For ardent “Lord of the Rings” fans, the majestic landscapes of New Zealand are synonymous with the mythical realm of Middle‑earth. While the Hobbits’ abode exists solely in J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination and remains inaccessible to tourists, the Hobbiton Movie Set offers a compelling substitute.
Originally a sheep farm located southwest of Matamata in the Waikato region, this unassuming locale gained prominence in 1998 when director Peter Jackson, of “Lord of the Rings” fame, transformed it into the backdrop for both the original trilogy and the subsequent Hobbit trilogy. Situated about two hours south of Auckland on the North Island, the Hobbiton Movie Set has operated as a tourist attraction since 2002, showcasing mostly facades integrated into the landscaped hillsides.~~~~~~~~~
Previously, many Hobbit Holes were off-limits to visitors, but now, two fully decorated Hobbit Holes have opened their doors to the public for the first time. The interiors, expertly recreated by skilled illustrators and designers from the movies, exude the cozy and welcoming spirit characteristic of a hobbit’s home.
Director Peter Jackson, in a statement, expressed his delight at the Hobbit Holes finally being accessible to visitors, emphasizing Hobbiton as his favorite “Lord of the Rings” movie location. He praised the team for bringing the experience to life, noting that it mirrors Tolkien’s literary vision.
A Peek Inside
Included as part of the Hobbiton tour experience, visitors can now explore one of two Hobbit Holes, each with a “slightly different footprint” but designed to provide an identical experience. These Holes feature a labyrinth of fully themed rooms, including entry halls, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, pantries, and parlors. The attention to authentic detail is sure to captivate “Lord of the Rings” enthusiasts, inviting them to immerse themselves in the enchanting spaces, albeit with a bit of crouching for taller guests.
The Hobbiton movie set tour is priced at $120 NZ (approximately $74 USD) for adults and $60 NZ (around $37 USD) for children aged 17 and under.
LOTR and New Zealand
For those planning a “Lord of the Rings”-themed pilgrimage to New Zealand, the adventure doesn’t end at Hobbiton. The New Zealand tourism board proudly boasts over 150 filming locations across the North and South Islands.
Highlights include the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island, a challenging trek that encompasses Mount Ngauruhoe, doubling as Mount Doom. Skiing enthusiasts can indulge in winter sports on Mount Ruapehu, another North Island location standing in for Mount Doom and parts of Mordor.
Conor McNish-Lane, a UK-based “Lord of the Rings” fan, fondly recalls his teenage trip to New Zealand, where he marveled at the country’s embrace of the iconic movie trilogy. Exploring locations recognizable from the films, such as Mount Sunday near the Rangitata River, left a lasting impression. This site served as the Home of Edoras, Rohan’s capital city.
While not having visited Hobbiton previously, McNish-Lane is intrigued by the expansion and the opening of the Hobbit Holes, sparking daydreams of future adventures.
“I live in London, and at 32, it’s been a long time since I was in NZ,” he shared. “Reading about Hobbiton makes me want to hop on a plane and take that long journey back to Middle-earth.”
