Information
Landmark: Waitomo CavesCity: Hamilton
Country: New Zealand
Continent: Australia
Waitomo Caves, Hamilton, New Zealand, Australia
Overview
The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour ranks among current Zealand’s most popular attractions, tucked into the rolling hills near Matamata in Waikato, just a 45‑minute drive from Hamilton and about two hours from Auckland, in conjunction with peter Jackson filmed the Shire scenes for both *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit* trilogies here, where green hills roll under wide, open skies.History of Hobbiton In 1998, Sir Peter Jackson and his crew scoured the countryside, looking for the perfect spot to turn J, to boot r, in a sense As it turns out, R, to boot tolkien’s Shire into a living, breathing site-rolling green hills and all, not entirely They came across Alexander Farm, a 1,250-acre sheep and cattle property near Matamata, its rolling green hills looking as if they’d stepped straight out of Tolkien’s pages, likewise in 1999, crews built the original Hobbiton set for *The Lord of the Rings* as a temporary village, then tore most of it down once the cameras stopped rolling, fairly Interestingly, When they filmed *The Hobbit* trilogy in 2011, the crew rebuilt the set to last, using sturdy timbers and stone instead of the usual flimsy props, as well as today, Hobbiton still draws crowds from around the world, with more than 600,000 people each year wandering its winding paths and peeking into the round doors of hobbit holes.On the tour, visitors wander through Hobbiton with a guide, strolling past round green doors and gardens, and the whole experience takes about two hours, likewise the experience includes one element: a single step that starts it all.Actually, In the Shire, visitors can stroll past 44 Hobbit Holes, each one distinct, with sparkling painted doors, tidy gardens, and props that inspect ready for a hobbit’s hand, while bilbo Baggins’ snug Bag End, with its round green door, is one of the most famous Hobbit Holes, along with Samwise Gamgee’s cozy home.If I’m being honest, Every detail brings the Shire to life-laundry fluttering on the line, neat rows of vegetables in the garden, and a thin ribbon of smoke curling from a chimney, consequently number two.The Party Tree, where Bilbo celebrated his 111th birthday, rises in a sunny spot with the Green Dragon Inn nearby, looking out over the rolling hills of Hobbiton, furthermore the tour wraps up at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can sip exclusive Hobbiton ales, crisp cider, or a frosty ginger beer by the crackling fire or out in the sunny beer garden.Three, therefore on the Behind-the-Scenes Stories tour, guides reveal how the set was built, whisper a few filming secrets, and describe the way Peter Jackson breathed life into Tolkien’s world.Available Tours, starting with number one, simultaneously take the standard guided tour of Hobbiton and wander past the round green doors and blooming gardens of the Shire.Your visit comes with a free sample at the Green Dragon Inn, where the mugs are cool to the touch and the air smells faintly of hops, in conjunction with number two.To be honest, Evening Banquet Tour - wander through the Shire at dusk, then sit down to a hearty feast by the fire in the Green Dragon Inn, meanwhile as the sun dips low, visitors wander Hobbiton’s lantern-lit paths, the warm glow catching on stone walls.Honestly, Three, likewise the Second Breakfast Tour (limited spots) takes its cue from the Hobbits’ love of food, starting with a wander through the Shire and ending with a steaming, hearty breakfast in the Millhouse, kind of Oddly enough, Number four, in turn private tour for anyone who wants a trip built just for them, with a guide who’ll amble beside you and point out the little things others might miss.Just so you know, You can find it at 501 Buckland Road in Hinuera, Matamata, fresh Zealand-inspect for the classical oak tree by the gate, furthermore we’re open every day of the week, but the doors stay shut on Christmas.Believe it or not, During peak season, tours leave every half hour-you might hear the guide’s voice drifting down the path before the next group sets off, on top of that you can catch a shuttle from Matamata or Rotorua, with buses pulling up right outside the main entrance.Rain or shine, the tours go on-and if the skies open up, we’ll hand you a sturdy umbrella, in turn so, why visit Hobbiton?It’s the world’s only Lord of the Rings film set that’s still standing-weathered wood, green hills, and all, alternatively it’s the kind of locale every Tolkien fan dreams about, and movie lovers can’t resist-think rolling green hills straight out of the films.The detail is so rich you can almost hear the crunch of gravel on a Shire road, on top of that at the Green Dragon Inn, every plate and pint feels like something you won’t find anywhere else, from the warm, buttery bread to the cider that tastes like crisp autumn air, roughly Hobbiton is a area you have to witness-lush green hills, round little doors, and every detail straight from Tolkien’s world, all wrapped in a spell that makes you feel you’ve stepped right into the story.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-15
