ice cold beverage at the end is refreshing. Highly recommend.
Hobbits RuleApril 02, 2018
Reviewer: Joe Mayfield
Loved this outing. Keith our guide was great and we talked a great deal about our dairy backgrounds in New Zealand and the USA. The stop to sample Manukau honey and the impromptu stop at a sporting goods store to buy an All Blacks Jersey was special to us.
