Hobbiton
Searching for the best day trips to Hobbiton from Auckland? Join Cheeky Kiwi Travel on a fully-guided small-group tour to see the Hobbiton Movie Set. Led by our famously passionate guides and recognised with the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ award from Tripadvisor, this tour offers you the chance to experience one of the world’s top-rated Hobbiton Movie Set tours, with everything organised for you!
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Hobbiton Tours
Booking a Hobbiton tour with Cheeky Kiwi is super easy! You can book directly through our website – simply select your desired Hobbiton tour and follow the booking process. Alternatively, you can contact the Cheeky Kiwi team for assistance.
The drive from Queenstown to Milford
The drive from Auckland to Hobbiton typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, covering approximately 165 kilometres (102 miles).
Cheeky Kiwi Travel offers a fully guided tour from Auckland to Hobbiton, which is longer than a direct journey due to planned stops at scenic locations and points of interest, commentary and comfort breaks.
We try to be as flexible as possible with changes and can generally accommodate most requests where availability allows.
If you have booked through an agent (Viator, KLOOK, Getyourguide etc), please amend your booking through them as they have your details and will collect and refund payments.
For the Hobbiton Movie Set tour specifically, these are the hotels we pick up from:
- SkyCity Hotel
- Pullman Auckland
- Movenpick Hotel
- Four Points by Sheraton
- Grand Millennium
- Crowne Plaza
- Cordis HotelSebel Manukau
For the Hobbiton & Rotorua or Hobbiton & Waitomo tours, we offer pick ups from the following Auckland hotels:
- Copthorne Hotel Auckland
- Cordis Hotel Auckland
- Crowne Plaza Auckland
- Grand Mercure Hotel
- Grand Millennium Hotel
- Heritage Hotel Auckland
- Hilton Hotel Auckland
- Ibis Budget Auckland
- Kiwi International Hotel
- M Social Hotel
- Movenpick Hotel
- Pullman Hotel Auckland
- Rydges Hotel Auckland
- The Sebel Auckland Manukau
- SkyCity Hotel
- SkyCity Grand Hotel
- Sofitel Hotel Auckland
- SO/ Auckland
Check out our pick-up location list above and choose the closest pickup location to where you are staying. We will meet you outside the entrance.
If you cancel 24 hours before your tour is due to depart, we will give you a full refund.
If you have booked through another booking agent (Viator, GetYourGuide, KLOOK etc), please cancel your booking through them in order to receive your refund.
If you need to cancel last minute (within 24 hours) or you are late for your pick-up time no refund will be provided. However, you can contact your travel insurer as they may be able to reimburse you.
We do not offer pick-ups from the airport. You can catch a taxi to the nearest pick-up location and our driver can meet you there.
In Auckland, the closest pick-up location to the airport is Sebel Manukau.
Our drivers can drop you off near to the airport after the tour, where it will be easy for you to taxi the rest of the way.
We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal and bank transfers.
Yes, we have room for luggage, There is enough room for one large case and one carry on bag per person on all tours.
Additional luggage will be an additional $40 per item and must be pre arranged with us before the day of your tour
Oversized items including bikes, surfboards and your pet can not be accommodated.
If you have any questions about our Hobbiton tours or need help with your booking, please email bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com or call us on the numbers below and our team will be happy to assist:
New Zealand Phone Number: 0800 CK BOOK (0800 252 665)
International Phone Number: +64 9 390 7380
Yes, we can drop you at any central hotel location. Please check with your driver on the day.
Yes, we will set your pick-up location to the below location and notify you.
SkyCity Hotel: 72 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
If you want to amend your pick-up location for your Hobbiton tour, please contact: bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com
We require a minimum of 5 people for our tours to operate. If your tour has not reached minimum numbers, we will contact you a few days prior and either try and provide you with another option, or offer a full refund.
Why does my booking say “Pending”?
This means we are waiting to hear back from one of our partner operators, and will get back to you as soon as possible with a confirmation. Please note we may not be always able to confirm all booking requests, but we do our best to provide an alternative if we are unable to.
Why does my booking say “On hold”?
This means you are on our waiting list and we will contact you if a space opens up.
Are all reservations made through booking agents (Viator, Getyourguide, KLOOK etc) always confirmed?
If you have booked a Heli Hike or a scenic flight with us in Mt Cook or Milford Sound, we may contact you after you have booked advising the activity is sold out. This is because the booking software is not connected to the flight operator’s system and does not know if the activity is available. If you do not hear from us then you are good to go!
Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Hobbiton Movie Set Tour tour has won Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2025, 2024 and 2023. This is Tripadvisor’s highest accolade and is only awarded to the top 1% of experiences on the platform based on consistent, outstanding reviews and ratings from travellers.
Additionally, Cheeky Kiwi Travel has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for five consecutive year. It also holds the Qualmark Gold Certification, which signifies high standards of service, environmental sustainability and social responsibility in New Zealand tourism.
The return time to your hotel from a Hobbiton tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel varies depending on the starting point and specific itinerary. However, for a general idea:
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: The tour departs at 10:00 AM and returns around 7:00 PM. This makes it roughly a 9-hour day, accounting for the drive, stops along the way, the movie set tour and the return journey.
Hobbiton & Rotorua Tour / Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour: Departures are at 6:00 AM with a return time of approximately 7:00 PM, making it about a 13-hour day.
These times can vary slightly based on weather conditions and road traffic.
Yes, Cheeky Kiwi tours are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for travellers of all ages, including solo travellers, families and seniors.
Our Milford Sound tour can accommodate travellers of all ages. Children under the age of 7 must be in a child safety seat, as it is a legal requirement in New Zealand. If you need a safety seat or booster seat these can be added during the booking process.
Yes, we offer private Hobbiton tours for those who prefer a more customised tour experience. These are subject to availability.
Our private tours are perfect for small groups or families looking to create a personalised tour itinerary with your choice of activities.
Learn more about our private tour options.
We have a fleet of modern comfortable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans with up to 16 seats. All vans are equipped with air conditioning and some also have USB charging ports and WiFi.
Please note, there are no toilets on the bus, however all of our buses make frequent bathroom stops on all tour routes.
Our buses have our Cheeky Kiwi logo on the front and are very easy to spot!
Cheeky Kiwi Travel has Hobbiton tours departing daily from Auckland. We provide pick-up and drop-off service to central hotel locations listed on our website.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s guides contribute significantly to the positive reviews, high ratings and multiple awards that the Hobbiton tours receive.
The guides on the Cheeky Kiwi Hobbiton tours are highly regarded for their passion, knowledge and engaging personalities. Here are some key characteristics and feedback about the guides:
Passionate and Knowledgeable: The guides are well-informed about the local area, history and natural environment. They provide insightful commentary on the landscapes, wildlife and cultural history of the Waikato region, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Friendly and Inclusive: They are known for being friendly and approachable, making the tour enjoyable and comfortable for guests. The small-group setting allows for a more personalised experience, where guides can interact with each guest individually. The small-group experience also encourages guests to connect and make new friends from around the world, adding a unique and social dimension to the tour.
Engaging and Entertaining: The guides share local histoy, cultural insights and their love of the area, keeping the journey authentic and engaging.
Safety and Comfort: All of our guides have passenger-endorsed drivers’ liscences, know the local roads and conitions and prioritise the safety and comfort of guests at all times.
Highly Rated: Many reviews praise the guides for their exceptional service with specific mentions of their helpfulness and ability to go the extra mile to make the tour truly unforgettable.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Hobbiton tours include:
- Fully-guided small group tour
- Entry tickets to Hobbiton
- Free beverage at famous Hobbiton pub, The Green Dragon Inn
- Free snacks and bottled water
- Return transport from Auckland in a modern and comfortable minibus equipped with air-conditioning (some buses also have USB charging ports and WiFi)
- Thoughfully-planned itinerary with mutiple stops along the journey
Yes, entry tickets are included in the tour price for all Cheeky Kiwi tours. This includes tickets to Hobbiton and other destinations along the journey.
If you are interested in Hobbiton package tours including Waitomo Caves or Rotorua, Cheeky Kiwi has the following options available:
- Hobbiton & Rotorua including Te Puia Tour
- Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu Tour
- Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour
Lunch is not included in the Hobbiton tours, however the minibus stops multiple times where you can purchase food or you are welcome to bring your own. There are vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available.
Free snacks and bottled water are provided on all Cheeky Kiwi tours.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel proudly holds several certifications that reflect our commitment to quality, safety, inclusivity and sustainability. These include:
Qualmark Gold Certification: This prestigious accreditation is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance mark, signifying that we meet the highest standards of excellence in service, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award: Awarded for five consecutive years, this recognition is based on consistently high ratings and reviews from our satisfied customers.
Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ Award: As part of the annual Traveller’s Choice Awards, Cheeky Kiwi has also won the ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2022, 2023 and 2023. This is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition and is awarded to the top 1% of global listings.
In 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise won the ‘Best of the Best’ Award, ranking No.16 in the world in the ‘Sailing and Day Tours’ category.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Approved Operator: This certification ensures that we operate in a manner that protects and conserves New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
Pridge Pledge: Cheeky Kiwi Travel proudly adheres to the Pride Pledge, ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all LGBTQ+ travellers.
COVID Clean Approved: We adhere to strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our guests and staff, earning the COVID Clean Approved status.
Cheeky Kiwi’s daily small group tours to Hobbiton depart from Auckland at the following times:
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour:
- Tours depart at 10.00am and run for approximately 9 hours
Hobbiton & Rotorua Tour Packages:
- Tours departs at 6.00am and run for approximately 13 hours
Hobbiton & Waitomo Tour Packages:
- Tours departs at 6.00am and run for approximately 13 hours
We offer and pick-up and drop-off service from selected central hotels in Auckland. Check our hotel pick-up locations list to find your closest pick-up point.
When preparing for a Hobbiton tour, consider packing the following items:
- eTicket/Booking Confirmation: Can be in digital or printed form.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers suitable for the weather and wear comfortable clothing for walking around the Hobbiton Movie Set.
- Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy shoes are recommended.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Rain Gear: A lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as weather can be unpredictable.
- Camera/Phone: To capture the picturesque scenery and iconic Hobbit holes.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially on warm days.
- Backpack: To carry your essentials.
- Insect Repellent: Especially in warmer months.
- Cash/Card: For purchasing food and sounvenirs.
You can read recent testimonials from our guests on the Cheeky Kiwi Travel Reviews page.
To read more than 3,000 5-star reviews, search for Cheeky Kiwi Travel on Tripadvisor.
