Hobbiton Movie Set
-
Port
Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$279.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Join this fascinating tour to the Hobbiton movie set near Matamata, where you will be able to step back in time to JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth and the Hobbiton movie set, built in 1999 for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Filming commenced in 1999, and the stars on site were Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen), Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), Bilbo Baggins (Sir Ian Holm) and Sam Gamgee (Sean Astin), along with director Peter Jackson. In 2010, the set was completely rebuilt in amazing detail for the three most recent Hobbit movies. Many more Hobbit homes were added with their beautifully crafted façades and colorful gardens.
Cross the Kaimai Ranges by coach and head across the Waikato lowlands to Middle Earth.
You’ll enjoy a two and a half hour guided tour while exploring the Hobbiton Movie Set and village, where Bilbo Baggins lived and the quest for the ring began. Have your photo taken in front of a hobbit hole or by the pond while your guide entertains you with the stories and insider dish about filming these Hollywood blockbusters in New Zealand.
Make your way to Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Designed and crafted by the renowned creative teams behind the film trilogies, Bagshot Row offers an authentic glimpse into the charming dwellings of Hobbits going about daily life in the Shire. Your guide will lead you through one of two Hobbit Holes offering time to explore the detailed interiors, with each home designed to create an identical experience.
Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon pub which is the masterpiece with its thatched roof and old-English charm. You will stop at the Green Dragon for a complimentary, exclusive beverage from the Hobbit Southfarthing range to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.
Afterwards enjoy some free time to browse the gift shop or grab a bite to eat from The Shire's Rest Cafe before making your way back to the port.
Notes:
The drive to the movie set is 75 minutes each way. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with back problems. Approx 2.5hrs of walking/standing involved.