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Tucked into the rolling green hills of New Zealand’s Waikato region, the Hobbiton Movie Set is a film location turned cultural landmark. Built on a family sheep farm near Matamata, it first appeared in The Lord of the Rings and was later rebuilt for The Hobbit trilogy.

Today, visitors can walk through the Shire’s round doors, gardens, and cobblestone lanes—an immersive world where craftsmanship and storytelling meet New Zealand’s pastoral beauty.

Plan your Hobbiton Movie Set tours

Opening hours

  • Regular hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm.
  • Extended summer hours: Until 8pm (December–February).
  • Tours: Guided tours run throughout the day and last around two hours.

Best time to visit

  • Jan-Feb (Summer): Warm, bright days and golden light; busiest season — visit early or mid-week.
  • Mar-Apr (Autumn): Clear skies, mild temps, fewer crowds — great balance for scenery and comfort.
  • May-Aug (Winter): Cool, quiet, and misty — peaceful tours with minimal visitors.
  • Sep-Oct (Spring): Blooming hills and mild weather — ideal for colorful photography.
  • Nov-Dec (Early summer): Sunny and lively with events; book ahead to avoid crowding.
  • Best days: Tuesday–Thursday for smaller groups.
  • Best times: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and cooler air.

Location

  • Found just outside Matamata, about two hours from Auckland and one hour from Rotorua.
  • Address: 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand.
  • Tours depart from the Shire’s Rest Café and ticketing area.
  • View on Google Maps

What to do at Hobbiton Movie Set

Guided walking tour through the Shire

Stroll among 44 hobbit holes as guides share filming secrets and the farm’s transformation into Tolkien’s world. Gentle pace, ideal for families and film fans.

Step inside the Green Dragon Inn

Relax with craft ales or ginger beer by the fireplace in this fully recreated tavern and soak in the cosy Shire atmosphere.

Evening Banquet Tour

Dine by candlelight on hearty local fare, then walk back under lanterns; a limited, immersive after-dark experience.

Shire’s Rest Café and Gift Shop

Enjoy coffee, homemade treats, and sweeping views of the Kaimai Ranges, then browse souvenirs and film memorabilia next door.

Combine Hobbiton with nearby adventures

Pair your visit with Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, or Lake Taupō for a full North Island day. Convenient combo tours available.

Photo scavenger walk

Discover hidden details like a baker’s window, beehives, or a fishmonger’s nets while capturing the perfect Shire shots. Perfect for photography fans and detail seekers.

What to see at Hobbiton Movie Set

Hobbiton village with illuminated hobbit houses and a stone bridge in New Zealand.

The Party Tree

The towering oak above the Party Field anchors Shire celebrations and glows beautifully at sunset.

Hobbiton Movie Set house with round door and garden path in New Zealand.
Family walking on a stone bridge at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set landscape with lake and hills, viewed from Rotorua tour.
The rolling pastures

History of Hobbiton Movie Set in a nutshell

Discovered by director Peter Jackson’s team in 1998, the Alexander family farm’s rolling downs and central pond matched Tolkien’s Shire perfectly. The New Zealand Army helped build access roads and temporary structures for The Lord of the Rings. When Jackson returned for The Hobbit, the set was rebuilt permanently using lasting materials. Opened to the public in 2011, Hobbiton now blends film legacy with real New Zealand farm life, preserving the artistry that shaped Middle-earth.

Behind the scenes: building and preserving Middle-earth

  • Set design and craftsmanship: Each hobbit hole was individually aged and detailed to feel lived-in, from cracked paint to hanging laundry. Designers studied English villages and Tolkien’s own sketches for authenticity.
  • Flora and fauna: The gardens are real and seasonal, maintained by on-site gardeners who grow vegetables and flowers to film-accurate guidelines. Sheep, birds, and butterflies coexist naturally around the set.
  • Sustainability and preservation: Eco-friendly operations include solar lighting, water conservation, and grouped tours to reduce wear. The site remains part of a working sheep farm, balancing tourism with conservation.
  • Cultural impact: Hobbiton helped establish New Zealand as a global film destination, bringing local jobs, skills, and sustainable tourism growth to Matamata.

Tips for visiting Hobbiton Movie Set

  • Book tours in advance, especially in summer.
  • Arrive early for coffee at the Shire’s Rest Café and quiet photo moments.
  • Wear comfortable shoes; the terrain is hilly and mostly outdoors.
  • Morning and sunset tours give the best light for photography.
  • Wheelchair access is available on select tours—check when booking.
  • Combine Hobbiton with Rotorua or Waitomo for a full-day itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about Hobbiton Movie Set

It’s the original filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, now a preserved open-air movie village.