The famous Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films in the Waikato region.

About Hobbiton (Matamata)

Hobbiton Movie Set is the permanent film set built on a private sheep farm near the town of Matamata for Peter Jackson\'s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies. Unlike most film sets that are dismantled after production, Hobbiton was rebuilt in permanent materials for The Hobbit trilogy and has become New Zealand\'s most visited tourist attraction.

The set features 44 hobbit holes of varying sizes set into the rolling green hillside, along with the Party Tree, the Mill, the double-arched bridge, and the Green Dragon Inn — a fully functioning pub where visitors can enjoy exclusive Hobbiton ales. Guided tours last approximately 2 hours and provide behind-the-scenes insights into the filmmaking process.

The surrounding Waikato region is quintessential New Zealand pastoral landscape — the same qualities that convinced Peter Jackson this was the real Middle-earth. Tours must be booked in advance and depart from the Shire\'s Rest café near the farm entrance. The set is maintained with extraordinary attention to detail, with full-time gardeners tending the hobbit gardens year-round.

Nearby Landmarks

Hobbiton Movie Set Green Dragon Inn Wairere Falls Matamata i-SITE

Transport Options

Step-by-Step Directions

Drive south on SH1 then SH27 to Matamata. Follow signs to Hobbiton. Must book tour in advance.

Quick Comparison

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Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Hobbiton tours operate during daytime only (last tour typically at 4:30 PM). There is no public transport to Matamata after dark. If returning to Auckland Airport in the evening, you'll need a rental car or pre-arranged private transfer. The drive back is straightforward on well-lit highways.

Luggage Tips

This is a day trip — leave luggage at Auckland Airport's storage facility (Smarte Carte, from NZD 15/day) or at your Auckland hotel. The Hobbiton tour involves 30+ minutes of walking on uneven ground, so bring only what you need for the day. Rental cars offer the flexibility to bring whatever you like.

Accessibility

Hobbiton offers limited wheelchair access. The set is built on hilly terrain with gravel and grass paths. Manual wheelchairs can navigate some areas with assistance, but powered wheelchairs/scooters cannot traverse the full tour route. Contact Hobbiton in advance to discuss specific needs — they offer modified tour experiences. The Green Dragon Inn is accessible.