Middle-earth Halfling Marathon™
Middle-earth Halfling Marathon™
Imagine running through the heart of Shire™, where every step takes you deeper into the magic of Middle-earth. The Middle-earth Halfling Marathon is not just a race – it’s a fully immersive adventure across the iconic Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Held on Saturday, 28th March 2026. This 21.1km journey winds through lush Waikato farmland and cinematic landmarks that fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit will instantly recognise.
From the moment you cross the start line near The Shire’s Rest, you’ll be transported into a world of rolling green hills and charming hobbit holes. The course meanders through Gandalf’s Cutting, past the Sackville™ Orchard, and climbs gently to Bag End, offering panoramic views worthy of a wizard’s gaze. You’ll descend through Bagshot Row™, skirt the shimmering lakefront, and if you’re lucky, pause for a celebratory sip at the legendary Green Dragon ™ Inn before the final stretch to the finish.
This race is perfect for runners and walkers alike who crave a unique blend of fantasy, fitness, and fun. Every participant receives exclusive perks, including entry to the Hobbiton Movie Set, a commemorative stein with a finish-line drink, a reusable water cup, and a Southfarthing™ drink mid-race. With aid stations, race photography, and spot prizes, the experience is as rewarding as it is unforgettable.
Whether you’re a Tolkien fan, a trail runner, or simply someone who loves a good story, the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to run where legends walked.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical event – Limited packages available
Meals Included
Daily breakfasts & Dinner as listed in Itinerary
Transfers
Private escorted coach transfers throughout
Accommodation
4 nights’ accommodation. 2 nights at the InterContinental Auckland & 2 nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo
Entry
Guaranteed race entry into the 2026 Middle-earth Halfling Marathon™
Excursions
Sightseeing options
Medal Bling
Finisher medal and souvenir MEHM stein
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Thursday 26 March
Arrival Day
(Dinner)
Today arrive in Auckland and make your way to our accommodation at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour.
Welcome dinner at an iconic Auckland city restaurant (Please note drinks not included)
Day 2 - Friday 27 March
Auckland and Waiheke Island
(Breakfast & Dinner)
This morning join us for a short shakeout run along Auckland waterfront and take in the sights.
Harbour Cruise to Waiheke Island with wine tasting and lunch at Mudbrick Cafe
Group dinner booking at a second iconic Auckland city restaurant (Please note drinks not included)
Day 3 - Saturday 28 March
Hobbiton Halfling Marathon Day!
(Breakfast & Dinner)
We depart Auckland at approximately 9AM for Hobbiton and arrive with time to prepare for the event. Expected Race Start is 2PM.
After our runners have finished, we will depart Hobbiton and drive to our next destination at Taupo, where we stay at the Hilton Hotel.
Group dinner this evening is hosted at your accommodation (Please note drinks not included)
Day 4 - Sunday 29 March
Taupo Sightseeing
(Breakfast & Optional Dinner)
After breakfast this morning, we depart to tour of Craters of the Moon followed by an exciting Huka Jet Boat ride on the lake. We will then return to the hotel and you can spend the afternoon at leisure.
· Later we transfer from the hotel to join a late afternoon lake cruise, seeing Maori Rock and including a BBQ dinner option on the boat.
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Packages & Rates
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INCLUSIONS:
- Package commences THU 26 MAR, concludes MON 30 MAR
- Guaranteed race entry into the 2026 Middle-earth Halfling Marathon™
- Finisher medal and souvenir MEHM stein
- 4 nights’ accommodation. 2 nights at the InterContinental Auckland & 2 nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo
- Daily Breakfast included
- Daily group dinners at selected restaurants
- Auckland Sightseeing Tour
- Cruise and tour of Waiheke Island & lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard
- Taupo sightseeing and adventure activities
- Evening dinner cruise on Lake Taupo
- Private escorted coach transfers throughout
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- Airport Transfers
- Travel Insurance
- Meals unless stated
- Passport, visa and any medical-related requirements are an individual’s responsibility
Rates (all prices per person and in AUD dollars)
Note: Single Accommodations are limited.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- The AUD$1,500 pp deposit is payable by 21 November 2025. It is non-refundable & non-transferable once paid to Marathon Tours NZ
- The final & full balance is payable by 16 January 2026
- If you cancel your tour, any refund owing will be less the non-refundable deposit and any applicable supplier fees
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the same time as you pay your deposit, as this may enable you to recover cancellation costs incurred. Please refer to your insurance provider
- Please note that if you are unable to attend the functions or transfers, which are listed as part of the package inclusions, alternative arrangements are at the traveller’s own expense. Individual package inclusions will not be refunded due to not being able to attend
4 Night Package in AUDRUNNER NON RUNNER Double / Twin Room $3,995 per person $3,765 per person Single Room $4,935 per person
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Event Information
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Race Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
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Registration & Booking
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Conditions of Sale
Please note we cannot sell race entry without accommodation package. Race entry is not refundable.
If you wish to make any changes to your reservations administration and/or service fees might apply. For our general T&C’s please see here.
How to Book
To make your booking, click on the orange button at the top of the page, ensuring that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party plus all the required extras. When you book, we will require a deposit to confirm your place.
Payments
When you confirm your booking, we will take a deposit payment. Subsequent payments are taken automatically.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an essential part of any holiday you take, and we highly recommend that you purchase suitable insurance for your trip. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy also covers you to participate in running events.
Security Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Race Rules
Our itinerary and details regarding the race are based on current information available at the time this package was released for sale. Whilst we expect the details to remain correct, changes are possible and will be confirmed nearer to the trip after the race organisers have confirmed final instructions. All race rules and procedures need to be followed.
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