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Matamata (aka Hobbiton)

Matamata sits in the heart of rural Waikato and is a prime dairy and thoroughbred agricultural area. It has a bustling town centre with plenty of shops and cafes. More recently however the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and the recent Hobbit movies has added a whole new reason to visit. Located on the outskirts of town is Hobbiton or at least the locations used for the scenes of Hobbiton. Each your thousands of visitors come to see the Hobbit village, the Hobbit houses and now the Green Dragon pub, a real working pub serving Hobbit Ale! The phenomenon has had the effect that the region is now simply referred to as Hobbiton.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

In the heart of New Zealand, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Hobbiton is located just outside of Matamata in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region. Here you can visit such iconic Hobbit locations as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the Party Tree with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films. Spend time wandering through Bagshot Row before being led inside a Hobbit Hole to view the detailed interior, designed to provide an authentic glimpse into the dwelling of a Hobbit.

Private Hobbiton tour

Private Hobbiton tour

Join your private guide for an exclusive Middle-Earth encounter at Hobbiton Movie Set. Your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the twelve acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie set was created for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton movies. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be viewed with some allowing you to enter this magical world. With beautiful Hobbit gardens and laundry on the line, this life-like village is enchanting. After the tour you can enjoy some Hobbiton brews in the Green Dragon Inn in front of a roaring fire.

Hobbiton Evening Banquet Dinner Tour

Hobbiton Evening Banquet Dinner Tour

Begin your Hobbiton evening experience with a enjoyable wander through the twelve acre life-like Hobbiton Village set as you guide shares the fascinating details of how the village was created for the movies. Your walking tour finishes at The Green Dragon Inn where you can relax in front of the open fires enjoying a complimentary drink from the Hobbit Southfarthing range of unique beverages. After pre-dinner drinks you're treated to a magnificent banquet feast fit for a Hobbit at the Green Dragon dining room. The tables will be laid out with everything a happy Hobbit would expect at a feast and as is the tradition in The Shire, second helpings are expected! After dinner you guide will take you on a magical walk back through the shire, holding your own lantern that helps light your way you'll peak through windows of the living village as chimney smoke and light give the illusion of Hobbits tucked up inside.

Hobbiton Tour with Marquee Festive Feast Lunch

Hobbiton Tour with Marquee Festive Feast Lunch

Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. Located just outside of Matamata - in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region, your 3 hour tour will begin with a drive through a picturesque sheep farm. You will also get to experience the taste of the Shire with a delicious buffet lunch served in the Party Marquee.

Hobbiton Second Breakfast Tour

Hobbiton Second Breakfast Tour

You've already had breakfast, but what about second breakfast? Make the first footsteps on the Movie Set as part of the first tour of the day. After your tour and a visit to The Green Dragon Inn, follow your guide back over the double arch stone bridge to The Millhouse, where you will be treated to a breakfast spread fit for a Hobbit. The breakfast table will be heaped a selection of hot and cold breakfast options

New Zealand Touring Styles

A popular style of touring is to take a preplanned self drive road trip.  After a thorough consultation with you we expertly plan and create your self drive tour around New Zealand. These tours allow you the freedom to explore at leisure with the comfort and security of pre-booked activities and accommodations. Route suggestions, APP guidance plus local support mean your New Zealand vacation is in safe hands. See self drive ideas here

If you prefer to let someone else do the work then an escorted small group tour might be for you. Our sister company at New Zealanbd Coach has a range of hand picked small group itineraries are ideal if you prefer to travel in the company of like minded people. Tours are limited to a certain number of participants which means different accommodation options, exclusive activities and of course a knowledgeable guide ensures you get to see the best of New Zealand. See small group tours here. 

A private guided tour offers true flexibility and the security of a knowledgeable local guiding you all the way. Well planned itineraries ensure you see exactly what you want to see but with your own driver-guide you can adapt to suit the day or your preference. 100% tailor-made to suit you a private tour is a great option when travelling as a small group. All our self drive itineraries can be replanned and priced using a private driver and guide, so if it is what you fancy just contact us to discuss.

All North Island touring ideas - See here to explore the diverse North Island - itinerary suggestions.

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