Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Includes
Entry fees
Departure Details
Departure point is outside the port main pedestrian gates. Your guide will be standing outside the exit (port gates) on the grass area holding up a sign board with your names on.
Departure Time is 10 AM – Check in 15 mins prior if possible please.
Tour Departure Details: ALL our tours fit in with your cruise ships arrivals and departure times. We recognize some ships arrival times are outside of above time-frame. If your ship is one of these which arrives later into port than the departure time stated, we ask that you disembark as soon as is possible and check in with your guide who will be waiting for you as per the above instructions.
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Highlights
- Hobbiton Shire Movie Set
- Green Dragon Inn
- Kaimai Ranges
- McLaren Falls Park
- Native bush and waterfalls
- Tauranga City
Lord of the Rings filming location Matamata, New Zealand.
Departing Tauranga; we first cross the harbour bridge, which offers great views of The Mount, 232m high and marking the entrance to the harbour of Tauranga.
We then climb up to over 1000 feet to cross the Kaimai Mountain Range, which divides the Bay of Plenty coastal region from the Waikato district, the main dairy farming area of New Zealand.
We soon arrive at Hobbiton; the movie set location for Lord of The Rings and associated films, near the town of Matamata. Enjoy an informative 2 hour tour around the movie set location hearing about all which goes on behind the scenes of making such a successful movie. Nestled deep in the rolling hills of the Waikato, this location was chosen for its unblemished landscape.
You will get to stand under the party tree, walk past the numerous holes within the Shire, and imagine yourself among the characters. Bilbo Baggins was no typical hobbit, he did not want adventure, but you will have to come and see why he was so reluctant to leave the comfort of The Shire. At the conclusion of your journey you get a special treat in the Green Dragon Inn where you will receive a local shire ale, cider or ginger beer.
On your return journey to the port we will call in at McLaren Falls & Park, which abounds with a diverse range of tree species & bird-life. You now have the opportunity to walk in our native bush to a beautiful waterfall. It’s in the park you will have opportunity to dress up and become your favorite Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit character. This includes Gandalf, cloak, hat, staff and swords. Maybe Bilbo and the Sting sword appeal to you more than Gandalf and for the ladies Eowyn and her sword.
Now it’s homeward we travel into Tauranga City, and if time permits we will make a quick stop for you to view the local bees and taste New Zealand Manuka honey or try one of their delicious ice-creams before we head back along the inner harbor past the local fishing boats, over the Harbor bridge along the port back to your ship with plenty of time to spare to enjoy the beach before sailing time.
NB: Your tour guide reserves the right to alter the tour time and itinerary if deemed neccessary, to fit with your ships arrival and sailing time.
