What Is The Hobbiton Film Set?
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a film set used in the creation of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Guided tours take guests through 44 hobbit holes on the site, ending up at the Green Dragon Inn.
Throughout the tour you learn facts about the movie-making process, how the set was made and how Hobbiton operates now as a tourist attraction.
The film set draws in over 500,000 visitors annually, of which approximately 85% are international tourists.
The History of Hobbiton
I’m going to keep this section brief because I don’t want to ruin what you’ll learn on the tour!
The Alexander Farm was chosen for the set in 1998 after Sir Peter Jackson’s location scouts saw it had everything the set required. In March, 1999 the crew began constructing the film set, with filming commencing in December of the same year.
Following filming, most of the set was dismantled, until 2009 when Sir Peter Jackson permanently rebuilt the set that visitors now experience. The Green Dragon Inn was opened in 2012, while Bagshot Row was unveiled in 2023 to allow visitors to experience the inside of a hobbit hole.
Where Is It?
The Hobbiton Movie Set is located at 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand. This is:
- A 15 minutes drive from central Matamata
- A 45 minute drive from Hamilton
- A 50 minute drive from Tauranga
- A 1 hour drive from Rotorua
Who Should Visit?
People Who Have Not Seen The Films:
It would be easy to think that the only people who should visit Hobbiton are huge Lord of the Rings fans. However, I think that anyone could enjoy this magical place.
I myself have only ever seen the first Hobbit film once, and yet I’ve been to Hobbiton twice! I went once with my family and once with a friend, and everyone really enjoyed it both times, non-dependent on their LOTR knowledge! If you go into the experience with an open mind, you will have a great time regardless.
Lord of the Rings/Hobbit fans:
If you are a Lord of the Rings/Hobbit fan then this is an ABSOLUTE must visit attraction for you. There is even time put aside in the tour to live your Bilbo Baggins dreams and run through the hobbit holes shouting ‘I’m going on an adventure!’ It is so cool to know that you are in the very place the films came to life.
Family’s:
This is a great activity for family’s too. As long as your children are okay walking for up to 2 hours, they should really enjoy this magical experience.
When Should You Visit?
Whenever you are in New Zealand and have the time in your busy schedule! Both times I have visited I was lucky enough to get sunny, clear days, however I think Hobbiton would be amazing whatever the weather.
Scheduling this visit into your New Zealand North Island itinerary can be tricky as you have to book it so far in advance. However, it is good that it’s close to so many other touristy places you can visit from.
Click here for the Ultimate 1 Month New Zealand Itinerary
How Long Do You Need There?
Tours generally take about 2.5 hours from start to finish. You are also advised to get there 20 minutes before the start time of your tour so everything runs smoothly.
How Much Does It cost?
The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is the most popular and cheapest option.
| Person | Hobbiton Movie Set Tour | Hobbiton Movie Set Tour From Matamata Information Centre | Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Lunch Combo |
| Adult (18+ years old) | $130 (£56/€67/US$75) | $130 (£56/€67/US$75) | $170 |
| Child (11-17 years old) | $65 (£28/€33.50/US$38) | $65 (£28/€33.50/US$38) | $105 |
| NZ Gold Card Holder | $120 (£52/€60/US$69) | $120 (£52/€60/US$69) | N/A |
| Family Pass – 2x adults & 2 children | $332 (£144/€166/US$192) | $332 (£144/€166/US$192) | N/A |
| Infant (0-10 years old) | FREE* | FREE* | FREE* |
*Even though they are free, tickets must still be purchased.
If you are a large film fan and want to get everything out of this experience, then one of the below options might be for you:
| Person | Behind The Scenes Tour | Evening Banquet Tour | Second Breakfast Tour |
| Adult (18+ years old) | $290 | $240 | $200 |
| Youth (11-17 years old) | $232 | $182 | $125 |
| Child (5-10 years old) | $174 | $124 | $75 |
| Infant (0-4 years old) | FREE* | FREE* | FREE* |
*Even though they are free, tickets must still be purchased.
When Should You Book tickets?
Tickets can be booked online at the Hobbiton website. They MUST be pre-purchased to avoid disappointment of a sold-out tour on the day.
My biggest advice when planning your Hobbiton movie set tour is to book it well in advance. Even though 38 tours run every single day, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand.
Especially during the peak summer months (December – February) you should book your tickets at least 2-3 months before you wish to go. I went in mid-January 2026 and booked it in mid-November, and there was very little space left, we were lucky to get a spot.
If you are visiting out of peak season then you have a little more flexibility, but I would still recommend getting it booked for peace of mind. Even as I write this post, on March 31st, the next available Hobbiton tour is on 19th April – almost 3 weeks away!
What Should You Bring?
Packing list:
- Camera
- Sun glasses
- Hat
- Sun cream
- Jumper/coat in the colder months
- Extra money for drinks/snacks from the Green Dragon Inn
- ID (if needed) for beer purchase at the Green Dragon Inn
What Is Included In The Tour?
Your ticket includes the entire tour with a guide and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. There are designated stops where your guide will tell you particular facts, take pictures, or ask if anyone has any questions. You stay with the tour guide and rest of the group the entire time.
Tour Schedule:
1) 20 minutes before tour departure time: arrive and check in. Then wait for your bus time, there are toilets and a small cafe here.
2) At departure time: board your bus – a short 10 minute ride through the picturesque Alexander Farm. A video is played and significant places are pointed out on the way.
3) The tour itself – depart the bus and meet your guide to start the tour. This is generally 1.5-2 hours long.
4) Spend about 10-15 minutes exploring the inside of a Hobbit Hole!
5) At the end of the tour you get to have a complimentary drink in the Green Dragon Inn! There is an alcoholic beer and cider, or a non-alcoholic ginger beer to choose from. Extra food/drinks is available for purchase.
6) Board the bus once more and return to the Shire’s Rest
7) Visit the best part of any tourist attraction – the gift shop! There is also a cafe here too.
So… is visiting Hobbiton Movie Set worth it?
If you had not gathered by now… I think YES! I love Hobbiton and would recommend it to everyone. It is an absolute must visit to all LOTR movie fans and those who just want some whimsy and magic in their life.
Thank you so much for reading this blog! I hope it has assisted you in your visit to this magical place.
Please like this post and comment if you have any questions.
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