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Everything you need to know about the Hobbiton Movie Set

Everything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Hobbit Hole, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel Blog

Right after Auckland, we packed up from the city and ventured out to Middle Earth to the most whimsical place in the world, Hobbiton Movie Set. With a 12 acre set, 44 Hobbit Holes and the famous Green Dragon Inn, you’ll be entranced by the magic where Bilbo Baggins began his adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hobbiton Movie Set located in Matamata, New Zealand!

Everything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel BlogEverything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel BlogWe rented a car and embarked on a two-hour drive from Auckland to Hobbiton. Remember, they drive on the opposite side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right. This took some time to get used to, but you’ll get the hang of it. The drive is fairly straight forward; you start on a major highway and end up driving through smaller roads and towns. The two-hour drive passes by so quickly with the gorgeous scenery and endless pasteurized hills.

Everything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Hobbit Hole, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel BlogOnce you’re near, follow signs for the Hobbiton Movie Set and find parking (it’s free). Be sure to book your tour in advance since they can sell out and it’ll help with a smooth check-in. For the popular Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, a coach bus will take you right to the movie set entrance where the magic begins.

Everything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Hobbit Hole, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel BlogYour tour guide escorts you (along with about 30 other people) through The Shire for 1 hour and 45 mins. They will show you the Hobbit Holes and provide fun and interesting movie tidbits. Don’t forget to snap the most famous Hobbit Hole of them all – Bag Ends (pictured below)! At the end of the tour, enjoy a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn in Shire-style! The apple cider beer can’t be found anywhere else in the world!

Everything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Hobbit Hole, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel BlogEverything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel BlogIf you’re ever planning a visit to the North Island in New Zealand, the Hobbiton Movie Set is an absolute must-do. It’s different than anything I’ve seen back in the States and something I’ll never forget. If you’re ready to become a Hobbit and transport yourself to The Shire, here are Hobbiton Movie Set tips that you should know before you go.

Everything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Hobbit Hole, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel BlogEverything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel BlogHobbiton Movie Set Tips:

  • Book your tour tickets early and online. Tour tickets can sell out so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Tickets are directly available through their site.
  • Bring a fully charged camera. This is a once in a lifetime experience so be sure to make and capture memories here! For all photos in this post, we used the Sony A6000.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking on small dirt and grass pathways. Stick with flat shoes or even flip flops. You can never go wrong with these sneakers.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather. If you are going during the summer, wear shorts, a dress, or something lightweight. It gets really hot!
  • Put on sunscreen. There is less ozone in New Zealand so the sun rays are much more intense here. It’s important to protect your skin so be sure to put on body sunscreen as well as SPF products for your face and lips.
  • Fill up your water bottle beforehand. You’ll get a refreshment at the Green Dragon Inn towards the end, but you’ll be thirsty during the tour. Stay hydrated especially under the hot sun.
  • Watch The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings Trilogies prior to the tour. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the tour so much more if you’ve watched the movies. They’re long but totally worth it! I found an awesome deal for both trilogies.
  • No tipping. There is no tipping in New Zealand so don’t feel like it’s necessary to tip the tour guide or bus driver.

Everything you need to know about Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire, Hobbit Hole, Matamata, New Zealand, Travel Blog
If you have any questions about your trip, feel free to email me at tina@justatinabit.com! I hope this post was helpful!

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Comments

  9. Mikéla says

    Ohhh I loved this post! I have always wanted to got to New Zealand, so Hobbiton is definitely on the top of my list of things to do one day! It just looks so magical. Love the photos you got! That picture of you at the fence is so pretty!

    Reply

  12. Jackie says

    Wow, this is so cool Tina! Can’t believe you got to tour the movie set. And the scenery is beyond beautiful and you look so cute. New Zealand is definitely on my bucket list.
    Have a great weekend.

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

    Reply

  15. Gabrielle says

    This is an absolute DREAM! The weather looks absolutely beautiful and you couldn’t have chosen a prettier outfit for the day trip. Great tip to wear comfortable footwear too – this place is on my travel wishlist, for sure!

    aglassofice.com
    x

    Reply

  16. Lena says

    OMG it’s a real thing! Hobbiton is a real place! Ahhhh!! (ok excuse my enthusiasm but I had no idea this is actually a tourist attraction). Looks like such a fun place to visit, I wouldn’t mind the 1 1/2 tour and also investing in a comfy pair of walking shoes just to be at this place. Oh my definitely adding this to my list of places to visit in NZ! Thanks for sharing this Tina 🙂 xo~ Lena
    http://www.thewanderliste.com

    Reply

  51. Helen says

    I’m so excited you finally wrote a post about this! The Hobbiton movie set looks so magical! You really captured some great photos of the set and you look so cute in all the pictures too. The tour sounds very fun and I think have to go for the special apple cider beer alone. Thanks for all these tips, Tina!

    -Helen
    http://www.sweethelengrace.com

    Reply

  71. New Zealand trip says

    Nice post! I like this blog, which shares a lot regarding The Hobbiton Movie Set. All the pictures you shared in this posts are amazing and beautiful. Please keep sharing more informative posts like this.

    Reply

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