Best Auckland Garden Tours — Our Top 4

1.Explore gardens & galleries filled with incredible art, Matakana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 186 reviews · from $40Our pick

Visit Sculptureum in rural Matakana for three sculpture gardens and six indoor galleries spread across 1.4 km of flat paths. You can see more than 800 local and international works, including glass art, bronze figures, giant animals, and unusual garden pieces. Allow 90 minutes to two hours, then stop for coffee, food, or on-site wine.

“The artwork and glass art inside the building is fabulous. The gardens and the sculptures are beautiful. The driftwood sculptures of the horses and the whale are amazing. The bronze sculptures were just lovely. I loved the boy pushing the girl on the swing. The sculpture of the boy holding the dolphin is apparently an early work by Leonardo Da Vinci and is quite stunning.”

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2.Hobbiton Movie Set and Hamilton Gardens Small Group-from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $217

Travel from Auckland to Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens in a small group of up to 11. Your day includes guided Hobbiton entry, 90 minutes at the themed gardens, a Lake Karapiro stop, WiFi, water, and Auckland CBD pickup. Guides such as Huzefa and Yam add local stories and film background along the way.

“Our driver was really friendly, fun and informative on the drive to and from Hobbiton. Water and snacks were provided and we stopped for a coffee break on the way. Would recommend and use again”

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3.Hobbiton & Hamilton Gardens Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 10 reviews · 9 hours · from $209

Travel from central Auckland to Hamilton Gardens and Hobbiton in a small group, with hotel pickup, snacks, Wi-Fi, and charging ports. Explore Hamilton Gardens at your own pace, then join a 2.5-hour guided Hobbiton tour with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Guides such as Joe and Husefa have led this English-language experience.

“Joe was a great tour guide. The van was very comfortable. Hobbiton was fantastic, not to be missed even if you’re not a movie geek. Every group of 40 or so are spaced out over time so you get a chance to see everything up close and take pictures. So many photo ops! Hamilton gardens are beautiful and interestingly designed. Each element is walled off with hedges so the experience is encapsulated. Wandering on your own gives you a great chance to explore each crated space.”

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4.Private 2 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua Geothermal & Hamilton Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · from $2,047

You’ll travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, or Tauranga to Waitomo, Te Puia, Hobbiton, Lake Rotorua, and Hamilton Gardens. Admission, a four-star hotel, WiFi, snacks, bottled water, and a Green Dragon Inn drink are included. The tour can be adjusted to suit your group, though French-language support is not clearly assured.

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