Conference Excursion

On Wednesday 12th December there will be no talks after 12:00pm to give participants the chance to explore Rotorua and surrounding areas. An excursion is not included as part of the conference fee; it is up to particpants to book their own excursions.

Our chief recommendation is a tour of the nearby Hobbiton™ Movie Set. 

Hobbiton™ Movie Set

Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes™, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth™ adventure.

Please note: pre-booking your tour is essential. Our tours can sell-out well in advance so please pre-book to avoid disappointment.

The tour from Rotorua departs from the Hobbiton movie set store at 1:20pm, 1235 Fenton St, which is a 5 minute walk from the Millennium hotel. The duration is approximately 4.5 hours. As of writing the cost is $119 for adults. Please book your own ticket via the website.

If hobbits and rings don't float your boat, there are plenty of alternatives. Below are some links for nice alternative excursions.

The Rotorua tourist information office is just 300m from the Millennium Hotel (at 1167 Fenton St);