{"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":"2026-07-02T09:58:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T00:28:28","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":25163,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"wds_primary_event_locations":0,"footnotes":""},"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":25158,"event_logo":8173,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"available","event_status_labels_available":"limited-space","event_status_labels_waitlist":"available-soon","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"anchor","":null,"external_link":{"title":"2027 Waitlist","url":"#booknow","target":""}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"anchor","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now","url":"#booknow","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":{"title":"Enquire Now","url":"#booknow","target":""},"event_overview":"

Middle-earth Halfling Marathon\u2122<\/span><\/h2>\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, 20th March 2027. This 21.1km journey winds through lush Waikato farmland and cinematic landmarks that fans of The 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":"3 nights at the JW Marriott Auckland"},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Guaranteed race entry into the 2027 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":"3 Nights","package_dates":"19 - 22 March 2027","package_days":[{"day_title":"Friday 19 March","day_content":"Welcome to Auckland<\/b><\/span>\r\n\r\nMake your way to the JW Marriott Hotel Auckland which would be the base for your stay.\r\n\r\nThis evening we will have a group welcome drinks function at special roof top bar to take in the views of the Waitemata Harbour.\r\n\r\nA great chance to meet your fellow Halflings and talk about the adventure to come.\r\n\r\nFree 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.\r\n\r\n(Welcome Drink)<\/span>"},{"day_title":"Saturday 20 March","day_content":"Hobbiton Halfling Marathon Day!<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\nWe depart Auckland at approximately 9AM for Hobbiton and arrive with time to prepare for the event. Expected Race Start is 2PM.\r\n\r\nUpon 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.\r\n\r\nThe race start is directly opposite the \"Hafling Event Village\" so a great place to rest while waiting for your wave to start.\u00a0 Enjoy the fun atmosphere on your run as you make your way through the surrounding countryside and Hobbiton Movie set!\r\n\r\nAfter our runners have finished, we will depart Hobbiton and drive\u00a0back to our Auckland accommodation for some well-earned rest.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast & Dinner)<\/span>"},{"day_title":"Sunday 21 March","day_content":"Group Day Excursion<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\nWe will depart from the hotel for our Waiheke Island cruise and 3-course lunch at Mudbrick Cafe Sunday 21 Mar 2027, transfers included\r\n\r\nWaiheke is famously known as the \"Island of Wine\" and is packed with world-class vineyards and pristine beaches.\r\n\r\nAt 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.\r\n\r\nReturn ferry transfer included.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast & Lunch)<\/span>"},{"day_title":"Monday 22 March","day_content":"Departure Day<\/strong><\/span>\r\n\r\nIt's time to say goodbye as we depart after breakfast. Thank you for joining us!<\/span>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast)<\/span>\r\n\r\nPlease contact our team if you wish to extend your stay in Auckland.<\/em>"}]}],"event_extensions":"","event_extensions_packages":null,"event_packages_and_rates":"

Middle-Earth Halfling Marathon | Three-Night Package: March 19 \u2013 22, 2027<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n