Hobbiton Movie Set, your journey into The Shire
Matamata, Waikato
LISTEN
"Do you remember The Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?"
Audio copyright: Lord of the Rings
Hobbiton Movie Set, located in Matamata, is the iconic film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
Visitors can explore hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree on guided tours for a magical experience. It is a dream destination for fans and those interested in cinematic history.
Behind the Shire’s magic
Step beyond the ordinary with the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, an exclusive experience for those eager to uncover the hidden details that bring the Shire to life. This small-group tour takes you through the iconic movie set, showcasing the craftsmanship behind every hobbit hole and scenic path. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a specially prepared meal at The Millhouse and gain unique insights into the artistry at the workshop.
More Reading
Hobbiton as It appeared in The Fellowship of the Ring
Evening Banquet Tour
The Evening Banquet Tour is an enchanting twilight adventure that begins with a guided stroll through the iconic 12-acre movie set – wandering along Bagshot Row, admiring the charming Hobbit Holes, and reliving film magic – before leading you to The Millhouse and across a beautifully lit stone bridge to the renowned Green Dragon Inn, where a sumptuous banquet inspired by Middle-earth’s hearty fare awaits amid cozy, lantern-lit ambience and roaring fires; the evening concludes with a mesmerising lantern-lit walk back through The Shire.
How to Get to Hobbiton
Located in Matamata, in New Zealand’s Waikato region, about a two-hour drive from Auckland or a one-hour drive from Rotorua. The journey to Hobbiton is as picturesque as the destination, with rolling green hills and countryside guiding the way. Visitors can travel by car or through guided tours from major cities. The set is well-signposted and easy to find. Do you remember the shire, Mr Frodo
