Hobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Enjoy a fully guided walking tour showcasing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole doors including the iconic Bag End, before arriving at Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. End your day with an exclusively brewed beverage at the Green Dragon Inn to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

Step through the pest-proof gate into another world, where an ancient forest tower majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Explore the Sanctuary at your own pace or with an experienced guide who will help you spot the wildlife, including kākā, takahē, tuatara, kiwi, tīeke and more. Relax in the clearing or take an optional walk up the 16-metre observation tower, offering a unique perspective from within the forest canopy. Sanctuary Mountain is located in the heart of the Waikato, and as a not-for-profit, every visit helps make our conservation efforts possible. So come and share the mauri and mana of Maungatautari. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.

Discover Waikato’s world class facility, centered around a purpose built 250m wooden with a guided tour. A great opportunity to learn about the history of the Avantidrome and find out more about the facilities and programmes we have on offer. While you are here, grab yourself a spot in the stands and watch New Zealand’s track cyclists train or perhaps rub shoulders with one of the Waikato/BOP Magic players or All Blacks Sevens team in the tunnel. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of New Zealand’s Olympic heroes hanging around. Avantidrome Tours take place on a weekly basis. Private bookings of a minimum of 10 persons welcome outside designated tour times.

Upon the setting sun, your experienced guide will take you through the pest-proof fence to experience the nocturnal forest wonders. Marvel at the twinkling lights of glowworms, see the brilliance of the undersides of silver fern fronds and gaze up at the stars from the top of the tower on a crystal clear night, away from the bright lights of the city. Search by torchlight for spiders, millipedes, beetles and the many species of wētā that venture out at night in search of food. Keep an eye out for the many native birds coming in to roost and discover the Sanctuary's important role as a kiwi stronghold as you listen for their distinctive, piercing calls along with the two-pitched call of the ruru (morepork).

Centrally located in the busy rural Waikato town of Matamata and nestled at the base of the scenic Kaimai Ranges our visitor information staff are local experts and can assist you with all your enquiries. As well as being a departure point for the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Matamata offers a wide range of walking and tramping options, golf courses, and an extensive selection of cafes & accommodation.

The winter light in the South Island offers superb conditions and we will be photographing an incredible variety of landscapes including Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, Moeraki Boulders, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. We will also photograph at hidden backcountry locations which few others know of. One of the highlights of our journey is the private helicopter flight into the untouched wilds of the Fiordland National Park, where we capture compelling images of the glacier-carved landscape.