Join us to visit Hobbiton, in Lord of the Rings Country, New Zealand.
Hello guys, Dusty here with a report on one of New Zealand’s most special places to visit for movie fans. Everyone who has read the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) books, and The Hobbit, and who also loves the films, wants to visit the wonderful set of Hobbiton.
The original hobbit holes were refurbished for ‘The Hobbit’ when Peter Jackson decided to make the second trilogy of movies. Three films of adventure and derring-do sprang from what was actually a children’s fantasy novel, published in 1937.
The Original Hobbit Holes
The residences still look as though they have been here forever, and although I am not sure if you will see any of us cats there, standing in the middle of the ‘real’ Hobbiton will be a once in a lifetime event for movie fans.
For the LOTR, over 40 hobbit holes were created on a 13-hectare (about 1/2 mile) site near the small town of MataMata, in the Waikato area, on the North Island of New Zealand. The site was originally a Matamata sheep farm and the town itself is not far from Hamilton which is the nearest airport for us locals as well as international visitors.
The structures were intended to be permanent and movie fans can wander the set where Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves first met; Bilbo had his firework party, and from here he set off on his Big Adventure in The Hobbit book.
Visit Hobbiton – the nitty gritty
TIP:– You can’t just turn up at the Hobbit set and expect to get in.
Tours are scheduled and run from the i-Sight at the town of MataMata, and it here that you book your tickets, which include transport to and from the set itself. While the tour is not cheap, it is well worth the money as you don’t have to drive – which for a lot of people touring New Zealand, will come as a welcome break!
Seeing the Hobbiton set for real is a magical moment, and you don’t want to be spoiled by grumpy Dad having to find a car park, then walk miles to get in.
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Visiting Hobbiton – what will we see?
Check out the views of Hobbiton! See the rolling hills, the little doors and the views across to Bilbo’s house. The hobbits’ washing and, most amazing of all, stand at Bilbo’s door with the words of the poem running through your heard and heart.
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began……
Visit Hobbiton – Social Media and Getting In Touch
If you want to know a little bit about how the farm became Hobbiton, there is a brief history here on the Hobbiton Tour site, and the Hobbiton Movie people set can also be found on Facebook as well. If you want to catch up on some more of their gorgeous views, check them out on Instagram.
We hope you enjoyed our glimpse into the magic of the movies, and of Hobbiton. We look forward to seeing you soon!
TIP If you love Hobbit Costumes, you will also enjoy our detailed Bilbo Baggins Costume report here, and our Dwarves Costumes here.
Dusty Cat
Visiting Hobbiton Tour Guide
