The original Hobbiton was built as the Shire for Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Its peaceful farmland setting became one of Middle-earth's most recognisable landscapes.
Hobbiton Movie Set history: From farm to Middle-earth
Hobbiton Movie Set began as a temporary film set on a working farm near Matamata. In 1998, Peter Jackson's location scouts discovered the landscape while searching for the Shire for The Lord of the Rings.
More than two decades later, Hobbiton is a permanent visitor attraction where you can walk through the same landscape transformed into Tolkien's Middle-earth.
From movie set to permanent attraction
After The Lord of the Rings filming, most of Hobbiton was dismantled. However, 17 Hobbit Hole façades were left behind.
Visitors wanted to see where the films had been made, and in 2002, guided tours began.
When production returned for The Hobbit in 2009, Hobbiton was rebuilt to a much more permanent standard. The reconstruction created the detailed village visitors can explore today, including the Hobbit Holes, Party Tree, Mill, Stone Bridge and Green Dragon Inn.
Hobbiton on film
The Lord of the Rings
The Hobbit
The production returned to the Alexander farm in 2009. Hobbiton was reconstructed permanently for The Hobbit trilogy, creating the set that remains today.
Dive into fascinating Hobbiton Movie Set trivia here.
Most-loved spots around the set
Hobbit holes in bloom
Real gardens and flowers are replanted seasonally to keep each hobbit hole looking authentic and lived-in.
Who owns Hobbiton Movie Set?
Hobbiton is located on the Alexander family farm near Matamata. The visitor attraction is operated by Rings Scenic Tours Limited, trading as Hobbiton Movie Set.
The Alexander family has remained closely connected to the property and the tourism operation since Hobbiton's early days.
This distinction is useful: the film set is located on the Alexander family's farm, while the visitor attraction is operated by Rings Scenic Tours Limited.
Frequently asked questions about Hobbiton Movie Set history
It was first constructed in 1999–2000 as a temporary set for The Lord of the Rings films using plywood and scaffolding.
In 2011–2012, the set was rebuilt as a permanent attraction with durable materials, real thatched roofs, and fully planted gardens so visitors could experience the Shire as seen on screen.
The site spans about 12 acres and includes 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon™ Inn, gardens, bridges, and other landmarks.
Most hobbit holes are façades for filming. Only a few are partially built out for interior shots; the main interiors were filmed on a soundstage.
It’s still part of the Alexander family farm near Matamata, New Zealand, and operated in partnership with the film studio as a visitor attraction.
Yes. Props, signage, and even the gardens are maintained to match the film’s design and are replanted seasonally to keep the look “alive.”
The Party Tree & Party Field, Green Dragon™ Inn, the Mill & Stone Bridge, and dozens of uniquely detailed hobbit holes.
Yes — guides share behind-the-scenes stories about construction, landscaping, and film trivia throughout the walk.
Hobbiton was filmed on the Alexander family farm near Matamata in New Zealand's Waikato region.
