Discover the real Hobbiton

Discover Middle Earth when you enjoy Hobbiton Movie Set and farm tours in Matamata and at other popular New Zealand locations this year. We have a range of accommodation options where you can stay with locals and enjoy home-cooked meals. 

The Lord of the Rings trilogy truly catapulted New Zealand onto the global stage, with enthusiasts itching to get a taste of what this beautiful country has to offer. The next adaptation of The Hobbit further cemented Aotearoa's status as a breathtakingly beautiful tourist destination, with filming locations spread across both islands.

Take time out to explore the locations where these beloved movies were filmed, learning more about New Zealand, The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings while you do it.

Matamata - the heart of Hobbiton and home of the Movie Set and Farm Tours

The Waikato township of Matamata is the primary film location for both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. The town came alive with the Lord of the Rings in 1999, and has been an incredibly popular tourist destination since then thanks to Hobbiton Movie Set and farm tours, only 20 minutes drive out of Matamata.

One of the main filming spots is on a private farm nestled amongst rolling green country side. When Peter Alexander and his crew initially came knocking to scout the location, the farm's owners initially turned him away, however eventually changed their mind to allow the movies to be filmed on their land. 

The family and Alexander have since formed a joint venture allowing the rebuilt movie set to remain on site, made up of permanent materials so visitors can experience the Hobbiton they know from the films.

Take a two-hour guided tour through Hobbit Holes, The Mill and along the double arched bridge, all of which you will remember from the films. Head to The Green Dragon Inn, a replica of the building from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, and enjoy a complimentary beverage from the Southfarthing range, crafted exclusively for tours. Get in touch with your inner hobbit and indulge in a beef and ale pie before heading to the Shire Store to stock up on some memorabilia.

Make the most of this enchanting location by booking holiday accommodation in the area. Take a look at Hobbiton Homestay and Pine Cottage - Matamata to get you started. One of the advantages in staying with locals as that you'll benefit from local knowledge about Hot pools in the area and other attractions (some of which are free). 

Piopio

Waitomo's Piopio features unique limestone rock formations, looming cliffs and prehistoric rocks made for the perfect backdrop for Middle Earth. Here you'll find Trollshaws Forest and Staddles Farm, the locations for many scenes from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Re-enact the exit from the Troll Hoard Cave, reminisce about Gandalf bestowing Sting upon Bilbo and get an up close and personal view of the site for the Gundabad Wargs and Orc attack.

This area where a number of scenes from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey were shot; including The Company arriving at a destroyed farmhouse, the exit from the Troll Hoard Cave, Gandalf bestowing Sting upon Bilbo and Radagast's arrival.

Explore the region on your own, or visit the exact filming locations with a guided tour.

Queenstown

Already one of New Zealand's most popular tourist locations, Queenstown has received a boost with its inclusion in the Hobbit film.

Bilbo and The Company continue their quest along the town's Earnslaw Burn glacier after departing Rivendell. The glacier has a number of spectacular waterfalls that cascade down its stunning rock face, making it simply incredible with or without the Hobbit influence.

Enjoy a challenging four-hour hike along the Earnslaw Burn Track, departing from Glenorchy, for views of the glacier and the valley for as far as the eye can see.

For holiday accommodation near the area, try Islay Cottage or Queenstown Heights Homestay.