Filming Location
Hobbiton

The Hobbiton village from the movies “Lord Of The Rings” and “The Hobbit” is located in the Shire, the homeland of Hobbits. The owners did not dismantle the Hobbiton movie set after the filming of both movies. Instead, they transformed it into a theme park in New Zealand that fans can visit today.

“And so life in the Shire goes on, very much as it has this past age. Full of its own comings and goings with change coming slowly, if it comes at all. For things are made to endure in the Shire, passing from one generation to the next. There’s always been a Baggins living here under the Hill, in Bag End. And there always will be.”

Bilbo Baggins

Where did they film the “Hobbiton” scenes?

The famous movie set was constructed on a sheep farm near the town Matamata in New Zealand. It is a 2-hour drive away from Auckland and around 40 minutes from Hamilton.

The former movie set of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” is now a theme park open to the public. The movie set’s transformation has allowed fans to visit an authentic Hobbit village with genuine Hobbit Holes, Bag End, the Old Mill with the bridge, and even The Green Dragon Inn. Whether you take an organized tour or explore the village independently, the Hobbiton set offers a unique experience.

MORE ABOUT MATAMATA’S HOBBITON MOVIE SET

The Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, New Zealand, is a must-visit destination for fans of both “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Here’s a quick overview:

The set was initially constructed in 1999 for “The Lord of the Rings” films. The original set was torn down after filming but was rebuilt permanently for “The Hobbit” trilogy, allowing fans to step directly into the Shire.

The site encompasses 12 acres and includes 44 unique Hobbit Holes, gardens, the double-arched bridge, the Green Dragon Inn, and other structures such as the Mill and the Party Tree. It perfectly captures the Shire’s enchanting spirit from J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved tales.

Visiting Matamata’s Hobbiton Movie Set is not just a journey into the cinematic world; it’s an opportunity to experience the tranquil beauty and magic of the Shire as envisioned by Peter Jackson in his iconic film adaptations. Whether a fan of the movies or the books, Hobbiton offers a tangible connection to the timeless world of Middle-earth

The scenes filmed at Matamata

“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy:

• Hobbiton is prominently featured at the beginning of the film, including Bilbo’s birthday party – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
• Hobbiton is seen again at the end of the trilogy when the Hobbits return to the Shire – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

“The Hobbit” Trilogy:

• Hobbiton is seen at the beginning, where Bilbo’s home is – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
• Hobbiton is briefly revisited in this film, especially in the extended edition – The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies