Waikato Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

The hobbiton movie set is a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and the Hobbit film trilogy. It is situated 10 kilometers southwest of Matamata, in Waikato, New Zealand and now is a Tolkien tourism destination, offering a guided tour of the set. On site also got ample of parking places, cafe, gifts shop. Highlights of the tour include Bagshot Row, the Party Tree, and Bilbo's Bag End home. There are 44 Hobbit holes on view, but only few of them can enter.

Enter the magical world of The Hobbits ✨

If you’re a fan of Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit movies, you have to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set! Even if you’re not a fan, this place should still be on your bucket list. Stepping into the movie set of The Shire as filmed in The Hobbit, I felt like I got transported right into the movie. The whole place feels so magical and will be enjoyable even if you have not watched the movie before. As you tour through the shire, your guide will point out different points of interest and talk about the scenes that were filmed there. The tour will end at the Green Dragon Inn where you can redeem a complimentary beverage. You can book the tour online and it costs $89 for adults and $44 for youths. Children below 8 years old is free. The whole tour lasts about 2 hours. #momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #newzealand

One of the best place in New Zealand!

-THE HOBBITON MOVIE SET- Does the photos look familiar to you? I think most would recognise it in the first look as this is the movie set of one of the world most popular movie, Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit! Fans of these movies will absolutely love this place as it provides an amazing behind the scenes look, which allows everyone one of us to immerse ourselves in the fantasy world as though they have come to life! The entire place is much more than beautiful. Every single place has a story to tell. And don’t worry if you have forgotten bits and pieces of the place because there will be a guide that will help refresh your memories! It is a 2 hour guided tour that brings us to explore the entire place and ending with a free beverage at the Green Dragon Inn! Several things to take note before visiting here. 1. Book your ticket in advance! Almost everyday is a sold out so make sure you make proper planning to come here! 2. Only guided tours are available, so no free roaming is allowed. Tickets are relatively on the higher side at $89, but it is REALLY WORTH IT! 3. The tour can get a little rush because there are so much to cover so if you want to take photos, make sure to speed things up so that you are not left behind by your tour group. Honestly, whether you are a fan of the movie or not, I will highly recommend every single Travelers to New Zealand to visit here! #momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #travelinspiration #newzealand

If you are visiting the North Island of New Zealand then definitely precook tickets to Hobbit Village! Prebook because I saw a lot of people turned away. I enjoyed the Lord of the Rings books and movies but you don’t need to be a fan to enjoy this site. I knew I was visiting a movie set but I didn’t realize it was still a working sheep ranch! The tours were well timed and I didn’t feel rushed. It was a place I’d visit again. The hobbit houses all really open up and you’re able to step inside some of them. #happynewyear

Taupo, a day walk without the dive or both

While traveling to Wellington, we make a stop at the Huka Falls (Huka Falls Walkway) Tauhara, Taupo 3378, New Zealand Then headed to Taupo City Walk For the adventurous traveller, please do the dive 😬 9,000 feet (2743 meters) from above Lake Taupo - $199, 12,000ft jump ($279), 15,000ft jump ($359) – need to book  Solo Bungy Jump – Adult - $180  Solo Bungy Jump – Child - $130  Tandem Bungy Jump 1A1C - $310  Tongariro White Water 9am or 2pm – Adult $149, Child (below 18) $119 Remember to take picture at the Lake TaoPo view, #love TaoPo #celebratewithtrip

🇳🇿 Huka Falls, New Zealand 🤩🤩

#wheretogo It was such a feast to my eyes! This is an extremely beautiful waterfall! This stunningly beautiful body of water is one of the loveliest tourist spot Taupo has to offer. It's definitely worth the walk with gorgeous views all around. The water is so blue that it look unreal. The raging current of the falls is pleasing to watch as they create a huge bubble-like image at the bottom part of the falls and it's satisfying to the eyes. The walking tracks and viewing platforms provide excellent vantage points to witness the spectacle. It's a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a memorable outdoor experience. #timetotravel #worldtraveler #worldexplorer

Rushing waters

Huka falls is located near Taupo in North island of New Zealand. It is a spectacular sight to watch the amount of water and speed it flows through. The water is clear and powerful that nobody is able to swim or do water rafting along this fall. There are many lookout points and you can walk along some trails to see and hear the water flowing through. Do enjoy the view and sound of water.

Hula Fall The water flows in extreme and the water splashes given sound like it is roaring to us. The water is clear and blue in colour. It is amazing to visit this place. We walked along to see different part of it. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Public garden park in Hamilton, NZ

#springblossom Hamilton Gardens is a public garden park in the south of Hamilton, New Zealand. Spring is the best time to visit Hamilton Gardens as the garden is filled with colourful flowers. There's a herb garden, a kitchen garden and a sustainable backyard garden. In Hamilton Gardens, you will get to explore the traditional practices, materials and ceremonies relating to food production. Address: Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm

Beautiful and nice Hamilton garden. There are free entrances to visit. Make sure to bring along water because it is a huge garden. Multiple themes of gardens exist here.

A Must See ~ Award-Winning Hamilton Gardens

Located at the metropolitan centre of Waikato region, the award winning Hamilton Gardens is just an hour and a half drive south of Auckland. With multiple themed gardens, the gardens is the perfect place to spend the day. Wonder through the various themed gardens which are ever expanding and enjoy the beautiful blooms on display. There's a cafe within the vicinity, but should you prefer other cuisines, simply head to downtown Hamilton just a few minutes away. #passionpassport #urbanexplorer #summervacation #auckland

Hamilton Gardens is a series of unique gardens separated by high hedges. Each garden represents a garden type. There are Japanese, English, kitchen,tropical and more. Each is well done and well cared for. A lovely way to spend at least a half day. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

New Zealand's beauty can heal everything

Fall in love with the wind over this wilderness. 🇳🇿New Zealand, a country known as 'the last piece of oasis on Earth', attracts the gaze of countless travelers; it boasts unparalleled natural beauty🍃 and unique culture, making one feel as if they are in a fairy-tale world From the North Island to the South Island, every step is a picture-perfect scene, marveling at the natural wonders; whether exploring the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps🏔️ or wandering the mysterious world of glaciers, it brings an unprecedented shock and emotion🌬️ 12-day itinerary for the North and South Islands: ❶Auckland FreeDay ❷Auckland > Blue Spring > Hobbiton > Rotorua ❸Rotorua > Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland > Auckland ❹Christchurch FreeDay ❺Christchurch > Oamaru ❻Oamaru > Dunedin > Invercargill ❼Invercargill > Bluff > Te Anau ❽Te Anau > Milford Sound > Queenstown ❾Queenstown > Arrowtown > Wanaka > Queenstown ❶⓪Queenstown FreeDay ❶❶Queenstown > Mount Cook > Tekapo ❶❷Tekapo > Christchurch Traveling in New Zealand, getting close to nature, and feeling the magic of the world✨ No matter the way, it will make you rediscover the connection between yourself and nature, and feel the beauty and infinite possibilities of life♥️

Blue Spring, the world's purest water source

New Zealand's lakes and mountains are beautiful, but her rivers seem not so stunning; in the North Island, apart from the atmosphere that runs through Waikato, the most famous is the Blue Spring hidden near the region. The spring water of Blue Spring comes from the Mamaku Plateau, and it takes 50-100 years to filter to the surface layer by layer, so the spring water is extremely pure and clear and will present a heart-stirring blue. Two entrances to Blue Spring 1. The northern entrance is on Whites Road, along the Te Waihou walkway, locate to Te Waihou (Whites Road) Car park, from here to the Blue Spring LOOK OUT is about 4.5 kilometers; 2. The southern entrance is on Leslie Road, locate to blue spring Leslie road carpark, it's less than a kilometer to Blue Spring. Both entrances have parking lots, where you can park for free.

Mountain hiking, accidentally entered Pandora planet.

Mountain hiking, accidentally entered Pandora and watched "Avatar" countless times. I never thought there would be a place that fulfilled my dream of Pandora. I, who always love to hike with headphones and listen to music, couldn't help but take off my headphones! Completely immersed in nature. Birds chirping, insects buzzing, a few butterflies fluttering over the water, an unknown white bird gliding diagonally across the sky, and a few ducks leisurely passing by. These scenes that seem to be in a painting or a dream suddenly appeared before my eyes, just like the Peach Blossom Spring I fantasized about in middle school Chinese class, as if I were watching a science fiction movie. This is not real. I was stunned for a while and picked up my phone to take pictures and record, but more importantly, I wanted to imprint these scenes in my mind. I stared at the clear and color-changing Qi blue water, the blue spring shining like a sapphire. My environmental mood reached its peak. Finally, I understand why foreigners are so passionate about environmental protection. If the place I love is about to be polluted, I will swear to defend the land I love to the death. Before coming to New Zealand on a WHV, my stereotype of New Zealand was just grasslands and pastures, but as I explored deeper, I found that I love this place even more! Blue Spring Putaruru There is a free parking lot at the entrance. You can hike up and see the Blue Spring in about 15 minutes on foot.

A little life advice

We hiked up from the car park to see the blue springs. Along the way beneath the big trees, there were these beautiful words in the stones. Life is too short for trivial things. Cherish the moment before it’s too late :) #lifeisgood

No admittance except on party business

📍501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand Be sure to book a tour to visit this place if you are a fan of LOTR!! The place is well maintained and the tour guide is super humourous as she leads you through this place. There is a cafe to dropby for complimentary drinks towards the end of the guided tour and they have really yummy sandwiches and pies to go with as well! maybe.. hobbits are real?🤭 #urbanexplorer #newzealandtravel

Must visit if you are LOTR fan

If you are a Lord of the Ring/Hobbit fan, this is a must-visit place. It is like you were transported back into the movie, with the shire. The whole place is so well-maintained. Please book in advance and guided tours are very professional with the tour bus provided to this place. Everything is cute and as if you are in a movie itself. Definitely I will recommend this on your to-do-list in New Zealans

Hobbiton Movie Set

As much as people love the book and movie Harry Potter. I actually love the movies 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' even more! I am such an ardent fan of those movies, that I make it to the Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand Auckland. Once inside the attraction, everything just looks like what it is in the movies. I couldn't be more than excited! Those small hobbit houses, hobbit holes, the gardens and the movie settings look so real. The surrounding area also provides picturesque views of the hills and mountains nearby. Fret not, if you need food and drinks, as there is cafe within the attraction as well. Cool place to visit and Lord of the Rings Fans will truly love this experience! #tripblazers

Hobbiton - New Zealand

Hobbiton’s Movie Set in New Zealand is a must visit for avid fans of The Lord of The Rings. It is located on a family farm in Matamata and there are guided tours from Auckland. There are tons of insta-worthy pictures to be taken at every turn. One can even enjoy specially handcrafted ciders whilst exploring every nook and corner of Middle Earth. It is definitely an attraction not to be missed! #fallingforfall #tripblazers