Tour the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, New Zealand

Just outside the small town of Matamata, you can visit the actual Hobbiton set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Get a sneak peek of this Tolkien fanatic’s paradise.
By: Shannon Petrie
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Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Photo By: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Welcome to The Shire

Located on Alexander Farm – a 1,250-acre working sheep farm – the Hobbiton movie set is open year-round for guided tours.

Lush Countryside

The Hobbit director Peter Jackson spotted Alexander Farm during an aerial search of the North Island, and he thought its rolling meadows and fantastic views made it a perfect spot to build the set of The Shire.

Hobbit Holes

Thirty-seven hobbit holes were originally built on the site in 1999 for the filming of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. At its peak, 400 cast and crew members were working on site, including actors Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Sir Ian Holm (Bilbo). The new, permanent set – rebuilt in 2011 for The Hobbit trilogy – features 44 hobbit holes.

The Green Dragon Inn

The latest addition to the set is The Green Dragon Inn, a working pub serving up hobbit-inspired drinks like Girdle Fine Ale, Sackville Cider, Oak Barton Ale and Southfarthing Ginger Ale.

The Green Dragon Inn

While interior scenes at The Green Dragon were shot in studios in Wellington, those interiors have been painstakingly recreated at the Hobbiton Movie Set. Up to 60 builders and landscapers worked on the project under the direction of set designer Brian Massey.

The Green Dragon Inn

Grab a table or cozy up around the fire at The Green Dragon Inn.

The Green Dragon Inn

Grab a table or cozy up around the fire at The Green Dragon Inn.

The Green Dragon Inn

Grab a table or cozy up around the fire at The Green Dragon Inn.

The Green Dragon Inn

Tour-goers line up the bar at The Green Dragon Inn. One complimentary refreshment is served to all visitors.

The Green Dragon Inn

A close-up shot showing the pub’s detailed woodwork.

The Green Dragon Inn

The Green Dragon Inn’s exterior has an English country feel with a thatched roof.

Hobbit Hole

Another one of the 44 hobbit holes that can be explored during the Hobbiton Movie Set tour.

Hobbit Hole

Another one of the 44 hobbit holes that can be explored during the Hobbiton Movie Set tour.

Hobbit Hole

Another one of the 44 hobbit holes that can be explored during the Hobbiton Movie Set tour.

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