Train bookings for July 2025 to June 2026 season

For train bookings beyond June 2025 to June 2026, contact us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com.

 

Infotainment App

An Immersive Rail Experience

 

We have some exciting news for your upcoming journey, we have made changes to our onboard audio commentary which is now available via our new infotainment app.

The infotainment app allows all audio commentary and stories to be available at a touch of a button via your phone.

Our commentary has been upgraded and revised and we are excited to have it available for our passengers.

The app is easy to use, and if you have any issues, please talk to the staff on the train, they will help you to troubleshoot any issues.

Please make sure you bring your own device, USB charger and headphones to enjoy the audio commentary.

We recommend you download the free “Great Journeys New Zealand” app in advance.

Some sections of the app won’t be available until you are on the train, but once connected to the Wifi on the train you’ll will be able to see the full content.

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (Rotorua to Auckland) GS48S (1320 - 2010)

Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set tour starts with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to Matamata, a small town in the Waikato region known for its thoroughbred industry and dairy farming. Along the way your local driver guide will provide informative commentary and share stories about the region and its history.

Just outside of Matamata is the private working farm that was transformed into The Shire for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. The home of Tolkien's beloved hobbits Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors from around the world.

Take a two-hour guided tour of the movie set and learn how this picturesque farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. Your guide will show you Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill and many other structures from the movies.

After your Hobbiton movie set tour, continue to Auckland, arriving in the evening.

Tour details
    Full day tour
    Operates daily
    Departs Rotorua, arrives Auckland

Tour includes
    Luxury coach travel Rotorua - Hobbiton - Auckland
    Hobbiton Movie set guided tour

Free WiFi available on board

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Rotorua to Auckland
Tue 23 Aug
Wed 24 Aug
Thu 25 Aug
Fri 26 Aug
Sat 27 Aug
Sun 28 Aug
Mon 29 Aug
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.