Hobbiton Movie Set

Overview

The Alexander family's sheep farm near Matamata was scouted from the air in 1998 for its rolling hills and a lone tree overlooking a lake — a near-perfect match for Tolkien's description of the Shire. Sir Peter Jackson's production built 37 temporary hobbit holes here for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, then returned a decade later to build 44 permanent ones for The Hobbit films.

Unlike most film sets, Hobbiton was left standing after filming and opened to the public, complete with working gardens, smoking chimneys and a fully functioning Green Dragon Inn at the end of the tour, where the ticket price includes a drink.

Things To Do

• Guided walking tour — the only way to see the set, taking in hobbit holes, gardens and Bag End.
• The Green Dragon Inn — finish the tour with a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer at the recreated inn.
• Photography stops — guides pause at classic film-accurate viewpoints along the tour route.
• Party Tree and the Mill — see the large tree and water mill featured throughout the films.
• Farm views — the surrounding sheep station is still a working farm, visible throughout the tour.

Getting There

Hobbiton is near Matamata, about 1.5 hours' drive south-east of Auckland or 45 minutes from Rotorua. Shuttle buses run from both Matamata and Rotorua, and there's on-site parking for those driving themselves.

Gallery

Nearby Attractions

Matamata

The nearby town, which leans fully into its 'Hobbiton' association with themed shopfronts.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Underground limestone caves lit by thousands of native glowworms, about an hour away.

Te Puia

Live Māori cultural performances alongside geysers, a short drive on to Rotorua.

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