Hobbiton, New Zealand

Hobbiton is a fictional village which appeared in the novels: “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” by by J.R.R. Tolkien. Hobbiton village was built as a set (for the films which were based on the Novels) is located on a farm near a little town called Matamata in northern New Zealand. It was decided to keep the Hobbit holes set  as tourist attractions, (they blend smoothly into the environment), there is even a sign which says :”Welcome to Hobbiton” on the main road, directing people to this wounderful little Hobbit town.

Green Dragon

Although the set was not built to last, the hobbit hole facades having been constructed from untreated timber, ply and polystyrene, it was evident that the location was of interest to tourists. Guided tours of the 5.5 hectares (14 acres) movie set site commenced in 2002 and continue to be provided on a daily basis, the two hour excursion having to be booked in advance. Highlights of the tour include Bagshot Row, the Party Tree, and Bilbo's Bag End home. There are now 44 hobbit holes on view although it is not possible to enter any of them. (The interior of Bag End was shot in a studio in Wellington.

Two hours south of Auckland lies the lush farmland of the Hamilton - Waikato region. Famous for dairying and fine thoroughbred horses, it's easy to see why these green pastures and rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton and The Shire.

Hobbit fans can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a guided tour; it has more than 44 unique hobbit holes, including Bag End (Bilbo's house). As you wander through the heart of the Shire, you'll get to hear the fascinating commentary about how it was all created. Along your journey you'll see the mill, the double arched bridge and the famous Party Tree before stopping for a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Evening tours are also available, and they include a feast fit for a hobbit!

A number of great farmstays are also on offer in Matamata. Just east of town you can discover the North Island’s highest waterfalls, Wairere Falls, which are a spectacular sight plunging 153m.

The Wairere Falls walking track showcases a diverse range of natural scenery and from the lookout you can enjoy magnificent views over the valley and the Waikato Plains. Matamata is situated 2 hours' drive from Auckland, 45 minutes from Hamilton and 1 hour from Rotorua.