Hobbiton Movie Set

The basics

Guided walking tours take you around the set, and guides share behind-the-scenes stories while you admire props and costumes seen on-screen. Highlights include Bilbo Baggins’ home, Bag End; Bagshot Row, and the Party Tree. Allow time to enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, which serves exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beers and ginger beer, or have lunch at The Shire’s Rest café.

Many travelers visit Hobbiton on a day trip from Auckland or a shore excursion from Tauranga. Day tours often combine Hobbiton with nearby attractions such as the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, or the city of Rotorua.

Things to know before you go

• Access is by guided Hobbiton Movie Set tours only; tours start at The Shire’s Rest café and last about two hours.

• Prebooking admission for this popular attraction is recommended; Hobbiton Movie Set tickets cost NZ$120 for adults, children under 10 are admitted free.

• The movie set is outdoors, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable as the tour includes walking along cobblestones and dirt paths.

• The set is not easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, but wheelchair users can be accommodated by advance booking.

How to get there

Hobbiton is located in Matamata, nestled in the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges. It’s 43 miles (70 kilometers) northwest of Rotorua and 109 miles (175 kilometers) south of Auckland. Tours run from Tauranga, Auckland, and Rotorua. Independent travelers can park outside The Shire’s Rest. Shuttle buses leave from the Matamata Visitor Center and are included with the ticket price.

When to get there

Guided tours run daily from the morning until the mid-afternoon. The most popular time to visit is over summer (December–February), when it can get extremely crowded. Watch for special events such as the annual Christmas feast, Summer Solstice party, and October Beer Festival. Advance booking is essential at peak times and events.

Film sites in New Zealand

New Zealand’s valleys, mountains, and geothermal wonders provide a spectacular setting for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, and more than 150 different filming locations dot the countryside. Beyond Hobbiton, tour the Weta Workshop in Wellington, where props, costumes, and special effects were created; hike to Mordor through the Tongariro National Park; and visit memorable sites such as Mt. Sunday (Edoras), the Putangirua Pinnacles (the Dimholt Road), and Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool).

Ways to explore

After a short bus ride from the information center, guided walking tours take you around the set, and guides share behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the films. Highlights include Bilbo Baggins’ home, Bagshot Row™, and the Party Tree. Allow time to enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon™ Inn, which serves exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beers and ginger beer, or have lunch at The Shire’s Rest™ café.

Many travelers visit Hobbiton on a day trip from Auckland or a shore excursion from Tauranga. Day tours often combine Hobbiton with other Central North Island attractions, such as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves or the city of Rotorua.

Accessibility

Hobbiton is moderately accessible, but as it was not built as a tourist attraction, there are some limitations. Golf carts for those with mobility restrictions are available for tours—these must be requested at least 72 hours ahead. Tours with adapted routes are also available for wheelchair users. The attraction’s website features detailed accessibility information for each stop on the tour route. Service dogs are welcome on tours, but must be leashed.

Age limits

None; children aged 10 and under enter for free, while young people aged 11–17 pay a reduced entry fee.

What to pack

Sunscreen, drinking water, umbrella or raincoat

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes, sun protection, jacket

Not allowed

Drones, offensive clothing or costumes, hard props (such as replica weapons), pets

Amenities

Café, bar, gift shop

Address 

Hobbiton is located in Matamata within the rural Waikato region. It’s 43 miles (70 kilometers) northwest of Rotorua and 109 miles (175 kilometers) south of Auckland. Tours run from Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, and Matamata.

Driving

Self-driving is a good way of traveling around rural New Zealand. You can park outside The Shire’s Rest, where tours of Hobbiton depart.

Public transportation

You can reach Matamata by long-distance bus from other North Island cities, particularly Hamilton and Auckland. Shuttle buses leave from the Matamata Visitor Center and are included with tour ticket prices.

Best times to visit

Bookings are essential for visiting Hobbiton—tours operate during normal business hours. As standard tours take about 2.5 hours, make sure you book a time that allows you to reach your onward destination comfortably afterwards.

Best days to visit

Hobbiton is open every day of the year except December 25. It’s always a very popular tourist attraction, but it’s likely to be busier on weekends.

Best months to visit

Hobbiton is open year-round, so come anytime. The North Island is most pleasant between October and March, when it boasts generally warm, sunny weather.

Special events

Some special events and festivals are held throughout the year, including midwinter feasts, Christmas events, and International Hobbit Day festivities. Check the calendar on Hobbiton’s website.