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.

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.