Journey to the heart of Waikato region and travel to Middle-earth for a visit to the famous Shire from the iconic world of Lord of the Rings.
| Attraction type | Pop culture, Theme parks |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Travelers are encouraged to wear shoes suitable for hiking
Take note of the meeting times provided by the tour guide at each attraction; refunds will not be provided for late arrivals or guests who cannot complete the whole tour
Please refer to the voucher for further details
The Hobbiton Movie Set is situated in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island, near the town of Matamata. It's nestled amidst picturesque rolling green hills, designed to perfectly represent the Shire from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
A standard Hobbiton Movie Set tour ticket typically includes a fully guided two-hour walking tour around the 12-acre movie set. This covers exploring the Hobbit holes, gardens, and other iconic locations. It also usually includes a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn at the end of the tour, adding to the immersive experience.
While visitors cannot enter the small Hobbit holes as they are façades, you can step inside one specially designed Hobbit hole that has been created for photo opportunities, allowing you to capture memorable pictures within the set. The interiors seen in the films were actually shot on a sound stage.
The typical guided walking tour at the Hobbiton Movie Set lasts approximately two hours. This duration includes time for your knowledgeable guide to share stories and insights, ample opportunities for photos, and a visit to the Green Dragon Inn.
No, visits to the Hobbiton Movie Set are exclusively by guided tour. For safety, preservation, and to enhance the visitor experience with expert commentary, independent exploration of the movie set is not permitted. All entry requires a pre-booked guided tour.
Visitors typically reach the Hobbiton Movie Set by either driving themselves to the Shire's Rest meeting point, or by utilizing convenient bus transfers. These transfers are often available from nearby towns like Matamata or Rotorua, offering a hassle-free way to get to the site.
For a comfortable visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, it's recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain. Dress in layers, as weather can change, and bring a rain jacket if there's a chance of rain. Sunscreen and a hat are also advisable during sunny periods.
During the Hobbiton Movie Set tour, highlights include exploring over 44 Hobbit holes, visiting Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' house at Bag End, walking through the gardens, and seeing the Party Tree. The tour concludes with a complimentary drink at the iconic Green Dragon Inn, providing a fully immersive Middle-earth experience.