1. Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

Overview

The Hobbiton Movie Set is one of New Zealand's most iconic visitor attractions and a must-see destination for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Located on a picturesque family farm near Matamata, the 12-acre movie set offers visitors the chance to step directly into the world of Middle-earth™, exploring the enchanting village of Hobbiton exactly as seen on screen.

Originally constructed for The Lord of the Rings and later rebuilt permanently for The Hobbit, Hobbiton has become one of New Zealand's most visited attractions, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

Official Website:Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

The Story Behind Hobbiton

In 1998, filmmaker Peter Jackson and his location scouts discovered the Alexander family's sheep farm while searching for the perfect location to represent the Shire.

The rolling green hills, mature trees, and pristine countryside perfectly matched the vision of Tolkien's fictional homeland.

For the filming of The Lord of the Rings, 37 temporary Hobbit Holes were built. When filming concluded, most of the structures were removed. However, when production began on The Hobbit trilogy, the set was reconstructed using permanent materials, creating the attraction visitors enjoy today.

What You'll Experience

Guided Walking Tour

Every Hobbiton visit begins with a guided tour led by knowledgeable guides who share:

• Behind-the-scenes filming stories

• Movie production secrets

• Trivia from both trilogies

• Set construction details

• Insights into New Zealand filmmaking

Tours generally last approximately 2.5 hours, including transportation from the visitor centre to the movie set.

Hobbit Holes™

One of the highlights of the experience is exploring the famous Hobbit Holes scattered across the hillsides.

Visitors can see:

• Over 44 Hobbit Holes

• Colorful round doors

• Vegetable gardens

• Washing lines and props

• Authentic film-set details

Each Hobbit Hole was carefully designed to create the illusion of a living village, complete with tiny details that make the set feel alive.

Bag End™

The most famous location on the set is Bag End, the home of Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins.

Highlights include:

• The iconic green round door

• Panoramic views across the Shire

• The famous Party Tree nearby

• One of the most photographed spots in New Zealand

For many visitors, standing outside Bag End is the defining Hobbiton moment.

The Party Tree

The enormous Party Tree overlooking Hobbiton is another instantly recognizable film location.

The tree featured prominently during:

• Bilbo's birthday celebration scenes

• Shire festivities

• Numerous panoramic shots

The artificial leaves attached during filming demonstrated the extraordinary attention to detail employed by the production team.

Inside a Hobbit Hole™

A newer addition to the attraction allows visitors to step inside specially created Hobbit Hole interiors.

Guests can explore:

• Hobbit-style living rooms

• Kitchens and pantries

• Bedrooms

• Handmade furniture

• Detailed props and decorations

The interiors were created to match the visual style seen in the films, offering a much deeper immersion into Hobbit life.

The Green Dragon™ Inn

Every standard tour concludes at the famous The Green Dragon Inn.

Visitors receive a complimentary beverage, with options often including:

• Hobbit™ Southfarthing Ale

• Ginger Beer

• Apple Cider

• Non-alcoholic beverages

The inn has been fully constructed and furnished to resemble the beloved tavern featured in the films.

Evening Banquet Tours

One of the most popular premium experiences is the Evening Banquet Tour.

Highlights include:

• Twilight tour of the movie set

• Lantern-lit pathways

• Traditional feast at The Green Dragon Inn

• Exclusive nighttime atmosphere

• Stunning sunset photography

The banquet experience is frequently ranked among New Zealand's best tourism activities.

Behind-the-Scenes Movie Magic

The tour reveals fascinating production secrets, including:

• Forced perspective techniques

• Scale manipulation for actors

• Special-effects planning

• Set design methods

• Landscaping techniques

Visitors learn how filmmakers transformed a working farm into one of cinema's most recognizable fantasy worlds.

Gardens of Hobbiton

Hobbiton is famous for its incredible gardens.

Features include:

• Thousands of seasonal flowers

• Fruit trees

• Vegetable plots

• Native and imported plants

• Hand-maintained landscaping

A dedicated gardening team works year-round to maintain the appearance of a thriving Hobbit community.

Visitor Information

Awards & Recognition

Hobbiton has earned international recognition as:

• One of New Zealand's top tourist attractions

• A world-famous film location

• A leading guided-tour experience

• A major destination for fantasy and cinema fans

It is regularly featured in travel rankings and "must-do" lists for visitors to New Zealand.

Photography Opportunities

Popular photo locations include:

• Bag End™

• Party Tree

• The Green Dragon™ Inn

• Hobbit Hole doors

• Stone bridge

• Millhouse

• Hobbiton gardens

Every corner of the set is designed for stunning photography.

Why It's a Must-Visit

✅ Walk through the real movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit✅ Visit Bag End™ and over 44 Hobbit Holes™✅ Enjoy a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn✅ Learn behind-the-scenes filmmaking secrets✅ Explore beautifully maintained gardens and landscapes✅ Experience one of New Zealand's most famous attractions✅ Perfect for families, photographers, and movie fans alike

Best For

• The Lord of the Rings fans

• The Hobbit fans

• Families

• Photographers

• Couples

• First-time visitors to New Zealand

Travel Tip

Book your tour well in advance, especially during summer and holiday periods. Early-morning tours often provide the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds, allowing you to fully enjoy the magical atmosphere of Middle-earth™.