One tour to rule all not just for tourists
Embrace your inner (or outer) hairy feet and visit New Zealand’s real life version of The Shire.
Where/what is it?
The Hobbiton Movie Set is located near Matamata, in the Waikato region. When a film location scout came calling in 1998, Ian Alexander had no idea his sheep and cattle farm would soon become the site of one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions. In fact, he hadn’t even heard of The Lord of the Rings, let alone that bloke Peter Jackson. But he gave them permission to construct a hobbit village on his property.
At the end of the shoot for the first films, the set was dismantled, and the Alexanders started conducting guided tours around the remaining hobbit holes. In 2009, the set was rebuilt for The Hobbit trilogy. This time, it was done so on the condition it would be permanent. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world come to the farm, and are delighted to find The Shire really does exist.
Why go?
As a Kiwi, Hobbiton might be one of those places you would only consider visiting if you were showing an international guest around the country. You might even roll your eyes at the thought, thinking it’s just another Middle-Earth tourist trap.
But you would be mistaken. Hobbiton is the one tour to rule them all. It is truly world class, and can be enjoyed by everyone – locals and tourists, Lord of the Rings nuts and non-believers.
Insider tip
It can be tempting to hang around snapping as many photos as you can of the 44 hobbit holes, but try to stay up the front and pay attention to your guide. They reveal some incredible details about the filmmaking process, which adds to the magic of the experience. Did you know, for instance, it was someone’s job to catch all of the frogs in the pond each morning, because they were croaking so loud the actors couldn’t hear each other?
On the way/nearby
A 20-minute drive from Hobbiton is the quirky wee township of Tirau, which is the home of the famous corrugated iron Big Sheep, Big Dog, and Big Ram buildings. Stop for a snack at the delightfully named Bugger Cafe (even just to check out the hilarious decor), and go for a wander down the main road, peeking into the antique and craft shops.
How much?
Adults can tour the Hobbiton Movie Set for $79, children aged 9 to 16 for $39.50, and children 8 and under can visit for free, accompanied by an adult. Each tour includes a drink at The Green Dragon Inn.
There are also evening banquet tours, private tours, and you can even hire Hobbiton for events and functions. How about a Middle-Earth wedding?
Best time to go
Hobbiton is open all year around (except Christmas Day), with extended hours in the summer months. Be sure to book in advance, as tours can sell out at any time of year. Spring is a particularly beautiful season to visit, when the hobbit gardens are in full bloom.
If you’re a real LOTR lover, plan your visit for September 22, International Hobbit Day (and, of course, the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins). In 2016, Hobbiton celebrated with an inaugural sunrise tour and breakfast birthday banquet, and is planning another exclusive festival for 2017. – Siobhan Downes
Did you know it was someone's job to catch all of the frogs in the pond each morning, because they were croaking so loud the actors couldn't hear each other?