Hobbiton Movie Set Tours | Matamata Guided Attractions Waikato Attractions

Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours

Hinuera farmer Ian Alexander was enjoying a typical Kiwi afternoon in September 1998 – watching a rugby match on TV – when there was a knock on the door that would change his life.

The location scouts from the film company New Line Cinema had seen the property by air after having hunted all over New Zealand with Peter Jackson for the location of Hobbiton. They realised the Alexander’s 500 hectare working sheep farm had everything they needed.

In March 1999 construction began to transform the site into the Shire for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The area was devoid of 20th century eyesores, such as buildings and powerlines, and became the perfect palette on which the set designers could work their magic.

When The Fellowship of the Ring was released, inquiries from eager fans and tourists escalated, with people keen to visit Bilbo’s home. Set demolition had begun, however the ongoing interest saw the family seek permission from New Line Cinema to run tours of the remaining set.

Since December 2002 guides have been taking visitors on to the farm where they show them the spots in which filming took place. Visitors from around the world have now walked in "the footsteps of Hobbits" and enjoyed a very special part of New Zealand.

The Shires Rest Cafe and Function Centre located at the entrance to the farm caters for the hungry traveller and offers special souvenirs of the visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. It caters for independent travellers, larger groups, conferences and other special functions (eg: 21st birthday parties). For further information on group tours or conference / function facilities please contact us.

Tours depart from The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata with a free courtesy shuttle from the Matamata Information Centre each day. There is also the option of a half day excursion from the Rotorua Information Centre. For more information phone 07 888 9113 (Matamata) or 07 348 0711 (Rotorua).

More Information

The Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour is an essential stop on the itinerary of all visitors travelling through New Zealand, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating the famous film set and a special insight into rural life.

Your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges.

Your guide will escort you through the ten acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created.
Image boards are strategically placed at key locations which allow you to see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

Upon completion of your tour to the set you will return to The Shires Rest to enjoy the Sheep Farm Experience.

Tours operate daily. Please visit www.hobbitontours.com for departure times and pricing.

Terms of Trade(e.g. Deposit Policy, Cancellation Policy, Purchase Policy)

Cancellation policy

A 100% refund is available if a cancellation is made up to two hours prior to scheduled tour departure time.

A 50% refund is available if a cancellation is made within 2 hours prior to the scheduled tour departure time

No refund is available if booking is not cancelled.

Tours run in all weather conditions. Umbrellas are provided when it rains. In the event of extreme weather conditions, we reserve the right to make alternative tour arrangements.

Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours reserves the right to cancel, alter or modify a tour due to circumstances over which it has no control. In the event of tour cancellation, the liability of Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours is limited solely to the cost of the tour.

Please check the following items: