The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in Matamata, New Zealand
The Sire - Home of the Hobbiton Movie Set
Shire is a fictional region in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Midde Earth fiction story. This fictional location was used for the movies “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit Trilogies”. These films were directed by a famous New Zealander director and producer, Sir Peter Jackson.
In 1998, the location scouts of New Line Cinema found Alexander’s sheep and beef farm in Matamata, New Zealand. This 1250 acre perfectly fit the location of Sir Peter Jackson’s films. As they finalized the location, they started the construction of their movie set in 1999.
The pre-development of the movie set involved the building of the road with the help of New Zealand Army. After that they’ve started to create 39 Hobbit Homes with the use of ply, polystyrene and timber (untreated). In addition, the man made oak tree used in the set was transported near Matamata. All of its artificial leaves, delivered from Taiwan, were individually wired into it. The double arch bridge and mill were built with ply, polystyrene and scaffolding. While all the materials used in building the roofs of the “Green Dragon Inn” and the “Mill” were all from the gathered rushes within the vicinity of the farm. In 2009, the place was rebuilt with permanent structures for the Hobbit Trilogy. The rebuilding process lasted for about 2 years.
What Happened to the Hobbiton Movie Set after the Shooting?
Now, the set was converted as a wonderful tourist attraction in Matamata, New Zealand. It allows the group to experience the real Middle Earth life in the heart of the Waikato region. Tourist guide will escort the group around the 12 acre set. The view includes the Hobbit Holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn. There will be a complimentary beverage for every tourist after the Hobbiton adventure.
Did you know that Hobbits are also referred as Halflings?
Things to Do in the Hobbiton Movie Set
1. Explore the 12 acre Hobbiton Movie Set
A tour guide will escort the group around the Set to see all the breathtaking views of the whole place.
2. Enjoy the View from The Shire’s Rest Café
The Shire’s Rest Café offers different varieties of drinks, meals and snacks. Tourists may enjoy the beautiful view of the whole farm and the Kamai Ranges while eating their meals.
The Café opens daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The opening hours are extended during summer season. The place is also accepting bookings for private events.
3. Shop The Shire Store
The Shire Store offers wide range of Hobbiton Movie Set souvenir collections, such as caps, cups, hoddies, magnets, t-shirts, woolen goods, etc. Most products carry different brands like Weta Collectibles, Southfarthing Beverages, Stansborough Fibres and others.
The Store opens daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The ticketing center of the store opens from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. The opening hours are also extended during summer season. The store is located just below the Shire’s Rest Café.
4. Grab a Drink and Snack inside
The Green Dagon Inn The Green Dragon Inn will be the last destination of all tourists after their Hobbiton Movie Set adventure, as the place offers complimentary drinks to all. The Pub offer two handcrafted and exclusive traditional ales: apple cider or non-alcoholic ginger beer. Tourists may enjoy their drinks inside the Pub in front of the roaring fire or outside the Bywater Beer Garden overlooking the captivating beauty of the whole village. The Inn is also accepting reservations for private functions.
5. Experience the Evening Banquet Tour
The Evening Banquet Tour begins with a guided tour of the whole Hobbiton Movie Set. Just like the ordinary day tour, a complimentary drink will also be given to each person. Then everybody will be directed to a banquet feast fit for a Hobbit. After the feasting, the whole group will go back wandering around the Hobbiton with the help of a guide. Aside from the path lightning and starlight, hand held lanterns will also be distributed to lit up the breathtaking view of the village at night.
The tour operates every evening of Wednesday and Sunday. Extra days are added during summer season. All tours require bookings.
Daily Tour from
| Shire's Rest
| Matamata, New Zealand
| Rotorua
|
|---|---|---|---|
Location
| 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata
| 45 Broadway, Matamata
| Hobbiton Movie Set Shop, 1235 Fenton Street, Rotorua
|
Regular Schedule
| 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
| 9:30 am to 2:45 pm
| 8:15 am and 1:15 pm
|
Additional Schedule
| 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm (September 1 to April 30); 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm (December 27 to February 28)
| 3:30 pm and 4:15 pm (September 1 to April 30); 5:00 pm (December 27 to February 28)
| N/A
|
Time Duration of the Trip
| 2 hours (approx.)
| 3 hours (approx.)
| 5 hours (approx.)
|
Note
| Tour departs every 30 minutes.
| Tour departs every 45 minutes.
| N/A
|
Price
| $84.00 for Adult; $42.00 for 9 to 16 years old; Free for 0 to 8 years old.
| $84.00 for Adult; $42.00 for 9 to 16 years old; Free for 0 to 8 years old.
| $119.00 for Adult; $77.00 for 9 to 16 years old; $35 for 0 to 8 years old.
|
Did you know that Hobbits are briefly mentioned in the Silmarillion?
Beautiful Location of the Movies "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit Trilogies".
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