Hobbit holidays
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort…“
With the help of my partners in New Zealand, I can craft your dream Lord of the Rings vacation. Whether you’re a devoted Tolkien enthusiast or a curious explorer seeking to experience New Zealand’s cinematic wonders, I’ll ensure your trip is truly magical!
Take a look at some of the tour options below to begin your Middle-earth adventure. And of course, whilst you’re in New Zealand you can also explore waterfalls, lakes, soaring mountains, wineries, vibrant cities, and cultural events that you’ll always remember.
Experience the breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality that New Zealand has always been known for. Contact me today, and together, we’ll craft your perfect itinerary.
Classic Hobbiton Tour
Step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth on this guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Begin with a scenic bus ride through the lush Waikato countryside, surrounded by the majestic Kaimai Ranges. Explore iconic locations like Bag End, the charming Hobbit Holes scattered across the hills, and Bagshot Row. Get a glimpse of Hobbit home interiors, meticulously designed by the creative teams behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Conclude your adventure at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary Southfarthing beverage.
Second Breakfast Tour
Start your day in Hobbiton with an exclusive early-morning tour. Stroll through the dew-covered Shire and visit iconic spots such as Bag End and Bagshot Row, where you’ll explore the intricately crafted interiors of Hobbit Holes.
Afterward, enjoy a complimentary Southfarthing beverage at the Green Dragon Inn before heading to The Millhouse for a hearty breakfast feast. Indulge in fresh fruits, pastries, and a hot selection of Hobbit-inspired favorites like scrambled eggs, sausages, and rosemary mushrooms. After breakfast, retrace your steps through the Shire’s serene pathways, finishing at The Shire’s Rest.
Evening Banquet Tour
Discover Hobbiton at twilight on this unique evening tour. As daylight fades, your guide will lead you through the Shire, showcasing iconic locations like Bagshot Row and the interiors of Hobbit Holes. Arrive at the Green Dragon Inn for a Southfarthing beverage before enjoying a bountiful Hobbit banquet. Dine on traditional fare in the Green Dragon dining room, where second helpings are encouraged!
End your experience with a magical moonlit walk through the illuminated village, complete with glowing lanterns, smoking chimneys, and a serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Middle-earth.
Middle-earth Adventure Tour in Wellington
Discover iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations in Wellington, including Helm’s Deep, Minas Tirith, the River Anduin, and Rivendell. Explore Hobbiton Woods on Mount Victoria, home to scenes like Shortcut to Mushrooms and the Black Rider encounter, and enjoy panoramic city views from the Mount Victoria Lookout.
Visit Wētā Workshop for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll see props being made and pose with life-sized characters at the Weta Cave. Conclude the day with a drive past the historic Embassy Theatre, host to the premieres of The Return of the King and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
This immersive tour is a must for fans of the trilogy seeking unforgettable insights into Middle-earth.
Tolkien’s England
We associate The Lord of the Rings with New Zealand because of the Peter Jackson movies, but Professor Tolkien never visited. If you’re more interested in where he lived and wrote, and the surroundings that shaped him, let me arrange your bespoke trip to England.
The main destination undoubtedly is Oxford, where Tolkien taught for decades: first at Pembroke then at Merton College. The Bodleian Library holds a large collection of Tolkien manuscripts that are often exhibited, and the magnificence of the city itself will surely inspire you as it did writers from John Donne to Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde to Philip Pullman.
Head out of Oxford to walk the rolling hills, forests, and farmlands of the Midlands which so influenced Middle-earth’s landscapes, or head west to Cheddar Gorge – the inspiration for the Glittering Caves in the White Mountains behind Helm’s Deep.
The Shire is calling!
These are just a few examples of what could await you. If I’m ‘Tolkien’ your language, let’s start planning your Lord of the Rings trip to New Zealand (or England) today!
The small print: Although all information is believed to be accurate at the time it is published, Calliope Travel assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. As with all trips, the itinerary and other details can change before and after booking. The information contained in this site is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. All images and names are trademarks of their respective owners.