Which Hobbiton Tour Is Right for You? A Simple Guide

At A Glance: Hobbiton Tour Experience Comparison

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour 

The essential Hobbiton experience.

This is the most popular and widely booked Hobbiton Movie Set experience, making it perfect for first-time visitors. You’ll explore the 12-acre movie set with a knowledgeable guide, visit iconic locations like Bag End™, Bagshot Row™, The Green Dragon™ Inn, and finish with a complimentary Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage.

Key details

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Departure location: The Shire’s Rest™, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata

• Inclusions:

• Fully guided walking tour

• Entry to Bagshot Row™ interior Hobbit Hole experience

• Complimentary drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn
  
  

• Dining: 1x Drink included (option to purchase from snack menu at The Green Dragon Inn)

• Group size: Maximum 41 pax per departure

• Exclusions: Transport to/from Matamata

Best for: First-time visitors, families, tight schedules

Booking Tip: This tour is our most popular experience, departing 7 days per week with several departures per day. Booking in advance is essential between November and April as our peak season.

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Hobbiton Movie Set Mandarin Tour  

The same experience, delivered by our Mandarin speaking guides.

This tour follows the same route and inclusions as the classic Hobbiton Movie Set Tour but is guided entirely in Mandarin.

Key details

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Departure location: The Shire’s Rest™, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata

• Inclusions:

• Mandarin-speaking guide

• Fully Guided walking tour

• Entry to Bagshot Row™ interior Hobbit Hole experience

• Complimentary drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn
  
  

• Dining: 1x Drink included (option to purchase from snack menu at The Green Dragon Inn)

• Group size: Maximum 41 pax per departure

• Exclusions: Transport to/from Matamata, food

Best for: Mandarin-speaking guests seeking a fully guided experience

Booking Tip: We offer more departures during Lunar New Year and Golden Week however these times of year book out well in advance.

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Matamata Information Centre

Easy transport included from Matamata town centre

This option includes return coach transport on a Hobbiton Movie Set bus from the Matamata Information Centre, making it ideal for visitors without their own vehicle.

Key details

• Duration: 4 hours

• Departure location: Matamata Information Centre, 45 Broadway, Matamata

• Inclusions:

  • Return coach transport

  • Fully guided walking tour

  • Entry to Bagshot Row™ interior Hobbit Hole experience

  • Complimentary drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn

• Dining: 1x Drink included (option to purchase from snack menu at The Green Dragon Inn)

• Group size: Maximum 41 pax per departure

• Exclusions: Food

Best for: Visitors travelling without their own vehicle, visitors staying in Matamata

Booking tip: This tour departs once per day, 7 days per week. Book in advance to avoid missing out, especially between November and April.

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour & Lunch Combo

Explore the set, then enjoy a buffet lunch.

This experience combines the classic movie set tour with a festive buffet lunch served in the Party Marquee.

Key details

• Duration: ~3.5 hours

• Departure location: The Shire’s Rest™, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata

• Inclusions:

• Fully guided walking tour

• Entry to Bagshot Row™ interior Hobbit Hole experience

• Complimentary drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn

• Buffet lunch with shared table seating in The Party Marquee

• Dining style: Shared buffet (see menu here)

• Group size: Maximum 41 pax per departure

• Exclusions: Transport to/from Matamata

Best for: visitors travelling through middle of the day wanting a longer experience

Booking tip: The menu caters to most common dietary requirements. You can view the menu here. 

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Evening Banquet Tour

The most iconic Hobbiton dining experience

Explore Hobbiton at dusk before enjoying a traditional Hobbit-style banquet inside The Green Dragon™ Inn. Expect candlelight, shared tables, and a feast straight out of Middle-earth™.

Key details

• Duration: 4.5 hours

• Departure location: The Shire’s Rest™, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata

• Inclusions:

• Fully guided walking tour (last tour of the day)

• Entry to Bagshot Row™ interior Hobbit Hole experience

• Complimentary drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn

• Dinner and Desert banquet in The Green Dragon™ Inn

• Evening lantern tour through the movie set at night

• Dining style: Shared banquet feast

• Group size: Maximum 48 pax per departure

• Exclusions: Transport to/from Matamata*

Best for: Visitors celebrating a special occasion, those looking for an immersive experience, second or third-time visitors, visitors staying near by, couples, foodies

Booking tip: This is our best rated experience and tends to book out 4-6 months in advance. We recommend booking as far in advance as your itinerary allows. Be sure to include any dietary requirements during check out.

*return transport to Matamata town centre can be arranged on request

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Second Breakfast Tour

You’ve had first breakfast, yes, but what about Second Breakfast?

This morning experience includes a guided tour followed by a generous breakfast spread inside The Millhouse

Key details

• Duration: 3.5 hours

• Departure location: The Shire’s Rest™, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata

• Inclusions:

• Fully guided walking tour (typically first tour of the day)

• Entry to Bagshot Row™ interior Hobbit Hole experience

• Complimentary drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn

• Breakfast-style banquet served in The Millhouse

• Dining style: Shared breakfast banquet

• Group size: maximum 30 pax per departure

• Exclusions: Transport to/from Matamata

Best for: Morning travellers, couples, hungry Hobbits

Booking tip: This tour departs several times per week and can book out months in advance. Book early to avoid missing out. Be sure to include any dietary requirements during check out.

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Behind the Scenes Tour

Go deeper into movie magic.

This small-group experience offers exclusive access, in-depth storytelling, and areas not visited on standard tours.

Key details

• Duration: 4.5 hours

• Departure location: The Shire’s Rest™, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata

• Inclusions:

• Fully guided walking tour

• Entry to Bagshot Row™ interior Hobbit Hole experience

• Complimentary drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn

• Lunch banquet served in The Millhouse

• Visit to the Art Department for a behind the scenes glimpse

• Self-guided stroll through The Burrows

• Cheese, chutney and fruit platter served with bubbles

• Dining: Banquet style lunch and cheese platter

• Group size: maximum 30 pax per departure

• Exclusions: Transport to/from Matamata

Best for: Film enthusiasts, Tolkien fans, repeat visitors, those looking for a more immersive interactive experience, foodies, couples

Booking tip: This is our newest tour product and offers a premium experience, quickly gaining popularity. We recommend booking as far in advance as your itinerary allows, especially between November and April during our peak season. Be sure to include any dietary requirements during check out.

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Still Not Sure Which Hobbiton Tour to Choose?

If it’s your first visit or your itinerary is tight, we recommend starting with the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
If food is an important part of the adventure for you, choose Tour and Lunch Combo, Second Breakfast, Behind the Scenes or the Evening Banquet.
If you want something deeper and quieter, Behind the Scenes is your best match.

View all Hobbiton tours and book your Middle-earth adventure today.

Need return transport from Auckland, Rotorua or another nearby location? See our transfer partners here.