Visiting Hobbiton during your road trip through New Zealand

One of the most famous attractions on New Zealand's North Island is Hobbiton Movie Set. This world-famous film location is situated near Matamata, nestled amongst the green hills of the Waikato region. For fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this is naturally an absolute must, but even if you're not a huge fan, Hobbiton is a special stop during your road trip through New Zealand.

What makes Hobbiton so special is that the film set is still completely intact. You wander past the famous Hobbit Holes, see Bag End, walk through The Shire and finish at the Green Dragon Inn. Everything is worked out in detail, making it feel as though you're literally stepping into a film world.

Hobbiton sits on a logical route between Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo and the Coromandel. This makes it an easy stop during a Campervan trip around the North Island.

What can you expect from Hobbiton?

You always visit Hobbiton with an organised tour. You can't wander around the film set independently. The set is on private land and is only accessible with a guide. During the tour you're taken by bus from The Shire's Rest to the film set, after which you walk through Hobbiton on foot. Travelling with a Campervan? There's plenty of parking space at The Shire's Rest.

Along the way, the guide shares more about the creation of the film set, the filming process, behind-the-scenes details and how this place has grown into one of New Zealand's most popular attractions. You'll walk past various Hobbit Holes, see the famous green hills and have plenty of time to take photos. Just before the end, you'll even have the opportunity to view one of the Hobbit Holes from the inside.

A standard tour typically ends at the Green Dragon Inn, where you receive a drink and can soak up the atmosphere for a while. This makes the experience feel more complete than just a walk around the film set.

Different tour options at Hobbiton

There are multiple ways to visit Hobbiton. Which tour suits you best depends on how much time you have and how comprehensive you want the experience to be.

• The most popular option is the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. This is the standard tour where you walk through the film set accompanied by a guide. This tour takes approximately 2.5 hours and is the best choice for most travellers. You'll see the main highlights, receive commentary from the guide and finish at the Green Dragon Inn.
• If you'd like to make the experience a bit more extensive, you can choose the Tour and Lunch Combo. This combines the standard tour with lunch in the Party Marquee. It's a lovely option if you have a bit more time and want to enjoy your visit to Hobbiton at a more leisurely pace.
• Additionally, there are special experiences such as the Evening Banquet Tour, Second Breakfast Tour and Behind The Scenes Tour. These tours are more extensive, take longer and are often only available at selected times. The Evening Banquet Tour and Second Breakfast Tour in particular are popular and can be fully booked months in advance.

Travelling without your own transport? You can also choose a tour departing from the Matamata Information Centre. This option takes longer because transport to the film set is included. For travellers with a Campervan, departing from The Shire's Rest is usually most practical.

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Book Hobbiton tickets

Hobbiton is one of New Zealand's most popular attractions, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. Especially during peak season, school holidays and for special tours, tickets can sell out quickly. The official website shows live availability and tickets can be booked well in advance.

Don't just turn up hoping there'll be space. Walk-ins aren't always possible, especially during busy periods. If you have a fixed route and know when you'll be in the area, book your tour in advance. This way you'll avoid disappointment and can plan your day better.

Practical tips for Hobbiton

• Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour consists of a guided walk over paths with grass, gravel and gentle inclines. Also bring a rain jacket if the weather is changeable. The tour usually goes ahead in rain and that can actually make the green hills look even more beautiful.
• Photography is allowed for personal use, so make sure your camera or phone is charged. Drones are not permitted on the film set or at The Shire's Rest.
• Bear in mind that Hobbiton is quite popular and touristy. That doesn't take away from it being a really fun and special experience, especially if you're a fan of the films or enjoy unique film locations.