Sanctuary Mountain Rongoā rākau – an introduction to Māori herbal medicine

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.

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.

Join our small group tour from Auckland for a fully guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guided walking tour around the 44 Hobbit holes includes the chance to explore the inside of a Hobbit hole. Stand by the gate to Bilbo's house and enjoy views of the whole set looking over the Party Tree to the Green Dragon Inn. After a delicious lunch in the Party Marquee at Hobbiton we continue on to Waitomo Caves for a guided walk through the limestone caves. This is followed by the iconic boat ride to glide along through the world famous glowworm grotto. (Boat ride subject to water levels).

As you arrive at our peaceful retreat on the edge of Cambridge, let the stresses of the world melt away. Feel the tension slip from your shoulders as you step into a serene haven of relaxation. Our skilled and attentive therapists are dedicated to providing you with exceptional care, ensuring your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Featuring luxurious beauty therapy services, rejuvenating skin treatments, soothing massages, refreshing body treatments, advanced anti-aging treatments, spa packages, brows, waxing, nails, and more. Indulge yourself or a loved one with a memorable experience, featuring relaxing couples' treatments and group bookings - perfect for bridal parties, corporate retreats, or quality time with friends.

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).

Experience Hobbiton™ Movie Set as you have never seen it before with a guided tour through The Shire™ at dusk. Your tour guide will escort you through the 12 acre site, recounting fascinating stories and anecdotes about the trilogies. The tour concludes at The Green Dragon™ Inn with a complimentary beverage from our exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range. Enter the Green Dragon dining room where the tables will be heaving with traditional Hobbit fare and, as is the tradition in the Shire, second helpings are encouraged. To conclude this premium experience, guests will re-join their guide to make their way back through the wandering paths of the Shire.