Wellington to Hobbiton (Matamata)

[jonnyc020385]

All,

 

Was wondering if anyone would know if this is possible, we are VERY worried that now after we just purchased out cruise for Sep 23rd, 2013 that we made a bad decision. We REALLY want to go to Hobbiton (yeah I know...but we do:)) The problem being that the ship only goes to Picton and Wellington. However we are in Wellington for 14 hours. Is it possible or easily possible to get from Wellington to Matamata and back again in that time period?

 

If anyone could assist with this by giving any information it would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would hate to miss out on this, don't get me wrong I am aware that Wellington has a HUGE amount of scenes that were set there and very close but Hobbiton would be amazing.

 

Now I know it is 6 hours driving, what about a train and such? We are not new to traveling at ALL so have no problem venturing out.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Te Aroha]

I live in Matamata and regularly visit the Movie set with friends and family. Sadly there is no way you can get to Matamata from Wellington and back in time.

 

It is a 6 hours minimum drive each way. If you ever get a cruise to New Zealand that comes into the Tauranga Port, then it is an easy day trip for you to see all of Hobbiton.

 

Here is a link to the Hobbiton Site with tours information available from Tauranga.

 

http://www.hobbitontours.com/

[Te Aroha]

Meant to add to my last post.

 

There is no passenger rail connection that you could take between Wellington and Matamata. (We have no passenger rail at all into Matamata.)

 

Six hours by road would be only if the roads were clear and not really allowing for anything more than a very fast toilet stop. Driving in New Zealand is not like being in the UK or the States, where they have huge interstate highways our roads are good but not all is interstate/motorway standard by any means.

 

Is there any way you could look at your current booking and maybe change it for a cruise that does call into Tauranga?

[jonnyc020385]

Thank you for letting me know, I figured as much but thought it was worth the ask if nothing else.

 

Appreciate your time.

[LadyPemberley]

If you ever get a cruise to New Zealand that comes into the Tauranga Port, then it is an easy day trip for you to see all of Hobbiton. Here is a link to the Hobbiton Site with tours information available from Tauranga. http://www.hobbitontours.com/

 

My cruise will go to Tauranga. I was looking at Mount Classics Hobbiton Express tour. http://www.shoretrips.co.nz/tauranga_trg-17.html I would appreciate any input on this tour company, and any recommendations on other tours from Tauranga to Hobbiton.

[Te Aroha]

I have no personnel experience of this tour company so cannot comment, but it looks very reasonable from what I have read on their site.

 

I have always booking through the Hobbiton site for any visitors that I take there. They have a section that is for cruise ship passengers that you could compare. Link below.

 

 

http://www.hobbitontours.com/hobbiton-movie-set-and-farm-tours/cruise-ship-specials_idl=1_idt=2005_id=17512_.html

 

 

Enjoy your visit to New Zealand :)

[kiwijo]

As the other folks have confirmed, a day trip to MataMata is not going to be viable from Wellington. While you are in Wellington though, you could make the most of your time by doing a film-related tour. Wellington's story is very different - you won't see the sets as you would at Hobbiton, but you do get some great stories of how the movies were made, visit some of the locations in the LOTR trilogy and learn about the tricks and challenges that make up movie making. Full day tours usually include a visit to The Weta Cave, which is the main touchpoint for fans. It's mainly a retail store, but has a behind-the-scenes video of the work done at Weta. Have a look at http://www.wellingtonnz.com/middleofmiddle-earth and http://www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/weta_cave for a little more information. And I guess it's time to start planning on coming back!!

[jonnyc020385]

Thank you very much, we are planning on doing a full day tour in Wellington. Now only to decide to use Rover tours or book through the Cruise ship. Or any advice for what tour companies are good in Wellington?

 

Thanks,

Jonny

[kiwijo]

Well, there's two ships in port here today and I know they've had lots of uptake for the film tours, so hopefully some of your fellow cruisers can let you know what they've enjoyed. I would suggest booking in advance either way though!!

 

And here's another movie link you might enjoy - I drove past these today and they look great.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/culture/7879924/Bilbo-and-his-band-to-dominate-skyline

 

The giant Gollum at the airport is supercool as well! http://www.wellingtonnz.com/media/gollum_dives_wellington_airport