Hobbiton Movie Set

Story of the hobbiton movie set :-

In 1998, Sir Peter Jackson’s team of location scouts were searching for the iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of Hobbiton™. An aerial search led them to the Alexander farm, a stunning 1,250 acre sheep farm in the heart of the Waikato. They noted the area’s striking similarity to The Shire™, as described by JRR Tolkien, and quickly realised that the Hobbits™ had found a home.

In one particular part of the farm, a magnificent pine tree towered over a nearby lake, adjacent to a rising hill. Bag End now sits atop that hill, overlooking the Party Tree, as that pine would later be known. The surrounding areas were untouched; no power lines, no buildings and no roads in sight. This meant that Sir Peter Jackson could leave the 20th century behind, and fully submerge himself in the fantasy world of Middle-earth™.

In March 1999 the crew began the nine month quest to bring the ideas for Hobbiton to fruition; help was provided by the New Zealand Army, and soon 39 temporary Hobbit Holes™ were scattered across the 12 acre plot used for the set. Secrecy was key, and strict security measures were put in place by the production company throughout construction and filming. Filming commenced in December 1999, and it took around three months to get a wrap on The Shire.

After an initial attempt at demolition, 17 bare plywood facades remained. These shells would serve as the catalyst that propelled Hobbiton forward into the public eye, with guided tours commencing in 2002.

In 2009, Sir Peter Jackson returned to film The Hobbit trilogy, and he left behind the beautiful movie set you’ll see today; 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes, in the same fantastic detail seen in the movies. In 2012 The Green Dragon™ Inn was opened as the finale to the journey. Guests now finish their Hobbiton Movie Set experience with a refreshing beverage from the Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ Range. There’s an abundance of movie magic nestled inside the fully operational farm.

Ticket fare :–

$89.00 - ADULT (17 years and over).

$44.00 - YOUTH (9-16 years). Youth 14 years or younger must be accompanied by a full paying adult.

$225.00 - FAMILY PASS (includes 2x Adults and 2x Youth). Additional tickets can be added at rates above and must be booked at time of purchase. Please include a ticket for every child in your group.

FREE - CHILD/INFANT (0-8 years). Children and infants are FREE but MUST have a ticket allocated prior to arrival and be accompanied by a full paying adult. Please book a ticket for all children travelling in your group.

Terms and Conditions :-

All prices are retail and in New Zealand Dollars.

All prices are GST inclusive.

NZ Gold Cards must be cited upon check-in to honour this fare type.

Tours and activities operate in all weather conditions with umbrellas are provided in the event of rain.

In the event of extreme weather conditions we reserve the right to make alternative tour arrangements.

Please note that no tours are able to access the set without being accompanied by a tour guide. The set is located on private property and is still operated as a working farm.

The Shire’s Rest Cafe is open every day (excluding Christmas day).

Retail validation dates, 2021-23 valid until 31 March 2023.

Photos and video recordings taken on set are for personal use only and not to be sold, distributed or used for commercial gain due to our contracts with the film companies.

Cancellation Policies

Daily Tours:

Cancellation more than 24 hours before tour departure 100% refund

Cancellation made less than 24 hours before tour departure No refund

If you wish to make amendments to your Daily Tour booking date or time, we are able to make amendments bookings up to 2 hours before at no cost. Bookings can be moved up to one month after the original tour date.

Private, Inbound, Second Breakfast & Evening Banquet Tours:

Cancellation more than 72 hours before tour departure 100% refund

Cancellation made less than 72 hours before tour departure No refund

Special Events:

Cancellation more than 7 days before departure 100% refund

Cancellation made less than 7 days before tour departure No refund

COVID-19:

To protect the health and safety of our staff and customers, Hobbiton staff reserve the right to deny entry to our venues and tour experiences to any persons who are exhibiting any potential COVID-19 symptoms (including but not exclusive to fever, cough and shortness of breath). If you or someone in your group are experiencing symptoms, please advise our staff immediately via phone or email before arriving onsite.

If you have made a booking on a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and your travel plans are affected by enforced COVID-19 restrictions, we can provide a 100% refund on your booking. Alternatively, we can move your booking to another date or transfer the value of your booking to a Gift Voucher valid for 12 months.

To cancel, postpone or transfer your booking to a voucher, please contact our team.

Please note, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Hobbiton Movie Set reserves the right to adapt our tour experience and/or split large groups in order to ensure we can comply with NZ Government restrictions of operation at the time.

Please Note

Moving a booking: A booking can only be moved up to one month after the original time and date of the scheduled tour experience.

No shows: If you do not contact our team and do not arrive to check in for your scheduled tour experience, your booking will be cancelled with no refund given.

Images and Video: Any sales or commercial gain from images or video captured at Hobbiton Movie Set is strictly prohibited due to intellectual property restrictions and our agreements with the film companies.

Private Events: All cancellation queries for Functions and Events must go through our Events Coordinator.

Refunds: Unless directed otherwise, refunds will be processed onto the card used at time of original booking. Refunds can take up to 20 working days to appear in your account.

Service of Alcohol

Hobbiton Movie Set require all customers to produce a form of valid ID in order to be served alcohol from our venues as directed by the New Zealand Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013.

The following forms of ID are accepted:

• Current Passport

• New Zealand Drivers License

• Hospitality New Zealand 18+ Card

The following form of ID cannot be accepted:

• Overseas Drivers Licence

• International Drivers License Student Card

• Youth Travel Card

• Photocopy of your Passport, 18+ Card or NZ Drivers License

• Any Passport, 18+ Card or NZ Drivers License that is expire.

Area Information :-

Experience a journey through New Zealand and let us guide you to something new around every corner. 100% Pure New Zealand.

New Zealand’s diverse and sometimes extreme landscapes made it the one place in the world that could bring Tolkien’s epic masterpiece to life. New Zealand also is the country where Peter Jackson was born, grew up, and still lives today.

Peter Jackson and his team scoured New Zealand for the most beautiful and diverse areas to create Middle-earth. The rolling hills of Matamata became Hobbiton, while the volcanic region of Mt Ruapehu transformed into the fiery Mt. Doom, and Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, was the setting for numerous scenes including the Eregion Hills, and the Pillars of Argonath.

Besides the Lord of the Rings and many other famous motion pictures, New Zealand is also the country of rugby, yacht racing, kiwi fruit, bungy jumping, fishing, and millions of sheep. NZ might be slightly isolated and a long way to travel for many, but this is without a doubt one of the most fascinating places on earth to visit.

MATAMATA & SURROUNDS

Visit for the adventure, stay for the hospitality.

With the perfect combination of hillsides and plains, Matamata, meaning headland in Maori, has its rural roots in the equine and dairying industries.

Set in the shadow of the Kaimai Ranges the area’s diverse range of natural scenery means there are some hidden gems to uncover including the 153m high Wairere Falls. Meanwhile, natural hot springs can be found, right next to the town’s 18-hole golf course, and adds to the region’s many opportunities for a soak or swim in naturally heated waters.

Back in town, Matamata’s cafes on the main street are popular local meeting spots while artisan producers are also claiming the area as a good base for their operations including award-winning cheese at Waharoa.

The many grand trees give the town centre a distinctive appeal and the iconic Firth Tower Museum in its park like setting gives an insight into the area’s pioneering history while “the kingmaker”, Wiremu Tamihana, is also recalled in place names and historic sites.

THE WAIKATO REGION

Hamilton city is a scenic 45 minute drive from Hobbiton™ Movie Set

The Waikato region offers something for everyone – from the stunning black sand surf beaches of Raglan to Hamilton’s vibrant café scene and Middle-earth movie magic, there are plenty of things to do in the Waikato. Well-known for its nature-based tourism and underground wonders the region encompasses New Zealand’s fourth largest city, the country’s longest river – Waikato River, Hobbiton Movie Set and the world famous Waitomo Caves with its glowworms and subterranean adventure activities.

ROTORUA

Rotorua is a scenic 45 minute drive from Hobbiton™ Movie Set.

Rotorua is an adventure playground with a great range of activities to enjoy for any age. If you are looking for a great family getaway, the kids will love the iconic attractions on offer. Explore the popular Thursday Night Market for boutique style shopping and a delicious variety of ethnic cuisines. The is so much more to discover in NZ’s coolest hot spot!