Guides · Updated 6 November 2026
The route
The drive heads north-west from Rotorua on SH5, then onto SH28 through farmland towards Hinuera and Matamata. It's a rural road with few towns, so fill up before you leave if you're driving yourself.
Self-drive, tour or private transfer
Self-drive is flexible but you're on your own with timing and parking. Organised tours from Rotorua bundle the ticket and transport on a set timetable.
A private transfer collects you from your accommodation at the time that suits your ticket, and can wait and bring you back, or carry on to Auckland, Tauranga or Taupō with your luggage on board.
Plan around your tour time
Book your Hobbiton ticket at hobbitontours.com, then enter the tour time on our Rotorua to Hobbiton page for a suggested pickup time that gets you there 15–20 minutes early.
Hobbit Cabs is independent and provides transport only. Hobbiton Movie Set tour tickets are sold by the official operator.