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, 20th March 2027. 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
3 nights at the JW Marriott Auckland
Entry
Guaranteed race entry into the 2027 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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Friday 19 March
Welcome to Auckland
Make your way to the JW Marriott Hotel Auckland which would be the base for your stay.
This evening we will have a group welcome drinks function at special roof top bar to take in the views of the Waitemata Harbour.
A great chance to meet your fellow Halflings and talk about the adventure to come.
Free time this evening allows you to check out some of the amazing restaurant options located in the downtown Auckland precinct on your own for dinner.
(Welcome Drink)
Saturday 20 March
Hobbiton Halfling Marathon Day!
We depart Auckland at approximately 9AM for Hobbiton and arrive with time to prepare for the event. Expected Race Start is 2PM.
Upon arrival we head straight to Check in to collect our race bibs. Then we have some free time to check out the “Halfling Event Village” to enjoy the live music, food stalls, and souvenirs on offer.
The race start is directly opposite the “Hafling Event Village” so a great place to rest while waiting for your wave to start. Enjoy the fun atmosphere on your run as you make your way through the surrounding countryside and Hobbiton Movie set!
After our runners have finished, we will depart Hobbiton and drive back to our Auckland accommodation for some well-earned rest.
(Breakfast & Dinner)
Sunday 21 March
Group Day Excursion
We will depart from the hotel for our Waiheke Island cruise and 3-course lunch at Mudbrick Cafe Sunday 21 Mar 2027, transfers included
Waiheke is famously known as the “Island of Wine” and is packed with world-class vineyards and pristine beaches.
At Mudbrick restaurant enjoy a sensory and romantic culinary experience , serving island inspired dishes on the ridge overlooking the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and then back to Auckland city.
Return ferry transfer included.
(Breakfast & Lunch)
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Packages & Rates
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Middle-Earth Halfling Marathon | Three-Night Package: March 19 – 22, 2027
- Guaranteed race entry for either the 11.1km Eleventy-first run or 21.1km Middle-Earth Halfling Marathon
- 3 nights accommodation at the JW Marriott Hotel Auckland, in 19th Mar, out 22nd Mar 2027
- Daily breakfast
- Hosted welcome drinks on the Friday evening, 19th Mar 2027
- Private coach race day transfer from JW Marriott to Hobbiton return
- Waiheke Island cruise and 3-course lunch at Mudbrick Cafe Sunday 21st Mar 2027
- Finishers medal
- Hobbiton-branded event stein with finish line drink
- An exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing drink at The Green Dragon Inn during the race
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- Airport Transfers
- Travel Insurance
- Meals unless stated
- Passport, visa and any medical-related requirements are an individual’s responsibility
Please Note: Room Options
- Twin (2 Bed) Rooms and Single Occupancy Accommodations are limited.
- Please book ‘Double’ for 2 Guests, to request a Twin occupancy room
- Contact us if you need assistance with your preference
2027 Rates below (Per Person, AUD dollars):
3 Night Package in AUDRUNNER NON RUNNER Double Room (1 Bed) / Twin Room (2 Beds) $1,975 per person $1,715 per person Single Room (1 Bed) - Limited availability $2,575 per person
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Hotels
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22-26 Albert Street, Auckland, New ZealandJW Marriott Auckland
JW Marriott Auckland
Ideally positioned in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant CBD, JW Marriott Auckland has brought its signature luxury and mindful approach to hospitality to the city since December 2022. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, the hotel offers 286 beautifully appointed rooms and delivers warm, attentive service designed to help guests reconnect and recharge.
Guests are encouraged to slow down and savour each moment — whether revitalising mind, body, and spirit, or creating meaningful experiences with family and friends.
Located just an 8-minute walk from the premier shopping and dining of Queen Street, the hotel also offers convenient access to Spark Arena, only a 15-minute stroll away. The concierge team is available to arrange seamless transportation, and on-site guest parking is offered (charges apply, subject to availability).
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Event Information
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Race Date: Saturday 20 March 2027
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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.
2027 PACKAGE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- AUD$1,000 pp deposit is non-refundable & non-transferable once paid
- Any balance paid before 25 September 2026, may be fully non-refundable after this date depending on your time of cancellation before departure.
- 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
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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