Spend a weekend channelling your inner Hobbit™ while basking in nature and exploring the wonderful Waikato.
For the first time ever, fans from around the world can explore the faraway lands of their favourite holiday films with an exclusive overnight stay at the original Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Hobbiton Co-Founder Russell Alexander is inviting guests to his family’s property to live like Bilbo Baggins and retreat to The Shire™ for an overnight stay at Hobbiton, as featured in the famed The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Hobbits, elves, wizards and others may request to book one of three overnight stays on Wednesday, December 14 from 10AM NZDT at airbnb.com/hobbiton(opens in new window). Stays will take place March 2 - 4, March 9 - 11, and March 16 - 18, 2023.
Take a break from the daily grind to immerse yourself in nature. This bespoke cabin is solar powered and features an outdoor bath overlooking the Te Waihou river. The private escape is surrounded by fruit and native trees making it the perfect place to disconnect and recharge yourself. As an added bonus, fur babies are welcome.
Spend your weekend in a cabin tucked away in the crook of the tranquil Mangaotaki Stream, surrounded by lush greenery and native birds. This private accommodation includes an outdoor bath and a swimmable river allowing guests to really immerse themselves in New Zealand’s natural landscape.
Wind down in this gorgeous ocean front chalet situated high on the stunning cliff tops of Karioitahi Beach. Adventurous visitors can take on archery and combat arrow tag at the resort, while those seeking a more relaxing time can opt for a pampering session at the Bersantai Day Spa.
Join the Second Breakfast Tour and start your day with a fully guided tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and a visit to The Green Dragon Inn, where you will be served a complimentary beverage from the exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing™ range. This is followed by the legendary second breakfast spread in The Millhouse. Hobbiton™ Movie Set Breakfast is arguably the best meal of the day – it’s so good that some say you must have it twice.
Head over to GG’s(opens in new window), a hidden gem in Hamilton for a mid-morning tea snack. The small hole in the wall cafe is filled with antique decor and has a creative menu, which includes a whimsical Fairy Bread French toast.
If your second breakfast wasn't enough, head over to Te Puia for a Hāngī Buffet lunch(opens in new window) feast fit for the largest of appetites. The Hāngī Buffet lunch infuses Māori flavours with a variety of international cuisines and cooking styles, and includes food steamed using natural steam vents in the geothermal valley - infusing it with a unique flavour that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The highlight of the buffet is the Hāngī Chicken and Hāngī vegetables served with rēwena bread stuffing, finished off with a burnt brown sugar steamed pudding.
Zealong Tea Estate(opens in new window) is a great spot for your next social gathering. Pair the perfect brew of tea with an array of sweet and savoury treats at the famous High Tea(opens in new window), and enjoy a perfectly curated menu amidst the beautiful backdrop of the tea plantations.
Save some space for the largest meal yet - dinner. The Summer Harvest Celebration(opens in new window) at Te Pā Tū starts with the Haka Pōwhiri followed by a four-hour long feast of knowledge as well as seasonal kai (food). Join a celebration of the adundant seasonal harvest and explore rituals, concepts and stories that have deep roots in Māori culture.
If you’re in the mood for something fancy, treat yourself to the ‘Taste of Waikato(opens in new window)’ a premium five course degustation lunch/dinner menu featuring food produced locally in the Waikato. The Red Barn(opens in new window) is set against the beautiful rural setting of a 500 acre heritage farm. Summon your fellow elves and gather around, as the team at The Red Barn will also share stories of the fresh, locally sourced ingredients used for each dish, from the buttermilk of the farm’s dairy cows to the fish in local lakes and rivers.
Grab a local brew at the Good George(opens in new window), which has been supplying the Southfarthing™ range of beer, ciders and gingerbeer to Hobbiton™ Movie Set since the opening of the Green Dragon Inn. Their beers are brewed on-site so visitors are able to experience them in their freshest form, straight from tank to table. If you’re still hungry after dinner, treat yourself to one of their grazing platters for supper.
Channel your inner child and let your imagination take over as you step into a fairytale at Hamilton Gardens. Each garden tells a story and offers an insight into a different civilization, allowing visitors to take a walk through time. There are 21 different types of garden designs, ranging from an ancient egyptian garden to a surrealist one.
Spend a fun-filled afternoon interacting with nature’s cuddliest creatures in their paddock. Guests are treated to a fun and informative alpaca farm tour where you can feed the friendly alpacas and learn more about them, their history, and their beautiful fleeces.
Escape reality and step into this woodland garden with enchanting lakes and abundant flora and fauna – if you use your imagination, you could almost be in Greenwood the Great. The arboretum(opens in new window) is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, with multiple picnic spots to enjoy a meal while basking in nature.
