Where Hobbit was filmed, what’s so appealing about the Hobbit film set in New Zealand? Movie buffs, check out hobbit film set New Zealand, the hobbit film locations New Zealand in this article for details!
- 15 top attractions & best things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand
- Where to visit in Queenstown: 15 must see & best places to visit in Queenstown
- The ultimate guide to Humble Administrator’s Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan) in Suzhou
- Suggested New Zealand itinerary 7 days: Auckland – Queenstown
- Himeji guide: How to visit & what to do in A Masterpiece of Samurai History
If you’ve ever been captivated by the world of Mid-earth through the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, the Hobbiton film set in New Zealand will surely interest you. This is the original setting, with small, cozy Hobbit houses meticulously constructed. The film set retains its pristine beauty as seen on screen, attracting not only movie fans but also nature and countryside lovers.
In this article, I’ll share my experience exploring the famous Hobbit film set in New Zealand, along with many interesting facts not everyone knows.
Discover Hobbit Film Set New Zealand – Mid-earth in Real Life in New Zealand
Hobbiton is a destination that any fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit would be eager to visit. Located in Matamata, New Zealand, this film set is about a two-hour drive from Auckland and about an hour from Rotorua. This massive outdoor film set retains every detail from the series, such as the Hobbit house, the winding stone road, and the Green Dragon Inn.
The set sits on a large sheep farm, chosen by Peter Jackson after flying over North Island and seeing hills, trees, and lakes that closely resembled The Shire in Tolkien’s books. Initially temporary, the set was built after the success of the film and fan demand, resulting in the permanent Hobbiton with 44 Hobbit Holes and the Green Dragon Inn.
When visiting, we suggest taking a walking tour to explore every corner, take photos in front of the houses, enjoy a beer at the Green Dragon Inn, and savor the peaceful countryside atmosphere. Don’t forget to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you don’t miss the immersive Mid-earth experience right here in New Zealand.
How to Get to Hobbiton and the Most Convenient Transportation Options
When planning a trip to Hobbiton, you should consider the choice between self-driving and booking a package tour. If you have a car or camper, getting around is quite simple. You can park for free in the Matamata city center or at The Shires Rest. This is suitable for those who prefer to be in control of their schedule, especially when on a road trip in New Zealand. You can check out self-drive car rental prices in Rotorua or Auckland on Klook.
If you don’t have a car or want a more relaxed trip, a tour is the most convenient option. You just need to book tickets online and take a free shuttle from Matamata. From Rotorua, there are also packages with transportation available at an additional cost. The tour usually takes about two hours if departing from The Shires Rest and longer if departing from Matamata or Rotorua.
Hobbiton also offers private tours for small groups. The price is quite high, so I think it’s only suitable if you want a quiet space and to avoid crowds. Whichever way you choose, you should arrive a little early to have time to take photos and enjoy the countryside atmosphere before the tour begins.
Private Hobbiton Day Tour with Guide
Unmissable Experiences When Visiting Hobbiton
Discover Classic Filming Locations and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
At the start of the tour, my group and I were led by a guide knowledgeable about the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” series. We walked along the path Frodo and Sam took, the area where Bilbo’s birthday party was held, and the places where Gandalf appeared. From the outside, the lush green hills, the lake reflecting the light, the trees, and the fences are all arranged harmoniously, just like in the movie.
What I liked most was the guides sharing incredibly interesting behind-the-scenes stories. I heard about the filming techniques, the perspective effects that made The Shire look so small and charming, and how Peter Jackson meticulously crafted every detail to bring The Shire to life. Each story helped me understand more deeply the crew’s dedication; it felt like I wasn’t just visiting, but also experiencing the filmmaking process.
Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings Movie Set Tour
The tour was well-structured, giving me time to walk, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery. While walking, I was also guided to notice many details that fans often overlook, such as the camera placement, the arrangement of trees, and the small details along the path that create a natural feel.
Check-in at the Hobbit Houses – From Bag End to the Charming Little Houses
One of my favorite experiences was wandering around the 44 Hobbit Holes. Each house had a different color, size, and surrounding details, reflecting the personality of each hobbit. The highlight was Bag End, Bilbo’s house with its round green door and panoramic view of The Shire.
Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Full Day Tour
Although most of the houses are only exteriors and cannot be accessed inside, the decorative details are very meticulous. I stopped to take pictures freely, imagining myself as a Hobbit resident coming out to welcome guests. As I walked along the small houses, I also discovered lovely gardens, winding paths, and meticulously maintained fences. Be sure to bring your camera and comfortable shoes for a stroll and lots of photos!
Enjoying Drinks at the Cozy Green Dragon Inn
After exploring the Hobbit Holes, the tour took me to the Green Dragon Inn. This is the famous pub from the movie and is built to look exactly like the real thing. I received a free drink; you can choose from ale, cider, or non-alcoholic ginger beer, all specially brewed for Hobbiton.
The interior space is warm with a fireplace in the winter and comfortable seating. I sat down to rest, chatted with the guide, and observed the exquisite interior details. If you wish, you can also purchase additional food or drinks to fully enjoy the atmosphere. Green Dragon Inn is a place that helps me relax and experience the atmosphere of Middle-earth in the most authentic way.
Experiencing the Night Tour and Party at Green Dragon Inn
If you have the chance, I highly recommend trying the Evening Banquet Tour. As the sun sets, the lanterns illuminating the streets make Hobbiton look magical. I walked along the small streets, admiring the scenery reflected in the golden light, and felt the warm atmosphere, completely different from daytime.
The night tour ended with a party at Green Dragon Inn. I found the restaurant’s decor very beautiful, rich, and exactly like a village festival scene in the movie. You can enjoy food and drinks while enjoying the festive atmosphere, feeling like a guest at a Hobbit party. This tour also allows you to experience The Shire during a less crowded time, comfortably strolling around and admiring the houses and landscape in the sunset.
Hobbiton Movie Set and Green Dragon Inn Visit Adventure Tour
In my experience, it’s best to book a tour in advance because tickets usually sell out quickly. This experience is completely different from daytime sightseeing; it’s both romantic and impressive, especially if you love photography or want to enjoy The Shire at sunset with your loved one. I found this to be the most memorable experience of the entire Hobbiton tour.
Attend Seasonal Activities and Special Events
Hobbiton also organizes seasonal activities or special events, offering visitors a fresh experience. For example, Hobbit Day on September 22nd, celebrating Bilbo and Frodo’s birthdays, is an opportunity to visit The Shire with special decorations, or seasonal decorations such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
I participated in the autumn decorations and noticed that every detail, from the golden leaves scattered on the paths, the accessories around the Hobbit Holes, to the lighting, was meticulously cared for. This is a chance to experience The Shire in a different light than a typical visit. In addition, the events also include special activities at the Green Dragon Inn, creating many unique and exciting experiences.
Private Hobbiton Day Tour with Guide
If you don’t want to miss these special occasions, you should follow the information on the official Hobbiton website and book your tour early. I find this a great way to experience The Shire with many different emotions, from daytime exploration and enjoying cozy parties to participating in unique events.
Suggested Hobbiton Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
If you are visiting Hobbiton for the first time, planning ahead will make your visit more fulfilling. I want to share a suggested itinerary to help you fully experience the highlights of The Shire, from the Hobbit Holes and the Green Dragon Inn to interesting behind-the-scenes stories, while still feeling relaxed and unhurried.
Standard Tour (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours)
- 09:00 Join the tour at the meeting point, meet the guide and receive your entrance ticket
- 09:15 Stroll along the main Hobbiton road, exploring famous filming locations
- 09:45 Stop for photos at Bag End and other Hobbit Holes
- 10:15 Listen to the guide share about filming techniques, behind-the-scenes secrets and the story of Peter Jackson
- 10:45 Visit Green Dragon Inn, enjoy complimentary drinks and relax
- 11:00 End of tour, visit the souvenir shop if desired
Evening Tour with Banquet at Green Dragon Inn (Evening Banquet Tour)
- 17:00 Begin Hobbiton tour at sunset
- 17:30 Stroll under lanterns, take photos and explore the Hobbit Holes
- 18:00 Enjoy a banquet at Green Dragon Inn with a cozy atmosphere and special drinks
- 19:30 End of tour, return Back to the starting point
My Real Impressions of Experiencing Hobbiton
When I first visited Hobbiton, I wasn’t a huge fan of the movie, but I was still curious to experience it. I found the tour to be very professionally organized; the guide shared detailed information about how the locations were chosen, the set was constructed, and behind-the-scenes secrets, which really impressed me. Although there were quite a few people on the tour, the lush green scenery of The Shire and the exquisite details of each Hobbit Hole made me forget about the crowds.
I realized that the tour time is quite short, about 2 to 3 hours depending on the tour, so you need to walk slowly and take advantage of every moment to take pictures and observe the scenery. If you want to get many beautiful photos, I suggest choosing a shooting angle that avoids other groups of tourists, or looking for gaps between groups to capture the scenery completely.
One point to note is that the tour only has English-language guidance, no Vietnamese audio guide, so if you are not fluent in English, focus on observing the scenery and the details of the film set. I think Hobbiton is a great experience for film fans or those interested in filmmaking, allowing you to stroll through The Shire while learning more about filming techniques and interesting behind-the-scenes stories.
Helpful Tips Before Visiting Hobbiton
Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings Movie Set Tour
Before visiting Hobbiton, I want to share a few tips to help make your trip truly fulfilling. First of all, you should book your tour in advance because tours fill up very quickly, especially during peak season from December to February. If you want a comfortable experience with fewer crowds and pleasant weather, I suggest choosing spring or autumn. Early morning or late afternoon tours are usually less crowded and have ideal lighting for photography.
Regarding clothing, prepare comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing to easily change according to the weather. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and drinking water are always essential because you will be doing a lot of walking through fields and grassy hills. If you are traveling with young children, I recommend using a stroller with large wheels or a carrier, as some gravel paths are not suitable for small strollers.
Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Full Day Tour
For beautiful photos, try famous photo spots such as Bag End, the Party Tree, or the winding road. If you have time, combining the Hobbiton tour with Rotorua in the same day will enrich your experience, allowing you to explore The Shire while also visiting the unique natural and cultural wonders of Waikato.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand
1. Do I need to see the movies before visiting Hobbiton?
You don’t have to see The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, but if you have, you’ll find it easier to recognize the settings.
2. What is the average time to visit Hobbiton?
You usually need about 2–3 hours for a standard tour. Some extended tours can last up to 4 hours.
3. Is self-guided tour allowed at the Hobbiton movie set?
No. You can only visit on a guided tour.
4. Is it allowed to bring food into the movie set?
No. You are not allowed to bring food into the film set area, but you can eat at The Shire’s Rest or enjoy drinks at the Green Dragon Inn.
5. Does the Hobbiton film set tour take place when it rains?
Yes. The tour still operates as usual. You just need to prepare a suitable jacket and shoes; the film set provides raincoats for guests when needed.
The journey to Hobbiton gave me the feeling of stepping into the world of Mid-earth that I had only seen on screen before. If you love movies, nature, or simply want to find a different experience on your New Zealand trip, I believe Hobbiton will give you many memorable moments. Hopefully, the information in this article will help you plan your upcoming visit more easily.
Movie lovers, what are you waiting for? Come to the Lord of the Rings The Hobbit film set in New Zealand now!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Auckland you can refer to
- Taste of Waiheke Day Tour from Auckland
- Hobbiton Express Small Group Tour with Lunch from Auckland
- Karekare Waterfalls and Piha Beach Day Tour from Auckland
- Auckland Zoo Ticket
- Auckland Explorer Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass 24 or 48 Hour with Devonport ferry
- SkyTower Auckland Tickets
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Ticket
- SkyBus Auckland Airport (AKL) Express Transfer Ticket
- SheepWorld Admission Ticket
- Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers for Auckland
- Shared and Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers to/from Auckland CBD
- Soaring Kiwi Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass in Auckland (24 or 48 Hours)
Are you looking for more top things to do in Auckland: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.
