Hobbiton Movie Set – Matamata, New Zealand
One of the most well known facts about New Zealand is that The Lord of The Rings (and The Hobbit Trilogies were filmed here. Director Peter Jackson is a native Kiwi, and thought the country’s landscapes were a perfect match for Tolkien’s Middle Earth (we agree!).
Less well known is the fact that one of the movie’s outdoor sets – Hobbiton, in The Shire – has been preserved as a tourist attraction for future generations to enjoy. Fans of the movies can travel to the 1,250 acre sheep farm in the Waikoto region (central North Island) of New Zealand for a tour, open 7 days per week. So of course we had to go.
The tour starts with a bus ride – from the ticketing office/cafe into the farm. The bus stops, and you’re greeted with a signpost and trail leading into Hobbiton.
You are then in the heart of the movie set. Starting at the bottom of the hill, you are led (by the tour guide) all around and past several locations of scenes in the movie. You also see several fan-favorite places – Bag End, Sam Gamgee’s home, the town’s Party grounds (and the party tree) among many others. You can also go into a hobbit hole yourself (these are just utility closets inside though; all interior scenes were shot in Wellington studios.
To cap it off, the tour ends with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn! This is the only building on-site which has a fully-constructed interior; and it was made by the film crew themselves so is 100% authentic. You can choose from 1 of 3 beers brewed only at/for this location (with a non-alcoholic option for kids as well) – Clint had the Amber Ale, Kaitlin had the Cider. Both were delicious!
Overall this tour/experience blew away our expectations – very highly recommended to any fans of the books or movies, but you definitely don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the experience. If you’re ever in New Zealand, don’t forget to put this one on your list!
