- Entry is by guided tour only and tours sell out in summer, so book online
- The standard tour includes a drink at the Green Dragon Inn
- It is about two hours' drive from Auckland and one hour from Rotorua
- Evening banquet tours are pricier but quieter and atmospheric
- Type
- Landmark
- Where
- New Zealand
- Time needed
- about 2-2.5 hours for the standard tour
- Admission
- guided tours from about NZ$120 per adult (2026), check before you go
The Hobbiton Movie Set sits on the rolling green pastures of the Alexander family's farm near Matamata, where Peter Jackson filmed the Shire scenes for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Rebuilt in permanent materials for The Hobbit, it is now one of the most visited attractions in New Zealand, and charming even if you have never seen the films. It is an easy day trip from Auckland.
What you'll see
Guided tours lead you along the paths of Hobbiton past 44 hobbit holes, each with its own colourful door and miniature garden, including Bag End beneath the party tree. Guides share stories about the filming and the tricks used to make actors look hobbit-sized. Some hobbit holes now have furnished interiors you can step inside. The walk finishes across the double-arched bridge at the Green Dragon Inn, where a complimentary drink of the set's own ale, cider or a soft drink is included.
Tickets and tips
- Book ahead: entry is only on guided tours, which run throughout the day and often sell out in summer and school holidays.
- Prices: the standard tour costs from about NZ$120 per adult (2026), with reduced prices for children. Evening banquet tours, with a feast at the Green Dragon, cost considerably more.
- Timing: early morning and late afternoon tours are less crowded and better for photos.
- What to bring: the tour is mostly outdoors on gentle slopes, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof. Umbrellas are often available.
- Shop: the gift shop at The Shire's Rest sells exclusive merchandise.
Getting there
The tours depart from The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, about 15 minutes from Matamata. It is roughly two hours' drive from Auckland and about an hour from Rotorua or Tauranga. Free parking is available. Without a car, shuttles run from the Matamata i-SITE (designed to look like a hobbit gatehouse), and many coach tours from Auckland and Rotorua include Hobbiton.
Where is Hobbiton Movie Set?
Open in OpenStreetMap · -37.85780, 175.68020
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to have seen the films to enjoy Hobbiton?
No. The scenery and detail are impressive in their own right, but fans will appreciate the behind-the-scenes stories most.
Can you go inside the hobbit holes?
Most are just façades, but some now have furnished interiors that tours visit.
How long is the Hobbiton tour?
The standard tour takes about two hours, including time at the Green Dragon Inn. Allow extra time for the shop and café.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
More from AnnaOpening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.