{"id":8167,"date":"2025-10-03T06:20:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T20:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-au\/events\/queenstown-marathon-2\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T14:27:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T03:57:15","slug":"middle-earth-halfling-marathon","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-au\/events\/middle-earth-halfling-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle-earth Halfling Marathon™"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":4001,"template":"","event_types":[14,57],"event_locations":[51],"event_distances":[16],"event_course_types":[22,13],"event_seasons":[27],"class_list":["post-8167","events","type-events","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_types-half-marathon","event_types-trail","event_locations-new-zealand","event_distances-half-marathon","event_course_types-trail-remote","event_course_types-urban","event_seasons-winter"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":8170,"event_logo":8173,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"off_sale","event_status_labels_available":"limited-space","event_status_labels_waitlist":"waitlist","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"2027 Waitlist","url":"#booknow","target":""}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now","url":"#booknow","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":{"title":"2027 Pre-registration","url":"https:\/\/bookingau.marathontours.com\/experience\/middle-earth-halfling-marathon-2027-pre-registration\/170","target":"_blank"},"event_overview":"

Middle-earth Halfling Marathon\u2122<\/span><\/h2>\r\n*** 2026 Registrations have now closed.\u00a0 Join our Waitlist for updates on packages for future events ***<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nImagine running through the heart of Shire\u2122, where every step takes you deeper into the magic of Middle-earth. The Middle-earth Halfling Marathon is not just a race \u2013 it\u2019s a fully immersive adventure across the iconic Hobbiton\u2122 Movie Set. Held on Saturday, 28th March 2026. This 21.1km journey winds through lush Waikato farmland and cinematic landmarks that fans of\u00a0The Lord of the Rings\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0The Hobbit\u00a0<\/em>will instantly recognise.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment you cross the start line near The Shire\u2019s Rest, you\u2019ll be transported into a world of rolling green hills and charming hobbit holes. The course meanders through Gandalf\u2019s Cutting, past the Sackville\u2122 Orchard, and climbs gently to Bag End, offering panoramic views worthy of a wizard\u2019s gaze. You\u2019ll descend through Bagshot Row\u2122, skirt the shimmering lakefront, and if you\u2019re lucky, pause for a celebratory sip at the legendary Green Dragon \u2122 Inn before the final stretch to the finish.\r\n\r\nThis 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\u2122 drink mid-race. With aid stations, race photography, and spot prizes, the experience is as rewarding as it is unforgettable.\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019re 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.\r\n\r\nDon\u2019t miss your chance to be part of this magical event \u2013 Limited packages available\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n ","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Daily breakfasts & Dinner as listed in Itinerary","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":""},"transfers":{"detail":"Private escorted coach transfers throughout\r\n","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":""},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"4 nights\u2019 accommodation. 2 nights at the InterContinental Auckland & 2 nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo"},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Guaranteed race entry into the 2026 Middle-earth Halfling Marathon\u2122\r\n"},"celebration_party":{"detail":"","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":"Sightseeing options"},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":""},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":""},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":"Finisher medal and souvenir MEHM stein\r\n"}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":8170},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":8171},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":8172}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"HOBBITON HALFLING MARATHON PACKAGE ","package_duration":"4 Nights","package_dates":"26 - 30 March 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Day 1 - Thursday 26 March","day_content":"Arrival Day<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n(Dinner)<\/span>\r\n\r\nToday arrive in Auckland and make your way to our accommodation at the Intercontinental Hotel.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAfternoon city sightseeing tour.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWelcome dinner at an iconic Auckland city restaurant (Please note drinks not included)<\/span>"},{"day_title":"Day 2 - Friday 27 March","day_content":"Auckland and Waiheke Island<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast & Dinner)<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis morning join us for a short shakeout run along Auckland waterfront and take in the sights.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHarbour Cruise to Waiheke Island with wine tasting and lunch at Mudbrick Cafe<\/span>\r\n\r\nGroup dinner booking at a second iconic Auckland city restaurant (Please note drinks not included)<\/span>"},{"day_title":"Day 3 - Saturday 28 March","day_content":"Hobbiton Halfling Marathon Day!<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast & Dinner)<\/span>\r\n\r\nWe depart Auckland at approximately 9AM for Hobbiton and arrive with time to prepare for the event. E<\/span>xpected Race Start is 2PM.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAfter our runners have finished, we will depart Hobbiton and drive to our next destination at Taupo, where we stay at the Hilton Hotel.<\/span>\r\n\r\nGroup dinner this evening is hosted at your accommodation (Please note drinks not included)<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0<\/span>"},{"day_title":"Day 4 - Sunday 29 March","day_content":"Taupo Sightseeing<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast & Optional Dinner)<\/span>\r\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 After breakfast this morning, we depart to tour of Craters of the Moon followed by an exciting Huka Jet Boat ride on the lake.\u00a0 We will then r<\/span>eturn to the hotel and you can spend the afternoon at leisure.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u00b7\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Later we transfer from the hotel to join a late afternoon lake cruise, seeing Maori Rock and including a BBQ dinner option on the boat.<\/span><\/p>"},{"day_title":"Day 5 - Monday 30 March","day_content":"Departure Day<\/strong><\/span>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast)<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt's time to say goodbye as we depart Hilton Hotel Taupo after breakfast, for Auckland International Airport and your onward journey. Thank you for joining us!<\/span>"}]}],"event_extensions":"","event_extensions_packages":null,"event_packages_and_rates":"*** 2026 Registrations have now closed.\u00a0 Join our Waitlist for updates on future events ***<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n2026 PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:<\/span><\/strong>\r\n