Villa Walton

Experience Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

Located in the historic spa town of Te Aroha, Tintype Central is New Zealand's only portrait studio specialising in the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography. Meticulously crafted on plates of glass or aluminum, each portrait is a unique piece of art resonating with depth and character, reflecting the beauty of imperfection and the rich tones of silver. Whether you're looking to commemorate your visit to Te Aroha, honor your whakapapa, or simply experience a piece of history, this is your chance to own a portrait like no other, one that transcends the digital age and brings the artistry of photography back to its origins.

Make the first footsteps in the morning dew on the Movie Set as part of our first tour of the day. Your tour guide will escort you through the 12 acre movie set, recounting fascinating details from filming the trilogies and pointing out the most iconic sites and scenes. After a visit to The Green Dragon™ Inn where you will be offered a complimentary beverage from our exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range, follow your guide back over the double arch stone bridge to The Millhouse, just across the water from The Green Dragon Inn, where you will be treated to a breakfast spread fit for a Hobbit. After you've had your fill, it's time to make your way back to The Shire's Rest, after all, this is only the second of a Hobbit's seven daily meals.

From its source at the blue springs to where it enters the Hauraki Gulf, Te Waihou winds its way gently northwards. Your guide will take you on a tour of the historic town of Te Aroha where you will learn about some of the rich culture, history and wild geology of the area. The tour then travels to Waiorongomi to where a gold mining settlement used to thrive. Once at your departure point on the Waihou River you will be given expert instruction on how to navigate your kayak down the river safely. This section of river flows mainly through rural land, don't forget to look up and take in the majestic views of the mountain range a truly fantastic sight from the river perspective. Keep a sharp eye out for the wide variety of bird life.

It is with pride and joy we will show you our achievements and spread the word of growing in a way that restores natures balance.A group visit on our orchard will take around 1 hour. During the tour there is room for questions. When available we will also offer you a taste of our seasonal fresh products. If not in season, we also can let you have a taste of our preserved products. These 'home made' products are made with personal dedication and care and can be purchased after the tour. All products are safe to take overseas in the luggage.

Combine a luxury transfer from Rotorua to Auckland with a visit to 2 world-famous attractions. After pick-up in Rotorua, we drive across the Mamaku Plateau to the Hobbiton Movie Set, made world-famous as the original setting of Sir Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. On the 2.5 hour Group tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, get astonishing insights into how these movies were made and which parts of the movies were filmed here. We then continue on to Waitomo Caves, in the Waikato region, taking in the special region as we drive through the beautiful countryside of New Zealand’s North Island. At Waitomo, experience the underground wonderland that is Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a Group tour.