Visit the real Hobbiton in New Zealand
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand and you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings, you must visit the Hobbiton. Originally, it was a regular sheep farm, which was transformed into the fantasy land in a matter of years.
The location was specifically chosen by Peter Jackson, when he spotted the sheep farm during an aerial search for the perfect set in New Zealand. While it has seen its years serving as a film set for one of the world’s most popular movie franchise, Hobbiton now operates as a regular sheep farm again.However, LOTR fans can still get a chance to go on tours around the area.
A tour guide will take you through several highlights in the farm, that served as filming sites for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. Hobbit holes are scattered across the land and made to look like they were left there for ages. They’re usually fenced off from visitors, but there is one that’s open for visitors to take a closer look at the dwellings of the mythical race.
Besides that, you’ll be able to see the Bag End tree, which while artificial, looks exactly as majestic as it was in the movie. At the end of each tour, your tour guide will bring you to The Green Dragon, a themed pub and cafe, that fits in with the fantasy world of Hobbiton. Enjoy a cider and admire the rustic and whimsical interior.
There’s plenty to see in Hobbiton. While it seems to be isolated from the real-world, you’ll easily be able to find it on GPS. So, enjoy and make sure to snap pictures to tell your friends that you’ve been to see the Hobbits.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Hobbiton Movie Set, Hinuera, Matamata, New Zealand
- Coordinates
- -37.87273, 175.68384
- Access
- Hobbiton is private working-farm property and is visited only on a guided tour; independent access to the Movie Set is not permitted. The Signature Tour departs from The Shire’s Rest, includes coach transport and a guided walk of about 2 km over the set. Book in advance, especially in peak season, and arrive at the departure point at least 20 minutes before the booked tour.
- Admission
- Signature Tour prices valid April 1, 2026–March 31, 2027: adult (18+) NZ$130; youth (11–17) NZ$65; children/infants ages 0–10 free but still need an allocated ticket and a paying adult. Family pass for 2 adults and 2 youths NZ$332 when booked through the operator’s website. Prices are NZ dollars; confirm the selected experience and availability.
- Time needed
- The Signature Tour lasts about 2.5 hours, including coach transport from The Shire’s Rest and the guided walk. The set walk itself is about 2 km; other meal or evening experiences take longer.
- Best season
- The operator says there is no single best season: spring brings flowers and mild walking weather; summer has long days but is peak season; autumn has golden foliage; winter is mistier and cooler, with most of the tour outdoors. Choose for the experience you want and dress for rain; book ahead during the November–April peak period.
- Opening hours
- Guided tours operate daily through the year except Christmas Day; there is no unscheduled walk-in access to the Movie Set. Departure times and available tours vary by date in the operator’s booking calendar. The Shire’s Rest visitor facilities follow tour departures; check current times before travel.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-24
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-21
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