Hobbiton: Journey Through Middle-Earth

Experience a real hobbit town

Why Visit Hobbiton?

Hobbiton is not just a movie set - it’s a living piece of cinema history, nestled within the picturesque farmlands of Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand. 

This world-famous attraction offers an immersive experience for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, directed by Peter Jackson. Visitors are transported into Middle-Earth, walking among the lush green hills dotted with perfectly crafted Hobbit holes. Hobbiton is the perfect stop for fans and explorers alike on a self-drive tour of New Zealand.

Why Hobbiton Should Be on Your New Zealand Itinerary

Hobbiton offers a magical experience like no other. As you stroll through the peaceful Shire, surrounded by iconic movie locations, you’ll feel like you've stepped into Middle-Earth. It’s an essential stop for film buffs, Tolkien fans, and anyone on a North Island self-drive holiday.

How to Get to Hobbiton

Hobbiton is located in Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island, about a 2-hour drive from Auckland and 45 minutes from Rotorua - an easy and scenic drive.

Self-Drive Tours Featuring Hobbiton

To include Hobbiton in your driving holiday, consider these top-rated tours:

21 Day Top to Toe Highlights

A full North to South Island exploration, featuring a visit to the magical Hobbiton.

7 Day North Island Highlights

A week-long North Island adventure with a stop at Hobbiton to explore Middle-Earth.

30 Day Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip

Discover both islands, with a visit to Hobbiton and other stunning locations around New Zealand.

Best Time to Visit Hobbiton

Seasonal Highlights

Summer (December to February): Visit Hobbiton in summer for lush greenery and vibrant blooms around the Hobbit holes. This season offers perfect weather for walking tours.

  • Autumn (March to May): Enjoy the golden hues of autumn as you explore the rolling hills of Hobbiton.

  • Winter (June to August): Visit during the quieter winter months for a more intimate experience, though prepare for cooler temperatures.

Spring (September to November): Witness the renewal of the landscape with blooming flowers and fresh greenery surrounding the Hobbiton set.

Weather Considerations

Given that Hobbiton is located in a temperate climate, it’s always best to pack layers and waterproof clothing, as rain showers can occur at any time.

Exploring Hobbiton - What to Expect

When you visit Hobbiton, you’ll get to experience more than just a film set. The immersive tours, stunning landscapes, and unique charm of this location make it a bucket-list destination for Tolkien fans and adventurers alike.

Guided Tours of Hobbiton

Visitors can take a guided walking tour of the movie set, led by knowledgeable guides who share behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the films. The tour takes you through the Shire, past the iconic Hobbit holes, and ends with a visit to the famous Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a complimentary drink and soak in the atmosphere of Middle-Earth.

The Green Dragon Inn Experience

End your journey with a stop at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a freshly brewed ale, cider, or ginger beer, all crafted exclusively for Hobbiton visitors. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a tour and feel like a real Hobbit in Middle-Earth.

Evening Banquet Tours

For those seeking a special experience, Hobbiton also offers evening banquet tours, where visitors enjoy a lavish feast at the Green Dragon Inn, followed by a night-time tour of the set, lit by lanterns. This exclusive event allows fans to relive the magic of the Shire after dark.

Fascinating Hobbiton Facts - Did You Know?

  • Location: Hobbiton is located on the Alexander family farm in Matamata, which was chosen by Peter Jackson for its resemblance to the Shire.

  • Construction: The Hobbiton Movie Set was originally built as a temporary set for the Lord of the Rings movies. After the filming was complete, the set was dismantled, but when it was time to film The Hobbit, the filmmakers decided to rebuild the set as a permanent attraction due to its popularity.

  • Hobbit Holes: There are over 44 Hobbit holes at Hobbiton and they are all different sizes, which was done deliberately to create a forced perspective, making the hobbits look smaller than the human characters in the films. Some of the hobbit holes are even large enough for you to go inside and explore!

  • Real Gardens: The gardens around the Hobbit holes are real and maintained year-round by a team of gardeners, keeping the Shire looking as beautiful as it does in the films.

  • Film Fans Flock: Over 500,000 visitors come to Hobbiton every year, making it one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions.