New Zealand, a magical country has attracted countless tourists with its magnificent natural landscapes and modern cities. On this South Pacific island is a small town called Hobbiton, one of the filming locations for “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” series. It attracts thousands of fans and visitors every year!
Where is Hobbiton
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Best time to visit: Spring (September-November) and Summer (December-February).
Hobbiton is situated in the Matamata region of the North Island of New Zealand, about a two-hour drive from Auckland.
Exploring Hobbiton
Once a lush green farm, it was transformed by director Peter Jackson into the ideal Middle-earth—a magical and enchanting place.
Stepping into Hobbiton feels like entering a dreamlike fairy tale world. The village consists of 44 Hobbit Holes, nestled on rolling hills, each with meticulously maintained gardens, and a comfortable and pleasant environment. Here, you can personally visit the homes of Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins, experiencing the adventurous atmosphere depicted in the movies.
This filming location has been transformed into a complete tourist attraction, including the homes of the hobbits, a restaurant, souvenir shops, and more.
Hobbit Dwellings
Spread across the vast pasture, there are forty-four exquisite little houses, each with its own unique characteristics. Strolling through them feels like being on the movie set, as if you can hear the conversations of Gandalf and Bilbo Baggins.
The Green Dragon Inn
The Green Dragon Inn is the hobbits’ favorite gathering place, and its interior decoration perfectly matches the movie. Here, you can taste hobbit specialties and beverages, and purchase exclusive souvenirs from the Green Dragon Inn.
“The Lord of the Rings” Behind-the-Scenes Exhibition:
During the visit, professional guides will share various interesting anecdotes about the movie production. You will also have the opportunity to see precious photos from the behind-the-scenes team and learn more about the story of “The Lord of the Rings.”
Getting to Hobbiton
From Auckland, you have the following transportation options:
Self-drive: Take State Highway 1 and drive for about 2 hours.
Bus: Depart from downtown Auckland and take a direct bus to Matamata.
Train: Take the North Island railway line and book train tickets in advance.