A road trip from Auckland to Hobbiton is a must-do if you are visiting the North Island. This short road trip itinerary allows you to experience New Zealand's fascinating geothermal activity, learn about Maori culture and relive the behind-the-scenes magic of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies. The return trip takes approximately 7 hours of non-stop travel, which equates to roughly 508 km of distance. Along this route, there are numerous places to stop and explore. We have made a list for you to experience all the top attractions, so you won't miss anything on your trip. This road trip itinerary recommends roughly three days to experience all highlights along the way, but you can extend or shorten this itinerary to suit your trip specifically.
Day 1: Auckland to Tauranga
Karangahake Gorge
Drive time from Auckland: 1 hr 40 mins (129 km)
Heading south, Auckland city disappears behind you as you travel through farmland and the bush in an hour and forty minutes to Karangahake Gorge. Once you reach the start of the gorge, keep your camera at the ready: the drive through the tree-clad gorge is breathtaking.
A great shortstop is the Karangahake Tunnel Walk. Park in the main Karangahake Carpark to access. Top tip: take a flashlight!
The Bistro at the Falls Retreat is a great spot if you arrive at lunchtime. The Bistro offers gourmet takeaway if you are keeping on the move. From there you wind your way through the hills down to Waihi and along the coast to Tauranga.
Tauranga
Drive from Karangahake Gorge: Roughly 1 hr (71km)
This takes about an hour from Karangahake Gorge to Tauranga, though you might want to stretch your legs on a beautiful beach on your way.
The approach to Tauranga has an urban feel, it's the largest city in the Bay of Plenty. A mini-metropolitan hub set on a beautiful coastline. Home of good coffee and gateway to adventures on the seas; fishing, sailing, kayaking, or diving. But there's plenty for art lovers too. With a peek into the burgeoning arts scene with a visit to the Tauranga Art Gallery.
Whether you're looking for luxury, eco, budget or backpacker prices, there are some wonderful places to stay on the first night of your road trip. Settle in for the evening with a glass of New Zealand wine and watch the sun go down over the water.
Day 2: Tauranga to Rotorua
Drive from Tauranga: Roughly 1 hour (63km)
Mount Maunganui
The next morning, welcome the day in style by climbing 'The Mount' to see the sunrise at nearby Mount Maunganui. Mount Maunganui is only a short drive (10 minutes) from Tauranga. It's a lovely little beach town known for its surf and friendly vibe, perfect for a café breakfast before getting on the road.
Kaimai Ranges – McLauren Falls Park (Optional)
A worthwhile short break on the way to Rotorua is a visit to McLauren Falls Park in the Kaimai Ranges. McLaren Falls Park is a 30-minute drive from Mount Maunganui. It is a wonderful place to stretch your legs and enjoy native bush and waterfalls. The Falls Café is also a great place to stop for a coffee or refreshment.
If you are staying a second night in the Bay of Plenty, Waimarino Kayak Tours runs an evening glow worm tour in McLaren Falls Park that we hear is unforgettable. It's fifteen minutes from Tauranga on SH29.
Rotorua
The route takes you inland today. An hour's drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is tucked in beside a range of lakes, boasts some of the country's most spectacular scenery and specialises in adventure activities and tours.
The region is famous for its geothermal activity, and one of the first things you'll notice is its signature sulphur smell. Check out the natural bubbling and steaming geothermal activity in Kuirau Park. The park is free to visit and a short walk from the city centre. You can also book to bathe in the natural hot springs. Hell's Gate hot pools are worth a visit just for the name. A surprising number of Rotorua's hotels and motels even have thermal pools on the premises. Perfect for unwinding after a big day.
Rotorua also offers the opportunity to connect with Māori culture and history. There are a few Māori culture tours to choose from where you will get to experience and learn about history, lifestyle, and traditions.
Twenty-five minutes drive south of Rotorua is the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, Springs, and Spa - a great place to park up and kick back.
Looking for a shot of adrenaline? Velocity Valley is the place to be, you can bungy jump or freefall. If you would like to stay more grounded, you can ride some of New Zealand's best mountain bike tracks at The Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest.
Day 3: Rotorua to Hobbiton
Drive from Rotorua: Approximately 1 hour (70km)
Matamata
The road from Rotorua brings you to a gentle green landscape dotted with sheep and cows, famous for being the home of Middle Earth: Matamata.
Matamata is worth a stop on the way to Hobbiton Movie Set. You can take a step back in time and learn about Matamata's pioneering history at Firth Tower Museum. Check out Riverside Adventures Waikato for a bike part of the famous Hauraki Rail Trail or take a kayak tour down the Waikato River.
Looking for a place to eat? Osteria Group's Italian eatery has delicious options for every dietary requirement. Book ahead to ensure your table!
Hobbiton
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a short 20-minute drive from Matamata. No visit to the area is complete without a tour of the Shire. There are a couple of different ways to explore the movie set. You can book a fully guided 2-hour movie set tour with a drink at the end in the Green Dragon Inn. Or you can book the banquet experience where you will enjoy a full guided tour of the set and a banquet feast fit for a hobbit! It is recommended to book your tour of choice in advance, especially during the summer months to avoid disappointment.
Return to Auckland
Drive from Hobbiton Movie Set: 2 hours 25mins (175km)
It is an easy two-hour drive from hobbit holes to the City of Sails, making this one of the best road trips from Auckland. Especially in one of our economic compact rental cars!
Happy travels from the __mode team!
Updated on October 10, 2022.
