Sanctuary Mountain Explorer Pass

Begin your experience with a fully guided 2.5 hour walking tour through Hobbiton Movie Set. Wander past Hobbit Holes, peek inside Bagshot Row, and raise a glass at The Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy a hearty banquet lunch at The Millhouse before going behind the scenes at the Art Department workshop, where your guide reveals the secrets behind Hobbiton's creation and upkeep. The adventure concludes on a secluded outlook with a hobbit-style platter of cheese, chutneys, and fruit enjoyed from a hidden vista tucked away from the bustle of the Shire. This is a 4.5 fully guided experience.

This permanent exhibition features images and costumes from the film ‘Ka Whawhai Tonu’ – ‘Struggle without end’ directed by Michael Jonathan. Come in and visit the exhibit and immerse yourself in the local history of this story today. Please note the film has an M rating, hence parental supervision is recommended when viewing this exhibition with young children.

Explore the forest together and identify plants and trees used in traditional Māori healing and wellbeing, learning about the properties of local plants. They will introduce you to the tikanga associated with harvesting, preparing and using plants for rongoā from their own experiences. These tours are generally with small groups and offer the opportunity to ask questions.

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.

Discover New Zealand the local way with a Japanese-speaking driver and guide on this exclusive private day tour. Explore the lush green hills, 44 Hobbit holes, and the Green Dragon Inn at the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set (approx. 2.5 hours). Then, journey underground to witness millions of glowing glowworms lighting up a magical subterranean river by boat at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves (approx. 1 hour). Includes comfortable private transport and flexible departures from Auckland or Thames.

Connected to the Museum's Collection Rationalisation Project, this free display opens a conversation about why museums collect, how objects are cared for, and how decisions are made about what remains for future generations. Whether you remember sewing at home, learned to stitch at school, or enjoy local history, this display offers a thoughtful look at making, memory, and collection care. Plan your visit today.