In the rolling green hills of the Waikato, on a 1,250-acre sheep farm near the small town of Matamata, sits one of the most recognisable film locations in the world. Hobbiton — the Shire of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination, brought to permanent life by Peter Jackson’s films — welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. And yet, it never quite loses its magic.
The Story of Hobbiton
Location scouts working on The Lord of the Rings trilogy discovered the Alexander family farm in 1998. The rolling hills, scale of the landscape, and the singular quality of Waikato light matched Tolkien’s descriptions of the Shire precisely. After the original trilogy concluded, the set was partially dismantled — but when production began on The Hobbit films, Peter Jackson insisted on rebuilding it permanently. Since 2012, Hobbiton has operated as a full-time visitor attraction, maintained by a team of gardeners and craftspeople who keep every detail exactly as it appeared on screen.
What You’ll See
The Hobbit Holes
44 Hobbit Holes are built into the hillsides of Hobbiton, each individually designed and decorated to reflect the character of its fictional inhabitant. No two are identical. Window boxes overflow with flowers, washing hangs on lines, miniature tools lean against doorways. The attention to detail is extraordinary — and intentionally so. Every prop was sourced and placed to create the impression that the hobbits simply stepped out a moment ago.
Bag End
Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’ famous home sits at the top of the hill, partially obscured by the Party Tree — a magnificent oak that was specially imported from another part of the farm. The circular green door, the round windows, and the lovingly tended garden are exactly as they appear in the films. Photography from the path below captures the full iconic view.
The Green Dragon Inn
All guided tours conclude at the Green Dragon Inn — a fully functioning pub complete with roaring fireplace, dark timber interiors, and the Shire’s own ales. Each visitor receives a complimentary drink: Southfarthing Harvest Brew, a ginger beer, or a non-alcoholic option. It is, as countless visitors have noted, the perfect end to a remarkable experience.
Tour Options
Standard Guided Tour (2 hours)
The standard guided tour departs every 10–15 minutes from The Shire’s Rest visitor centre and follows a 2 km route through the set. Guides share film stories and production details throughout. It concludes with the complimentary drink at the Green Dragon.
Evening Banquet Tour
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Evening Banquet Tour offers a torchlit walk through Hobbiton followed by a three-course dinner inside the Green Dragon Inn. This seasonal option is widely regarded as the premium Hobbiton experience.
Getting to Hobbiton
From Auckland
Hobbiton is approximately 170 km south of Auckland — around 2 hours by road through the Waikato countryside. The drive itself is scenic, passing through lush farming landscapes that bear a striking resemblance to the Shire’s pastoral setting.
From Taupō
From Taupō, Hobbiton is approximately 140 km north — around 1.5–2 hours. Many visitors combine a Hobbiton visit with a Taupō base, adding the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a full day of iconic North Island experiences.
Visiting with Elite New Zealand
Elite New Zealand offers private chauffeur-driven Hobbiton experiences from both Auckland and Taupō. Your luxury vehicle collects you from your accommodation, drives you through the Waikato countryside with commentary, and delivers you to the Hobbiton entrance at exactly the right time — then picks you up at the exit when you’re ready. No parking, no shared coaches, no queues. Just Hobbiton, exactly as it should be experienced.
Practical Tips
- Book tickets in advance — peak season tours sell out weeks ahead
- Morning tours (before 10 AM) offer the best light for photography
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the 2 km route
- The site is partially accessible for mobility-impaired visitors — contact Hobbiton directly to discuss requirements
- Allow at least 3 hours including travel from The Shire’s Rest car park