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Movie set · Matamata, Waikato
Hobbiton Movie Set
The Shire movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, on a farm near Matamata, with 44 hobbit holes, gardens, the mill and the Green Dragon Inn, visited on guided tours.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Hobbiton Movie Set
The Hobbiton Movie Set is on a sheep and cattle farm owned by the Alexander family, among green hills about 10 km from Matamata. In 1998, director Peter Jackson’s crew chose the site to film the Shire for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The set was rebuilt with permanent materials for The Hobbit trilogy and has remained as it is since then.
Visits are guided only, in groups at set times. The route climbs and descends the hillside among 44 hobbit holes, with colorful doors, gardens, vegetable plots and clotheslines, up to Bag End, Bilbo and Frodo’s house at the top of the hill. On the way you pass the party tree, the lake and the stone bridge with the mill.
The tour ends at the Green Dragon Inn, reconstructed as in the film, where a beverage included with the ticket is served. Some tours include the interior of furnished hobbit holes, and there are also separate paid evening visits with dinner.
Tour buses depart from The Shire's Rest visitor center, beside the farm, and from Matamata’s information center. The visit is paid and requires a reservation; check the current price schedule.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 hours for the standard guided tour, including the bus transfer within the farm.
Best time
Early morning and late afternoon time slots typically have smaller groups and softer light. In summer and on holidays, book weeks in advance. The visit goes ahead in rain or shine.
How to get there
By car, about 15 to 20 minutes from Matamata to The Shire's Rest on Buckland Road, where there is parking. Tour buses also depart from Matamata’s information center. Organized tours with transport operate from Auckland and Rotorua.
Tip
Book your time in advance and arrive 20 minutes early. Bring a raincoat: the tour does not stop for bad weather. Photograph freely, but do not enter the fences around the hobbit holes.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hobbiton Movie Set
Do I need to reserve the Hobbiton tour?
Yes. Visits are always guided at set times and sell out in summer and on holidays.
How long does the Hobbiton tour last?
About two hours for the standard tour, including the on‑farm bus and the stop at the Green Dragon Inn.
Can you go inside the hobbit holes?
Most of the 44 hobbit holes are façades only. Some tours include interiors of furnished holes; confirm when booking.
How to get from Auckland to Hobbiton?
By car, in about 2 hours, or on an organized tour with transport from Auckland.
Does Hobbiton operate in the rain?
Yes. Tours run in any weather; bring a rain poncho.