Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: Visit The Shire in Matamata, New Zealand

Embark on a magical journey to the heart of Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, New Zealand. This enchanting destination allows you to step into the vivid world of the Shire and experience the charm of Hobbiton, as seen in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

Overview of Hobbiton hole

The Hobbiton Movie Set offers a spectacular glimpse into the hobbit hole dwellings that dot the lush, rolling hills of the Shire. Each meticulously crafted hobbit hole provides a unique peek into the hobbit-sized world envisioned by J.R.R. Tolkien and brought to life by Peter Jackson.

History and Creation by Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson's quest for the perfect Shire location led him to the Alexander’s farm in Matamata on the North Island of New Zealand. The scenic countryside, resembling Tolkien's descriptions, convinced the location scouts. This marked the beginning of the Hobbiton Movie Set's transformation.

The Enchanting Village and Hobbit Holes

Wander through the enchanting Hobbit village, marveling at the 44 hobbit holes nestled into the hillside. Stroll along the meticulously maintained gardens and vegetable patches, and see iconic locations such as Bag End, Bilbo Baggins' home, and the Party Tree.

Planning Your Visit to Hobbiton 

Planning your visit to Hobbiton ensures a seamless and memorable experience. Understanding the logistics of getting to Matamata, securing tickets, and choosing the best time to visit are essential for making the most of your journey to Middle-earth.

How to Get to Matamata

To visit Hobbiton, travel to Matamata town, accessible from Auckland or Rotorua. From Matamata centre, the Shire's Rest is a short drive away. It serves as the departure point for the guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Tickets and Pricing for the Tour

Tickets for the Hobbiton Movie Set tour can be purchased online. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of tour selected. Consider booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Best Times to Visit Hobbiton

The best times to visit Hobbiton are during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Early morning or late afternoon tours offer a more peaceful experience, allowing you to savor the magic of the Shire.

Types of Tours Available

Hobbiton offers a variety of tours to cater to different interests. From the standard movie set tour to behind the scenes experiences and evening banquets, there's a tour to enchant every visitor looking to delve deeper into the world of hobbits and the Lord of the Rings.

Standard Movie Set Tour

The standard movie set tour is a 2.5 hours guided walking tour that takes you through the heart of Hobbiton. This tour offers a comprehensive overview of the movie set, complete with insights from your guide.

Behind the Scenes Tour

For a more in-depth experience, consider the behind the scenes tour. This tour grants special access to areas not typically open to the public, offering a unique perspective on the film-making process and the creation of Hobbiton.

Evening Banquet and Second Breakfast Tours

Here are some of the exciting tour options available:

• The evening banquet tour, offering a festive feast inside the party marquee.
• The second breakfast tour.

Both experiences include a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, followed by a themed meal at the Green Dragon Inn.

Dining Options at Hobbiton 

Lunch Combo Offerings

After the scenic guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, visitors can indulge in delightful lunch combo offerings. Located within the Shire's Rest cafe, these combos provide a perfect opportunity to refuel. They capture the essence of hobbit hospitality and offer a variety of dishes reminiscent of the lush pastures of the Shire.

Feasting in the Shire

To fully immerse oneself in the hobbit lifestyle, consider participating in a feasting experience at the Hobbiton Movie Set. The Green Dragon Inn offers hearty meals fit for a hobbit, allowing guests to savor traditional fare in an authentic Middle-earth setting. The feasting in the Shire experience often includes themed dishes.

Scenic Views from the Dining Area

The dining areas at Hobbiton offer not only delicious food but also spectacular scenic views of the rolling hills and Hobbit holes. Imagine enjoying a meal while gazing out over the lush landscapes that Peter Jackson brought to life. This creates a magical atmosphere, enhancing the entire dining experience within this vivid hobbit village.

Magical Experiences at Hobbiton 

Charming Hobbit Homes

Wander through the village and marvel at the charming Hobbit homes nestled into the hillside. Each of the 44 Hobbit holes is meticulously crafted, offering a glimpse into the unique hobbit-sized dwellings. The detailed gardens and vibrant colors create an enchanting atmosphere for any Lord of the Rings fan.

Iconic Movie Spots

The Hobbiton Movie Set is home to many iconic spots from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Visit Bag End, Bilbo Baggins' residence, and the Party Tree, where Bilbo's birthday party took place. These locations provide a perfect backdrop for memorable photos and a deeper connection to Tolkien’s world.

Green Dragon Inn

No visit to Hobbiton is complete without a stop at the Green Dragon Inn, a gathering place for hobbits in the Shire. Enjoy a complimentary drink at the inn and soak in the cozy atmosphere. The inn provides a unique opportunity to experience hobbit hospitality firsthand and enjoy the scenic views.

Guided Storytelling Tours

Enhance your visit to Hobbiton with a guided storytelling tour, led by knowledgeable guides who share behind the scenes insights about the movie set's creation and filming process. These 2.5 hours tour reveal fascinating details about how Peter Jackson brought Tolkien's vision to life. You will learn about the intricate design of each hobbit hole.

Hidden Middle-earth Gems

Beyond the well known landmarks, Hobbiton holds many hidden Middle-earth gems waiting to be discovered. Wander off the beaten path and explore the vegetable patches, flower gardens, and other charming details. These hidden corners add to the sense of wonder and bring the world of the Hobbits to life in a spectacular way.

Conclusion

The evening banquet tour at the Hobbiton Movie Set is an unforgettable experience. This enchanting tour combines a guided walking tour through the vivid Hobbit village with a festive feast inside the party marquee. Guests can indulge in a hearty banquet meal, reminiscent of hobbit hospitality, and savor the magical atmosphere of Middle-earth at night. The Green Dragon Inn is included in the experience.

FAQS

Q1: What is the best time of day to go to Hobbiton?

The best time of day to visit Hobbiton is either early morning or late afternoon. These times offer a more peaceful experience, allowing you to wander through the Shire with fewer crowds. The lighting during these times can also enhance the scenic views, making for spectacular photos of the hobbit hole dwellings and lush gardens.

Q2: Can you rent a hobbit hole in New Zealand?

While you cannot rent a hobbit hole for overnight stays in New Zealand, you can visit and tour the Hobbiton Movie Set. This offers an immersive experience into the hobbit-sized world created by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. The movie set tour allows you to explore the iconic locations and charming Hobbit village.

Q3: What is The Hobbit village called?

The Hobbit village you see in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films is called Hobbiton. It is a meticulously crafted movie set located in Matamata on the North Island of New Zealand. The area was transformed by Peter Jackson and his team into a vivid representation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Shire, featuring 44 hobbit holes.

Q4: Who built hobbiton?

Hobbiton was built by the crew and designers working under the direction of Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The location scouts found Alexander's farm in Matamata on the North Island of New Zealand, which resembled Tolkien's descriptions in the books. They transformed the area into the enchanting Hobbit village we see today.

Q5: Hobbiton which city?

Hobbiton is located near the town of Matamata in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Matamata is the closest centre to the Hobbiton Movie Set. It is accessible from Auckland and Rotorua. Visitors can drive to Shire's Rest from Matamata town to begin their guided walking tour of the Hobbiton site.