Hobbiton – A Cinematic Journey into Middle-earth

Deep in the rolling green hills of the Waikato lies Hobbiton Movie Set, the place where the Shire was brought to life. What started as a film location for The Lord of the Rings has become one of Aotearoa’s most beloved attractions, drawing fans and curious travellers from all over the world. Whether you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan or simply love exploring places filled with detail and magic, Hobbiton feels like stepping into another world.

What Makes Hobbiton So Special?

It’s more than a movie set — it’s a fully immersive experience. From the moment you walk down the winding lanes, past the 44 colourful hobbit holes and under the iconic Party Tree, you’ll feel transported into the pages of Middle-earth. Guides share behind-the-scenes stories about Peter Jackson’s vision from the handcrafted props to the way sheep paddocks became the Shire.

The tour finishes at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can sip on a Hobbit-brewed ale or ginger beer while soaking up the atmosphere. Every detail from the laundry on the lines to the gardens filled with real vegetables — adds to the feeling that you’ve stepped into a living, breathing village.

Highlights

• Guided Tours: Learn film secrets and stories from passionate guides.
• Hobbit Holes: Explore the iconic doors, gardens and winding pathways of the Shire.
• Party Tree & Party Field: Stand where Bilbo’s famous birthday party was filmed.
• Green Dragon Inn: End your tour with a drink brewed exclusively for Hobbiton.
• Festive Events: Evening Banquets and themed feasts create unforgettable experiences.

Insider Tips

• Book Ahead: Tours sell out quickly, especially in summer.
• Best Time to Visit: Morning tours are quieter and cooler, while evening tours offer magical lighting.
• Accessibility: Shuttle buses make the set accessible, though some paths are uneven.
• Photography: Allow extra time for photos — every angle is postcard-worthy.

Fun Fact

Hobbiton was originally built as a temporary set in 1999 but after The Hobbit trilogy it was reconstructed in permanent materials, ensuring visitors could enjoy it for generations.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.