Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours

Hobbiton is real… thanks to the making of the Lord of the Rings trilogy

In September 1998 Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema discovered a large established pine tree, later re-named the party tree, on the Alexander family farm during an aerial search for a suitable Hobbiton film site. The fantastic views and rolling country side of the Alexander Farm closely resembled Hobbiton as described by The Lord of the Rings author J.R.R Tolkien. The surrounding rolling farmland was untouched by the 20th century clutter such as roads, buildings or power lines. The farm was perfect.

Site construction for Hobbiton started in March 1999. Initially this involved heavy earthmoving machinery provided by the New Zealand Army. Total site construction for Hobbiton took nine months. Throughout construction and filming all activity on the site was kept under strict security due to commercial restraints by the movie company.

Filming commenced in December 1999 and continued for three months. At its peak 400 people were working on the Hobbiton  site, including director Peter Jackson, Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen), Frodo (Elijah Wood), Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm) and Sam (Sean Astin).

At completion of filming the site was meant to be cleared but was saved by Rings Fans turning up wanting to look around.  The family wanted to run Lord of the Rings tours and after permission was gained Hobbiton Movie Set ad Farm Tours began.

What are the highlights for you to explore on a tour?  There is the Party Tree, the remnants of the reconstructed oak tree and Bag End, the famed Hobbit Hole of Bilbo Baggins and Frodo. There are 17 of the original 37 hobbit holes remaining on the property, tucked into the valleys of the picturesque New Zealand farmland.

This place is a must for Lord of the Rings fans…

Tours operate daily, all year round, except 25th December.

Tour Starts at the:

Shires Rest

501 Bucklands Road, Matamata.

• 9.50am
• 11.05am
• 12:20am
• 1:35pm
• 2:50pm

(Tour Duration approximately 2 hours)

Visit The Hobbiton Website