Viator Exclusive: Early Access to The Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set for the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at where ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and the 'Hobbit' trilogies were filmed. You and your small group beat the crowds to this popular attraction near Matamata, a small agricultural town approximately 2.5 hours' drive from Auckland, arriving before the site opens to the general public. During the private tour, your guide will take you places that were usually only accessed by the film crews. This Viator exclusive tour can’t be booked anywhere else, making it the perfect day for fans of Gandalf and the gang!

Depart from your Auckland hotel at approximately 6:30am for a roughly 2.5-hour drive south over the Bombay Hills to the lush farmland of the Waikato region. Upon arrival at the Hobbiton Movie Set, you and your fellow The Lord of the Rings fans have an early tour with a private guide. Ask away about Mordor, filming details, and whatever else comes to mind as you pass Bilbo Baggins’ house, the mill, and the party tree, among other recognizable landmarks.

One thing you won’t get out your guide? Whether or not the five hobbit holes you visit will appear in two upcoming films for the current The Hobbit series. Ogle the round doors and windows of the Smials that are not open to visit during the regular tours. This Viator exclusive is the only way to see the latest in hobbit architecture!

Smile big for a photo outside Bag End, and then head to an epic breakfast at the Green Dragon Inn. The meal includes morning staples such as scrambled eggs, bacon and fruit, in addition to creamy mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and a specially made breakfast mince.

After your tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, hop in your provided transport to head back to your Auckland hotel. Along the way, you will stop for an ice-cream break at Pokeno for a scoop of New Zealand’s signature Hokey Pokey. The world-famous vanilla ice cream is packed with clumps of honeycomb toffee. It’s a sweet way to end your Viator exclusive tour that can’t be booked anywhere else!

• Small-group tour
• Local guide
  
• Late breakfast
  
• Ice cream
  
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Transport by air-conditioned mini coach

• Gratuities (optional)