Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: Explore the World of Middle-Earth in Matamata, New Zealand
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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: Explore the World of Middle-Earth in Matamata, New Zealand
For fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” a Hobbiton movie set tour is an unforgettable experience that takes visitors directly into the world of Middle-Earth created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Hobbiton is located in Matamata, a small town on New Zealand’s North Island, about a two-hour drive from Auckland. It became famous after being used as a filming location for “The Lord of the Rings” and later “The Hobbit,” two highly successful film trilogies directed by Peter Jackson.
History of the Hobbiton Set
The origins of the Hobbiton movie set began in 1998 when Peter Jackson and the production team of “The Lord of the Rings” began searching for the perfect location to depict the Shire, the home of the hobbits. They found the perfect location on the Alexander family’s farm in Matamata, which offers lush green scenery with rolling hills, large trees and a serene lake, just as depicted in Tolkien’s novels.
The process of building Hobbiton began with hard work transforming the sheep farm into an authentic hobbit village. With meticulous attention to detail, they built 37 “hobbit holes” and other structures such as The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and a stone bridge. After filming was complete, the set was dismantled, but the popularity of the films and demand from tourists led the Alexander family and Peter Jackson to rebuild Hobbiton with permanent materials in 2011 for “The Hobbit” trilogy.
Hobbiton Tour Experience
A tour of Hobbiton offers a unique and immersive experience. Tours begin at the Shire’s Rest, a visitor center that features a cafe, gift shop and parking area. From here, visitors are taken by bus through green fields to the Hobbiton film set nestled amidst the rolling hills.
Upon arrival at Hobbiton, visitors are greeted with a stunning view of the countryside. They can stroll along the winding cobblestone paths past the famous hobbit houses with their brightly colored round doors and beautiful flower gardens. Each hobbit hole is made with great detail, from the wooden fences, fruit baskets, to the hobbit clothes hanging out to dry, as if there were still hobbits living there.
A friendly and knowledgeable tour guide will accompany the tour, providing interesting information about the filming process, behind-the-set stories, and stories about the cast and crew involved in making the film. Visitors can also take pictures at various iconic spots such as Bag End, the home of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, located at the top of Bag End Hill.
After exploring the hobbit village, the tour ends at The Green Dragon Inn, a pub that is very popular among Middle-Earth fans. Here, visitors can enjoy a specialty drink such as ale, ginger beer, or cider while sitting by a warm fire or by the peaceful lake. The atmosphere inside the pub is very cozy and creates the illusion of being in the Shire.
Themed Tours and Special Events
In addition to regular tours, Hobbiton also offers various themed tour packages and special events. One of the most popular is the night tour that showcases the beauty of the film set illuminated by small lights, creating a magical atmosphere that is hard to forget. Visitors will be invited to walk under the starry sky and enjoy a delicious dinner at The Green Dragon Inn.
Hobbiton also often holds special events such as "International Hobbit Day" which is celebrated every September 22, coinciding with the birthdays of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. This event usually includes a festive party with traditional hobbit food and drinks, musical performances, and various entertaining activities.
Enjoying New Zealand's Nature
In addition to enjoying the stunning film set atmosphere, tourists can also explore the natural beauty around Hobbiton. Matamata and its surroundings offer a variety of outdoor activities such as walking in the hills, cycling, or horse riding. New Zealand's green and well-maintained nature makes every trip feel refreshing and memorable.
Visitors can also visit other tourist attractions near Hobbiton, such as Rotorua which is famous for its geothermal activity, geysers, and rich Maori culture. In addition, the fertile Waikato region also has vineyards, limestone caves, and beautiful rivers to explore.
Practical Information
To visit Hobbiton, it is advisable to book a tour ticket in advance through the official Hobbiton Movie Set Tours website due to its very high popularity, especially during the holiday season. Tours usually last for two hours and includes a return bus ride from Shire’s Rest.
Hobbiton is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during spring or summer (September to April) when the weather is milder and the gardens around Hobbiton are in full bloom. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear as the tour involves a lot of walking on cobblestone paths.
Conclusion
Hobbiton is more than just a tourist destination; it is a window into a fantasy world that has captivated millions around the world. Visiting the film set provides an opportunity to truly experience the Shire and experience the life of a hobbit as depicted in Tolkien’s works. Set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s rolling green hills, Hobbiton is a must-visit for film buffs, nature lovers and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Every corner is filled with wonder, beckoning visitors to come and explore a world so close to their imaginations.