Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region, North Island: The Best Movie & TV Tours

December 16, 2021 Merry Kessler

The Bay of Plenty (Māori: Te Moana-a-Toi) is a large bight in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It stretches from the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the east, a wide stretch of some 259 km of open coastline. The Bay of Plenty Region is situated around this body of water, also incorporating several large islands in the bay. The bay was named by James Cook after he noticed the abundant food supplies at several Māori villages there, in stark contrast to the earlier observations he had made in Poverty Bay.
Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region

1. Auckland to Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton & Rotorua 2-Day Private Tour

Victoria St West opp Sky Tower, Auckland 1010, New Zealand TIME Unlimited Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Pass through the beautiful NZ countryside on your way to see the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, then experience what the unique town of Rotorua has to offer from thermal hot mud pools, geysers and our Maori cultural centre of New Zealand. Choose to incorporate Hobbiton Movie Set into your tour. Experience all of this in two wonderful days on a private tour in a Mercedes luxury vehicle just for you. Pick-up in Auckland and drop-off in Auckland or Rotorua.

Inclusions: Fully guided Private Tour in Mercedes luxury vehicle., Pick-up/drop-off in Auckland incl airport/cruise terminal., Tour times flexible to work in with your requirements., Complimentary snacks & water., All guide expenses (e.g. guide accommodation & meals)., All tours support local eco-cultural initiatives.

Exclusions: Entry fees., Guest accommodation and meals., Anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

Reviewed By AylaS171

I had the best experience with Time Unlimited Tours, they were so prompt with their service. I had a group of 70 people getting transported from one venue to another. It was absolutely hassle free and my guests were very impressed! They were on time, so kind and helpful. Neill and Ceillhe are the loviest people and I just can't recommend their service enough!! 10/10 across the board. I would use this company again, ANY day of the week!

2. Hobbiton, Rotorua and Te Puia: Small Group -Auckland Return or Rotorua Drop Off

Auckland Scenic Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Join this tour by multi-award winning Tour Company to visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Te Puia Geothermal Wonderland, in one return day trip from Auckland (option by arrangement to be dropped off in Rotorua) Be fascinated as the magical world of Hobbiton comes to life, take photos in front of your favourite places like the 44 Hobbit Holes, the Shire and the Green Dragon Inn. Then journey to the World Famous Te Puia which is home to remarkable geothermal features, including the famous Pōhutu geyser as well as rich layers of Māori culture, including art works, people, stories, traditions and architecture. There are lush nature trails teeming with native bird life and you will even find New Zealand iconic native flightless bird, the Kiwi Marvel at the stunning scenery en route as we journey off the motorways into the real hinterland of New Zealand. Fully guided day with one of our tour guides widely regarded for their depth of knowledge

Inclusions: Cafe Style Lunch, Complimentary Drink at the Green Dragon at Hobbiton, Expert local tour guide

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Reviewed By emilyz906

Auckland Scenic Tours was outstanding. I really appreciate their no cancellation policy as I was only there for a few days and had wanted to organise a trip to Hobbiton. David, my guide for the day was excellent. We definitely took the scenic route and I got to see some stunning scenery. Thank you for the great experience and I would definitely recommend them to family and friends wanting to explore Auckland and beyond.

3. Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Small Group Tour (One Way)

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

On this small group, fully guided day trip visit the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set and other stops and secret locations on the way from Auckland to Rotorua. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Green Dragon Inn • Rotorua City Highlights • Waikato Farming Region • Surprise Stops Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry ticket and fully guided tour - Hobbiton Movie Set, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

4. Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Hangi Buffet Lunch & Concert

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Experience the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set plus the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to two of the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

5. Private Group Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua & Waitimo Glowworms Caves

Black Car Transfers & Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Travellers with limited time will enjoy this action packed day of visiting three attractions in a private day tour from Auckland. You will enjoy your visit to the sets of ‘Lord of The Rings’ and Hobbit movies, discover how a 12 acre sheep farm was turned into a movie set, getting a glimpse of behind the scenes secrets of how the movies were made, then enjoy the countryside of scenic hills and valleys to the wonderland of Rotorua. The sight, sound and colours of the volcanic areas are amazing. The Pohutu geyser is stunning when it erupts. Waitimo Glowworm Caves is mesmerising with its thousands of Glowworms unique only to New Zealand. Your journey through the countryside of New Zealand takes in the lush greenery of rolling hillsides and scenic mountains and valleys with its different animals following New Zealand’s longest river ‘Waikato River’ to Auckland City and your Hotels.

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Bottled water, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Return transfers to Auckland

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By fcard

Excellent service by Black Car Transfers & Tours!!! Kris Lal is the epitome of what anyone could ever want and more. Kris picked us up at the airport in a beautiful, immaculately clean car. Not only does he give excellent service but with a warm, kind, friendly experience he would give to his own family. We were in NZ when our cruise ship was cancelled and the ports were closed. Kris took care of us by giving us a short tour of Auckland and then getting us to the airport to return home to the USA I don't know what we would have done without him. And to add to that, he and his lovely wife even offered to put us up in their home if we could not get a flight home What more could anyone ask for. Thank you again, Kris! Frank & Kathy

6. Hobbiton Movie Set,Waitomo Glowworm cave & Rotorua in a Small Group Tour.

Black Car Transfers & Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Travellers with limited time will enjoy this action packed day of visiting three attractions in a private day tour from Auckland. You will enjoy your visit to the sets of ‘Lord of The Rings’ and Hobbit movies, discover how a 12 acre sheep farm was turned into a movie set, getting a glimpse of behind the scenes secrets of how the movies were made, then enjoy the countryside of scenic hills and valleys to the wonderland of Rotorua. The sight, sound and colours of the volcanic areas are amazing. The Pohutu geyser is stunning when it erupts. Waitimo Glowworm Caves is mesmerising with its thousands of Glowworms unique only to New Zealand. Your journey through the countryside of New Zealand takes in the lush greenery of rolling hillsides and scenic mountains and valleys with its different animals following New Zealand’s longest river ‘Waikato River’ to Auckland City and your Hotels.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Bottled water, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, The tour includes return transfers to Auckland City, all CBD Hotels & Ports of Auckland

Exclusions: Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages, Cultural show not available on shared group tour

Reviewed By fcard

Excellent service by Black Car Transfers & Tours!!! Kris Lal is the epitome of what anyone could ever want and more. Kris picked us up at the airport in a beautiful, immaculately clean car. Not only does he give excellent service but with a warm, kind, friendly experience he would give to his own family. We were in NZ when our cruise ship was cancelled and the ports were closed. Kris took care of us by giving us a short tour of Auckland and then getting us to the airport to return home to the USA I don't know what we would have done without him. And to add to that, he and his lovely wife even offered to put us up in their home if we could not get a flight home What more could anyone ask for. Thank you again, Kris! Frank & Kathy

7. Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Experience the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set and the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to two of the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Snacks, Bottled water, Entry Tickets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Lunch, unless specified, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

8. Hobbiton & Tauranga Highlights Shore Excursion from Tauranga

1 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand Adventure and Cultural Tours Bay of Plenty
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4.8 based on 6 reviews

Our vehicles and our tours are designed to provide you with the best possible comfort, exceptional value and mixed with personal interaction to ensure you can enjoy your day stress free knowing we have everything sorted for you! Entrances are included so no hidden charges or expenses. You and your travelling companions can experience the best of Tauranga and the renowned 'Hobbiton' with assurance of knowing we have you in mind.

Inclusions: Bottled Water and Snacks are included in all of our tours. Complimentary Ice Cream available at Mossops Honey Shop., Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Lunch is available for purchase at The Shires Rest or The Green Dragon Inn

Reviewed By mhinman2018

Stephen Appleton picked us up from our apartment in Tauranga for a tour to Hobbiton. A fantastic experience from a highly knowledgeable diver / guide.. Because we were one couple Stephen took us to places on the journey that maybe larger groups would not have had the opportunity to see. A thoroughly enjoyable day. Book with this company if you are wanting to be treated special.

9. Tauranga Shore Excursion: Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Including Rotorua Sightseeing

Zealandier Tours
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4.8 based on 91 reviews

Enter a world of hobbits and hot pools when your cruise ship is in port in Tauranga. This shore excursion to Middle Earth takes you on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set, which featured in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Enjoy a traditional Maori welcome at the living thermal village of Whakarewarewa, and witness the astounding thermal activity of spouting geysers and steaming hot springs. If time allows, play dress ups and pose as Bilbo or Gandalf when you stop for an impromptu photo shoot in a lovely redwoods forest. With a maximum of 19 participants, this tour provides a fun-filled small-group experience.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off, Snacks & bottled wwater, Covered by Viator's worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By sheree59

This tour was the highlight of our trip. Zealandier Tours were fantastic from start to finish. We booked this tour directly rather than through the cruise ship, and we had inadvertently got the start time wrong from our cruise ship by 1/2 hour, but Jan the director of the company was there to meet us and then drive us to meet the rest of the group at the first stop point - Mossops Honey. I can not speak highly enough of Jan and the way she looked after us and made us feel comfortable and de-stressed the situation. We stopped at McLaren Falls which was a lovely walk in the NZ bush, the driver took pics of everyone in front of the falls - Thanks Then onto Hobbiton - this is amazing in itself and is not to be missed, even if you do not know anything of the movies, the scenery is a photographers paradise - you could not take a bad photo even if you tried - Hobbiton have their own guides that take you through the movie set and you end up in Green Dragons Pub for a drink. The tour then continued back to the ship. I cannot recommend Zealandier tours enough, they are professional and very informative and organised and willing to accommodate any requests. They also get you back to the ship in plenty of time Thanks Jan for your company and service - outstanding

10. Tauranga Shore Excursion with Hobbiton and Rotorua Geyser

2 Salisbury Avenue, Bay of Plenty 3116, New Zealand New Zealand Discovery Tours
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4.8 based on 61 reviews

Your pick-up is just a short walk from your ship at the end of the wharf, where you board one of our modern small group mini van vehicles! All entrance fees, guides are included in the price. Experience geysers, mud pools and steam vents with Maori culture. Encounter a strange landscape of sights, sounds and smells. Marvel at the way the Maori's have tamed this land for their own purpose before traveling to the second venue of the tour. Experience the magic of Hobbiton! See Sir Peter Jackson’s iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of Hobbiton. You will have an official guide to guide you around the Hobbit holes including Bilbo's and Frodo’s home after which you can enjoy a drink in the green dragon (either alcoholic beer or non-alcoholic ginger beer) included in your tour.

Inclusions: Tauranga port pick up - Pre-booked tour for cruise ship passengers only, Te Puia Valley Geothermal Valley entrance fees, The Hobbiton Movie set tour with official guide , Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Kerry G

Amazing scenery, friendly staff. Very well laid out facility and so clean. Everyone that visits Rotorua should visit this place.

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