The Hobbiton Movie Set, located in Matamata, New Zealand, is a breathtakingly beautiful and immersive movie set that was created for the filming of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Designed and built by Peter Jackson and his team of filmmakers, the set is a perfect replica of the village of Hobbiton from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Located on a picturesque sheep farm in the rolling hills of the Waikato Region, the set is comprised of 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and other iconic structures from the films. The attention to detail on the set is truly impressive, with each hobbit hole being unique and perfectly capturing the charm and whimsy of the hobbits’ way of life.
Visitors to the set can take a guided tour of the grounds, which takes them through the main street of Hobbiton, past the hobbit holes, and into the famous Green Dragon Inn. The tour also includes a stop at the Mill, where visitors can see the actual water wheel that was used in the films.
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Bag End, the home of Bilbo Baggins, which was created using the original plans from the films. Visitors can even go inside the hobbit hole and see the detailed interior, which was created using the same props and set pieces from the films.
In addition to the guided tours, the Hobbiton movie set also offers a variety of other experiences, including a banquet feast in the Green Dragon Inn, a private hobbit hole tour, and a “Be A Hobbit” package, which includes a guided tour of the set, a hobbit hole visit, and a hobbit-style feast.
Overall, the Hobbiton movie set is a must-see destination for fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as anyone who is interested in film production or New Zealand’s natural beauty. The set is a testament to the creativity and attention to detail of Peter Jackson and his team, and is a truly magical place that brings the world of Middle-earth to life.
Getting to the Hobbiton movie set is easy and convenient, as it is located just a short drive from the town of Matamata and is easily accessible by car. The set is approximately a two-hour drive from both Auckland and Rotorua, and there are several tour companies that offer transportation to the set from these cities.
Alternatively, visitors can rent a car and drive to the set on their own. The drive from Auckland or Rotorua is scenic and offers beautiful views of the Waikato Region. You can fly to Auckland from most places in New Zealand and rent a car or book a tour there. When planning to book your flight, you can find the cheapest airport parking in Flyparks and start your journey with ease.
Once you arrive at the set, there is plenty of free parking available. It is also possible to visit the set as part of a guided tour from other parts of the North Island, such as Waitomo or Tauranga. No matter how you choose to get there, a visit to the Hobbiton movie set is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
