Hobbiton movie set facts: Beyond the tour

Hobbiton™ Movie set isn’t just a film location — it’s a living piece of Middle-earth, full of surprising details, hidden secrets, and fascinating trivia. From its construction to the daily care that keeps it alive, Hobbiton has countless stories to tell.

Quick facts about the Hobbiton movie set

  • Year built: 1999 for The Lord of the Rings
  • Number of Hobbit Holes: 44, each with unique features
  • Site size: 12 acres (4.8 hectares
  • Party tree age: Over 70 years old
  • Standard tour duration: Approximately 2 hours
  • Green Dragon™ Inn: Fully functional pub on-site
  • Average visitors: Thousands enjoy Hobbiton each year

Inside the making of Hobbiton

Build of the original set (1999–2000)

The first Hobbiton set was temporary, built with plywood and scaffolding for The Lord of the Rings, and removed after filming.

Rebuilt for The Hobbit (2011–2012)

Rebuilt as a permanent attraction using lasting materials, real thatched roofs, and hand-planted gardens.

Landscaping the village

Flowers, shrubs, and vegetables were planted throughout to create a living, authentic Shire.

Personal details in hobbit holes

Each hobbit hole features unique mailboxes, tools, and props, making every home distinct and realistic.

Hobbit holes and set size

The set has 44 hobbit holes spread across 12 acres of rolling farmland, carefully designed to reflect Tolkien’s descriptions.

The party tree and party field

A 70-year-old tree serves as the Shire’s centerpiece, where Bilbo’s birthday party scenes were filmed.

The Mill and Stone Bridge

The functional watermill and rustic stone bridge add to the authenticity of Hobbiton’s landscape.

Green Dragon™ Inn and working gardens

The inn brews its own ales and ciders, and vegetables grown on-site are used in the kitchen.

Film-accurate props

Signs, tools, and props were individually crafted to match the films’ set design and storytelling.

Seasonal maintenance

Gardens and flowers are replanted each season to keep Hobbiton vibrant and “living” year-round.

Fun trivia about the Hobbiton movie set 

  • Beer at the Green Dragon™ is brewed exclusively for Hobbiton visitors.
  • Bag End’s oak tree has over 250,000 hand-painted leaves.
  • Each hobbit hole has unique touches — mailboxes, fences, or miniature garden décor.
  • The set uses real vegetables in its gardens, replanted seasonally.
  • Hobbiton has been featured in multiple films and continues to host festivals and events.

Frequently asked questions about Hobbiton movie set facts

What is the Hobbiton Movie Set?

It’s the permanent film set built in Matamata, New Zealand, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, now open as a visitor attraction.

Is the Hobbiton Movie Set real?

Yes. Unlike temporary film sets, Hobbiton was rebuilt as a permanent location with real gardens, paths, and structures for visitors to explore.

How many hobbit holes are there in Hobbiton?

There are 44 hobbit holes scattered across the 12-acre movie set, each uniquely decorated to look authentic.

Can visitors go inside the hobbit holes?

Most are façades for photo opportunities, but a select few have interiors recreated for tours.

What’s special about the Party Tree?

The Party Tree is an actual 70-year-old tree central to the set — it hosted Bilbo’s birthday party scenes.

Is the Green Dragon Inn a working pub?

Yes. The Green Dragon™ Inn serves exclusive ales, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks brewed just for Hobbiton visitors.

Who owns the Hobbiton Movie Set now?

It’s still located on the Alexander family farm in Waikato, which partners with tour operators to run the attraction.

How big is the Hobbiton Movie Set?

The set spans 12 acres of rolling farmland dotted with gardens, lakes, and paths.

Are there hidden details fans should look for?

Yes — from hand-painted mailboxes to working vegetable gardens, dozens of small touches make the Shire feel real.

Can you take a guided tour of Hobbiton?

Absolutely. Guided tours are the only way to visit; they include stories, filming facts, and access to key photo spots.

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