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
- Guided tour only; book ahead and arrive at The Shire’s Rest at least 20 minutes before departure
- Admission
- Signature Tour from The Shire’s Rest: adult 18+ NZ$130; ages 11–17 NZ$65; ages 0–10 free but require a booked ticket. Family 2 adults + 2 youths NZ$332
- Time needed
- 2.5 hours including coach transport between The Shire’s Rest and the set
- Best season
- There is no single best season, according to the operator. Spring (September–November) brings blooming gardens and mild walking weather; summer (December–February) has long daylight but is peak season, so book ahead; autumn (March–May) brings golden foliage; winter (June–August) can be misty and frosty, with most of the tour outdoors.
- Opening hours
- Hobbiton is visited only on pre-booked guided tours, with departures available daily; exact departure slots vary by date and are shown in the operator’s live booking calendar. The Shire’s Rest ticket office is open seven days, from 30 minutes before the first tour until the last departure. The café runs until 15:30 (longer in summer), and the shop until 17:00 (longer in summer).
- Location checked
- 2026-09-24
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-30
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