Hobbiton
About This Experience
Nestled in the rolling green hills of Matamata in the Waikato region, the Hobbiton Movie Set was built for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Unlike many film sets, Hobbiton was built to last — with 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, and meticulously maintained gardens that bring the Shire to life.
What to Expect
Guided tours lead you through the full set, explaining behind-the-scenes details of how the films were made. You'll peer into hobbit holes of various sizes, stroll along the winding paths, and finish with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn — a fully functioning pub built entirely for the set.
Practical Tips
- Book in advance, especially during peak season — tours sell out
- About 2 hours drive from Auckland, or join a day tour
- Tours last approximately 2 hours
- Photography is encouraged — the light is best in the morning or late afternoon
- The set looks magical in any weather, but rain adds an extra misty charm
More Experiences in Auckland
Alpine Crossing Tongariro
Tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing — New Zealand's most famous day hike through volcanic terrain, emerald lakes, and the otherworldly landscapes of Mount Doom.
La Grotte De Waitomo
Glide through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves by boat, surrounded by thousands of tiny bioluminescent glowworms creating an underground starry sky.
Wai-O-Tapu Le Pays Magique Thermal
Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua — a surreal landscape of bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and the vivid Champagne Pool with its striking orange mineral terraces.