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For any Lord of the Rings fan, visiting Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in Matamata is a must-see on a trip to New Zealand. It’s one of the country’s most popular attractions for good reason, with over half a million visitors each year. But even if you’re not the biggest fan, is visiting Hobbiton still worth it? And what can you expect from the experience?
Is Visiting Hobbiton Worth It?
The biggest question to ask is, is visiting Hobbiton worth it?
As a fan of Lord of the Rings…
I am a massive fan of the movies, so there was no way I was travelling to New Zealand and not visiting Hobbiton. It was the only thing I booked before I arrived in the country. But as such a fan, the big question for me was, would it live up to the hype? The answer was a resounding YES. It even managed to exceed my expectations, and was everything I hoped for from my trip, and it felt so special to be there.
If you are less of a fan of Lord of the Rings…
Some of the people in the group I visited with had only recently watched the films for the first time, and some had never even seen them! However, they all said they also really enjoyed the tour. They found it interesting to see, and definitely got swept up in the magic. It is a really engaging and interesting tour, and there is something for everyone.
So yes, regardless of your status in Lord of the Rings fandom, it is absolutely worth booking a trip to visit Hobbiton.
How to get to Hobbiton?
There is no public transport to Hobbiton, so you will either need your own car or book a trip with transport. If arriving by car, head to the Shire’s Rest, which is where the tours depart from. There is car parking available there. The bus from Shire’s Rest to Hobbiton is included in the tour ticket.
Which places can you do day trips to Hobbiton from?
There are a few cities where you can book a day trip to Hobbiton from. These include Matamata, Rotorua, and even Auckland.
From Matamata, the experience will take around 3 hours, and tours such as this one include transfers and the entrance to Hobbiton.
If you are visiting from Auckland, this will be a full-day trip. It is approximately a 2-hour drive each way from the city.
Top Tip: Combine visiting Hobbiton from Auckland with a trip to the nearby Waitomo Glow Worm Caves on this tour: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves day trip
There are also options from Rotorua, which is around an hour’s drive from Matamata.
Alternatively, you can book an Auckland to Rotorua transfer, with a visit to Hobbiton included in the middle! A great way to combine travelling between destinations with the best experience in the middle.
Where is Hobbiton Located
Hobbiton itself is found in Alexander Farm. It is a working sheep and cattle farm in the North Island of New Zealand, approximately a 15-minute drive from the nearby town of Matamata. Almost equidistant between Rotorua and Hamilton.
The History of Hobbiton
Location scouts found this place to bring the village of Hobbiton to life during an aerial scout. After the filming of The Lord of the Rings, the set was demolished, leaving only 17 facades remaining. Tours of these commenced in 2002. The set was then fully rebuilt for the filming of The Hobbit in 2009. After filming wrapped, the set remained, and it has been open as a tourist attraction since.
Tips for Visiting Hobbiton
Book Tickets in Advance
This is an absolute must. Given how popular this attraction is, it sells out weeks, if not months, in advance. So plan your itinerary carefully, and make sure to secure your spot. If the date you are looking for is fully booked on the official website, I recommend booking through Get Your Guide, as agents like these bulk book tickets in advance, so they may still have availability.
Choose your timeslot carefully
When I visited, it was on the route of my Kiwi Experience bus schedule, so my ticket was booked through them. I was concerned about it being a middle-of-the-day timing and, as such, it being very crowded. I have to say, I was so pleasantly surprised with how they manage the crowds; it didn’t feel too busy or rushed. Having said that, if you can get there for one of the first slots, it means there won’t be many groups ahead of you, allowing for views with fewer people.
How long does a visit to Hobbiton take?
The full tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set takes 2.5 hours. This includes getting the bus from Shire’s Rest and returning there at the end (approx. 10 minutes each way).
Choose your Experience
There are other tour options available, in addition to the Hobbiton Movie Set tour. If you want more time in Hobbiton, consider booking one of these. Be aware, if you thought the standard tour sells out fast, these tickets are another level! Plan well in advance if you want to experience one of them.
Options include:
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Lunch Combo, where you can also have lunch in the party marquee (3.5-hour tour).
- Evening Banquet Tour, which involves a tour at dusk, followed by an evening meal in the Green Dragon and ending on a lantern-lit walk through Hobbiton (4.5-hour tour).
- Second Breakfast tour, which allows you to be one of the first people on the set and finishes with a hearty breakfast (3 hours).
- Behind-the-scenes tour involves a smaller group, lunch in the Millhouse, a glimpse at the art department, and access to part of the set not seen on other tours. Finishing with a cheese platter.
Pay attention to the little details
There is SO much to see on the tour. And your guide will do a great job of pointing out the little details, such as the props used, what trees are real, and how shots were created. So make sure to pay attention to these little things, not just the overall vista. From details such as the real veg patch, with gardeners keeping it alive, perspectives and hidden cheese through windows, there is something around every turn and in every corner you are going to want to soak up.
When to visit Hobbiton
This is a largely outdoor experience, so the weather will have a massive impact on your tour. As such, plan to visit during the summer months when you have a greater chance of the weather being better.
What to expect when visiting Hobbiton
What to Expect on Arrival
Make sure to arrive at least half an hour before your tour starts. The departure point is Shire’s Rest, which is where the buses take you to Hobbiton from. At Shire’s Rest, there is a shop, cafe and toilets. There are queues for each departure time, so it is easy to know where you should go.
Arrival at Hobbiton
From Shire’s Rest, your tour begins. You are picked up on the buses that take you to the film set. On board, there is information about Hobbiton, and the history of filming, as well as clips from the film – it really sets the scene! Make sure to take in the landscapes you are passing, the views from the window are straight out of Middle-earth.
Visiting Hobbiton: The Guides and Tours
Once you have departed the bus, you are met by your guide for the duration of the tour. You are shown around by the people on your bus. The tours are set in such a way that you have ample time at each viewpoint, but are guided at a certain pace. This spacing means you never feel the spots are too crowded. I was so impressed by how well they managed this.
Your guides are also a fountain of knowledge! As such a fan of the movies, I thought I knew all the facts. However, they had so much additional knowledge to share. All are massive enthusiasts of the films and genuinely love their job. How could you not?!
Visiting Hobbiton: The Movie Set
One of the first things you see is the classic shot of Hobbiton. Such a surreal and pinch-me experience. The tour guides you around the set, stopping at the vegetable patches, the party field, and the winding path that takes you past the 44 facades of the Hobbit holes that dot around the landscape. One of the last stops is Bag End, and probably the stop most people were eager to see. They are at the top of the hill, as a Hobbit’s wealth is told by how high up his hole is! You can’t go in these holes, but seeing the famous sign is incredible.
The attention to detail in building this set is truly remarkable. There are things you can spot that just don’t show up on screen. It shows the incredible dedication that Peter Jackson and the film crew went to, to make this world come to life.
Visiting Hobbiton: The Hobbit Holes
An addition to the tour in December 2023 was that you are now able to go inside a Hobbit hole! There are two that are open, and the group splits into two, with half going in each. They are similar inside but not identical. And while these are not Hobbit holes that feature in the film, they were created by the creative teams behind the films. Again, the attention to detail is incredible, and gives a really authentic glimpse into the lives and goings on of the Hobbits living in Bagshot Row.
Visiting Hobbiton: The Green Dragon
The final stop in the tour, as you pass over the iconic stone Bridge, is the Green Dragon. The interior of the Inn has been constructed to look like it did in the film. Even after it was burnt down for the ending that didn’t make the theatrical cut. The tour includes a beverage for you to enjoy here, and there is a chance to buy some food.
Photography Tips at Hobbiton
Hobbiton is undeniably photogenic and, as mentioned, the attention to detail is next level, making this a stunning place to photograph. For the best shots, try to book one of the first tours of the day. The morning light is going to be perfect, and there are fewer groups ahead of you. Use a wide-angle lens or your phone’s wide setting to capture the full Shire views, but don’t forget to focus on the details too: the tiny gardening tools, washing lines, and colourful Hobbit doors that make the set feel alive.
Be patient and wait for clear moments between tour groups. The guides are so good at managing this, and if you hang back slightly, you get a clear shot of the Hobbit Holes. At the end, after visiting the Green Dragon Inn, don’t forget to pause for shots across the lake as your final departure from Hobbiton.
Where to buy souvenirs at Hobbiton
The Shire’s Rest is the place to buy all and any Lord of the Rings related souvenirs. I could have spent a small fortune in there! You get a chance to visit at the beginning and the end, as this is where the buses pick up and return to, so my recommendation would be to purchase after your tour to save you from having to carry them around.
Where to stay near Hobbiton
When you are visiting Hobbiton, staying near Matamata gives you good access, without having to spend ages driving to get there in the morning. Accommodation is limited and quite pricey in this area, but there are options.
WHERE TO STAY IN MATAMATA
Budget – Tower Road Motel: Comfortable, straightforward and convenient.
Mid-range: Housewithnonails: Known for its unique and rustic accommodation, with beautiful gardens.
High-end: Villa Walton: Victorian-era homestead turned luxury lodge.
Camping – Opal Hot Spring and Holiday Park: Has both powered and unpowered site options.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Hobbiton
Even though I am writing this from a biased, massive Lord of the Rings fan perspective, visiting Hobbiton should be one of the things to add to your New Zealand itinerary. If you are a fan, it is a dream come true (it was for me!). But even if you are not, it is a fascinating place and a real insight into the behind-the-scenes of a movie set. Make sure to plan, and you won’t regret it!
Related New Zealand posts:
- Lord of the Rings Filming Locations In New Zealand
- Visiting Mount Sunday, New Zealand: The Real Edoras
- 18 Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand
- What to do in Wellington, New Zealand: 19 Awesome Things
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