Hobbiton Movie Set
501 Buckland Road, Matamata, Waikato, 3472
Fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films won’t want to miss a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set—the real-life recreation of The Shire, one of the primary settings in those films. Set amid the lush hills of Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island, the purpose-built set features the original hobbit holes, sets, and props from the movies.
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).
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!