Are you a devoted fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit? Ever dreamed of stepping into the enchanting world of Middle-earth? Now’s your chance—Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of New Zealand is waiting to transport you straight into Tolkien’s magical realm.
The Legendary Land of the Hobbits
Before Frodo’s journey to destroy the One Ring, there was Bilbo Baggins—the unlikely hero of The Hobbit, whose whimsical tale took place in a world filled with dragons, dwarves, and, of course, Hobbits. Much like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit was filmed entirely in New Zealand, chosen for its raw, untouched landscapes that look like they were plucked right out of a fantasy novel.
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A Movie Set Brought to Life
The iconic Hobbiton set was built on a picturesque sheep farm in the small town of Matamata, about 30 minutes’ drive from Hamilton. Interestingly, this same location was used during the filming of The Return of the King, and it’s been preserved almost exactly as it appeared on screen. With a jaw-dropping production budget of $500 million USD, the filmmakers spared no expense creating this elaborate, immersive set—now a beloved tourist destination.
A Secret Built in Silence
When the Lord of the Rings crew first struck a deal with the New Zealand government in 1998, everything was kept under tight wraps. The military even helped build the access roads into what was then just a vast sheep-grazing farm. Locals believed the army was constructing a national defense facility. But as soldiers began dining off-site and mingling with locals, rumors started to leak, and the secret was out—Middle-earth was being built in their backyard.
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From Film Set to Fantasy Getaway
Today, Hobbiton has transformed into a fully operational tourism wonderland. For around 80 NZD, visitors can explore the magical site, which remains astonishingly true to the films. A narrow trail winds between flower-filled hills, guiding guests into a storybook village with rolling green pastures and grazing sheep all around.
44 Hobbit Holes and Countless Memories
Step inside Bag End and stroll past 44 tiny Hobbit holes nestled into the hillsides. Everything has been meticulously maintained—from the gardens and vegetable patches to the curved doorways, winding stone paths, outdoor feast tables, wooden barrels, wells, and lantern-lit fences. It’s like walking through a living fairytale.
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Fans Turned Tour Guides
According to local guides, many visitors arrive already deeply familiar with the films. Some guests even recite lines of dialogue while exploring and eagerly identify specific props or locations—becoming unofficial storytellers along the way. Whether you’re a Tolkien superfan or a curious traveler, Hobbiton is a must-see experience that brings cinematic magic to life.
FAQ
What is the Hobbiton Movie Set?
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a fully preserved film location used in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Located in Matamata, New Zealand, this magical village of hobbit holes, gardens, and green hills was brought to life on screen — and today, it’s a real-world attraction where visitors can walk through the Shire.
Where is it located, and how do I get there?
Hobbiton is located in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island, near the town of Matamata.
By car:
- ~2 hours from Auckland
- ~1 hour from Rotorua
Free parking is available at The Shire’s Rest (the visitor center)
Tours are available from Auckland and Rotorua if you don’t want to drive.
What can I see and do at Hobbiton?
The Hobbiton experience includes:
- 44 hobbit holes with beautifully detailed facades
- The Party Tree, Bag End, and Samwise Gamgee’s home
- A complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn
- Gorgeous flower-filled gardens and rolling hills
- Incredible photo opportunities straight from the films
Some tours include a lunch buffet at The Millhouse or evening banquets under lanterns!
Are guided tours required?
Yes. You cannot enter Hobbiton without booking a guided tour, as it’s on private farmland. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts from the movies.
It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons (Dec–Feb).
How long does a tour of Hobbiton take?
The standard guided walking tour lasts around 2 hours, not including travel time.
Some options:
- Standard Tour (2 hrs): Walk through the set, finish with a drink at the Green Dragon
- Evening Banquet Tour (4 hrs): Includes a full feast and lantern-lit walk
- Private and photography tours also available for fans and creators
Is the Hobbiton Movie Set the same as in the actual movies?
Yes, it’s exactly as seen in the films, but with permanent construction. While the original set built for The Lord of the Rings was temporary and dismantled, director Peter Jackson rebuilt the set permanently for The Hobbit trilogy in 2011.
You’re walking through real props, gardens, and structures, not replicas.
Can I go inside the hobbit holes?
Most hobbit holes are just facades, but you can peek into a few that have dressed interiors for photos. The interiors seen in the films were shot on studio soundstages in Wellington.
However, Bag End is visible from the outside — with Bilbo’s famous round green door!
Is it suitable for children and seniors?
Absolutely! The tour is family-friendly, with wide paths, gentle hills, and plenty of rest areas. Strollers are welcome. For seniors, golf buggies are available (advance request needed).
Is there food available at Hobbiton?
Yes! After your tour, you can enjoy:
- A drink at the Green Dragon Inn (ale, cider, ginger beer)
- A buffet meal at The Millhouse (optional add-on)
- An epic Evening Banquet Tour with a full medieval-style dinner
There’s also a Shire’s Rest Café at the visitor center.
What’s the best time to visit Hobbiton?
- Spring (Sept–Nov) and Autumn (Mar–May) offer mild weather and colorful gardens.
- Summer (Dec–Feb) is lush and busy — book early!
Winter (Jun–Aug) is quieter, with moody, magical vibes.
Tours operate rain or shine — bring a jacket and good shoes.
What else can I do nearby?
Hobbiton is close to other North Island attractions like:
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves (1 hour drive)
- Rotorua – geothermal wonders and Māori culture
- Agrodome and farm experiences in Matamata
Make it part of a North Island road trip!
Whether you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan or simply enchanted by rolling green hills and charming cottages, the Hobbiton Movie Set is one of the most unique and magical travel experiences in the world. From the thatched pub to Bilbo’s famous garden, every detail brings Middle-earth to life.
