Hobbiton NZ.

We enjoyed it. It was a must do for my LOTR loving husband. I don't even like the movies. We did the tour and lunch. I thought it was well done and very fun. Lunch was excellent. We stayed the night before in Matamata. The tour itself was between 1.5 and 2 hours. I liked our tour guide. He was ok with letting people get ahead or behind just a bit. He offered to take pictures of folks.

My husband just said, in his opinion, anyone that likes the LOTR movies will love it.

We loved it. The attention to detail, like clothes hanging on the lines, was impressive. You walk around with the mandatory guide. I don't remember how long it was.

2019 for me also. Not a LOTR fan, never saw the movies. I generally enjoyed the visit. Cute sets and lunch was, indeed, excellent as noted above.

Downsides and why I wouldn't return - The particular guide we had was pretty dull and hard to hear - I gave up on the commentary. On arrival, I made the mistake of wandering off to the side of the paved drop-off area to take photos of the surrounding countryside. I was literally chased down while still on the Hobbiton property, not private land, and told I could not take photos of the fields and that I had to proceed to the gift shop area while waiting for my tour time. Lovely (not) welcome.

My personal thoughts on the outing - although it was pleasant, if you have other sightseeing priorities that better suit your general interests, I would go with those options. I had extra time and included Hobbiton at the last minute in my schedule on my final day in Auckland. I was curious about it for the same reasons you note - it is a big attraction.

I went on a day tour from Auckland - very well organized and easy trip. There are a number of providers.

Edit - I'm adding the tour company I used - perhaps someone reading this thread can use the info. Bush and Beach. They were excellent - I used them for the Hobbiton tour and another Cormandel Peninsula tour that isn't currently available in the itinerary we followed. They have their own website and TripAdvisor site for booking. My tour was 2019, but the reviews are still excellent for the company.

Tom_MN gave an excellent description of Hobbiton and all that goes with it. We absolutely loved it, but then, we are huge LOTR and
Hobbit fans. I'm really not sure that it would hold that much interest to anyone who wasn't a fan

Thanks gang!
Your descriptions fit my preconceived ideas.
It will sit in the "maybe if it fits in" pile unless my decidedly better half feels she must see it..
Cheers.

My husband and children are big fans of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, while I did not read any of the books or watch any of the movies. However, we all loved our visit to Hobbiton. We treated ourselves to the Evening Banquet Tour. It was the last tour of the day so our tour group had Hobbiton to ourselves and it lasted about 4.5 hours. We first toured Hobbiton in daylight, then enjoyed a drink at the Green Dragon, next feasted on a delicious and picturesque banquet, and lastly toured Hobbiton by lantern light. It was magical and so much fun. We enjoyed the tour and also enjoyed getting to know our table mates from around the world during our dinner. Definitely book in advance.

https://www.hobbitontours.com/experiences/evening-banquet-tour/

Thanks Lane.

I just loved Hobbiton! I know it’s not real, but it’s fun and enchanting. Of course, I also loved the movies — the LOTR trilogy, not the Hobbit which bored me to tears. I was there in 2019 and have no memory of a tour. I think we just walked around on our own.

@ Wombat

2014 dropped in driving from Napier to Auckland. My son and DIL decided at last minute. Did not do a tour, just wandered around and had a bite at the café/restaurant. Not a fan of the story genre, but the cinematic photography put together by Peter Jackson and his crew is without peer.

Next trip will probably treat my grandchildren and parents to the evening tour, sounds like fun and exciting for them.

Like you the South Island is my favourite, and we just cannot keep away. Kings’ birthday long weekend is our favourite time. The people much the same as our home country.

Hope you are like me blurry eyed watching our Shiela’s front and centre. Or on replay. Held my breath when the 14 year old banana bender did her amazing trick this morning.

Your handle has me in stiches every time I see it.

Regards

Thanks Ron, my thoughts at this stage is to leave Hobbiton until near the end of our stay and then decide. I think it would be a bit of fun if we have the time and opportunity but not a priority.

Not as much OG viewing as in the past.
Back in my 20s I used to chase the tails of a few of our Olympians around the Dandenongs many a Sunday morning. Now just a keen observer rather than the fanatic I once was.
The men's marathon will be a different story as a young fella (Andy B) I've known for 20 years has been subbed in last minute.

The handle might reflect the glory days of my misspent youth (or not).
Cheers.

Just know that if you want to do lunch or dinner, those tickets sell out well in advance. I also think just the regular tickets sell out.