The Hobbiton Movie Set – Auckland, New Zealand

Every fan of Lord of The Rings wants to visit the lush pastures of The Shire at The Hobbiton Movie Set. Even if you are not a fan, this should be on your list of things to see if you are in Auckland. And, if you’ve not seen the trilogy, watch it on your flight. If you don’t, well, you were warned. You will get called out in jest by the guide, and everyone will look at you like you have three heads!

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The History of The Hobbiton Movie Set

You’ll hear about this on tour so I won’t give away the whole story. Sir Peter Jackson, the New Zealand film director, screenwriter, and film producer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, sent a team to find the ideal location for Hobbiton. They conducted an aerial search and saw what a farm was. Initially, the set was built to be temporary, but fate had other plans. That’s all I am going to tell you. If you want to hear the whole story, you must visit.

Where Is The Film Set For Hobbiton?

Hobbiton is located in Matamata in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Address: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, New Zealand

Getting To The Hobbiton Movie Set

Hobbiton is 111 miles from Auckland. Almost everyone who visits New Zealand rents a car or a motor home to explore. Given this, you do not need to organize your tour with a third-party service unless you need transportation to The Hobbiton Movie Set. In short, buy tickets directly from The Hobbiton Movie Set and drive to the location. Once you arrive, it’s private property, and you need to take a tour. You cannot get to The Hobbiton Movie Set or see it from a distance. You must accept the bus included in your ticket.

Tip: Tours run on a schedule and you must make a reservation. If you do not you will not get in on the day of. Many people were turned away while we were there because they did not have a pre-paid ticket. Realistically, you should get your tickets for The Hobbiton Movie Set before you get to New Zealand.

Book Tours Of The Hobbiton Movie Set

Remember, you need a reservation to visit Hobbiton. And, unless you are willing to travel to Hobbiton, you must book through a tour operator. Here are the best tours:

The Hobbiton Tour

The tour lasts a couple of hours at most. It’s fantastic! Even a non-fan will appreciate it. The attention to detail, the authenticity, and the sheer magic of the shire will capture anyone’s imagination. The colors are so vivid you can visualize how this set came to life on the big screen. If nothing else, it’s exciting to hear everyone in the group oh and ah giggle, laugh, and marvel at the sights.

The House of Bilbo Baggins as filmed in New Zealand:

Hobbiton Hobbit Holes:

A guide will navigate you through the shire, pointing out all the different points of interest. They will talk to you about which scenes were filmed and point out who lived where on this walking tour. The tour ends at The Green Dragon Inn as you stroll through the shire.

The Green Dragon Inn

Your ticket includes a stop at The Green Dragon Inn. The tour includes a complimentary beverage from the Hobbit Southfarthing Range. You get to choose one of the following:

• Girdley Fine Grain, Amber Ale
• Sackville Cider, Apple Cider
• Oatbarton Brew, Traditional English Ale
• Frogmorton Ginger Beer (alcohol-free)

These beverages are handcrafted and only available exclusively at The Green Dragon Inn! Now, the beer is lovely, and the inside of The Green Dragon Inn is reminiscent of a traditional cozy pub. My only criticism of the entire tour was that I assumed we would end the tour here and then stay as long as we liked. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and it’s apparent why. There is another tour right behind you! No one would leave if they allowed everyone to stay at The Green Dragon Inn. Well, at least not for an hour or two. Naturally, the way to spend more time is to add on the evening banquet. There are light snacks available for purchase. Sadly, you only spend about twenty minutes at The Green Dragon Inn.

FAQs

Can you combine Hobbiton with Waitomo or Rotorua?

Yes! You can easily combine Hobbiton with Waitomo (52 miles away) or Rotorua, 47 miles away. We did the latter because you can explore Rotorua at your own pace. Like Hobbiton, the Caves of Waitomo run on a tight schedule.

Can you go inside the hobbit holes?

Yes, you can enter a couple of them.

Can you visit The Green Dragon Inn without taking a tour? 

No, the only way to see it is by taking a tour or booking the evening banquet tour. However, it is available for private functions.

How much does it cost to visit Hobbiton?

It costs NZD 89 (or roughly USD 50) per adult. Children aged eight and under can enter for free, while tickets for 9-16 cost NZD 44.

What Most People Don’t Know About The Hobbiton Movie Set

• You can get married at The Hobbiton Movie Set.
• Private tours are available, but they are  expensive
• You can host a private function here
• You can participate in the evening banquet tour, an add-on to a standard tour.

Closing Thoughts

You can’t visit the Northern Island of New Zealand and not take this tour – it’s a must! Some people travel to New Zealand for the sole purpose of visiting The Hobbiton Movie Set. Once you experience it for yourself, you will understand why. The magic of The Hobbiton Movie Set will make you a child again.

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• Australian Food: 8 Food Havens To Visit In Australia
• Cairns, Queensland – Australia
• The Waitomo Caves of New Zealand
• Uluru – Should It Be a Part of Your Itinerary?

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