Explore the Enchanting New Hobbit Hole at the Hobbiton Movie Set
- By: Auckland for Kids
- Published:
Discover a brand-new marvel at the heart of the Hobbiton Movie Set™ in Waikato with your family! A captivating addition at Bagshot Row™, will take you and the kids on an extraordinary journey into the heart of an authentic Hobbit Hole™ interior, intensifying the enchantment of visiting The Shire™ and Middle-earth™.
Once you step beyond the door, you will enter an intricately designed Hobbit Hole, complete with meticulously crafted rooms. From an inviting entry hall to two snug bedrooms, a quaint bathroom, a charming kitchen, and a welcoming dining area equipped with a fully stocked pantry, the Hobbit Hole unravels a world of cozy corners. Plus you can enjoy the comfort of a parlour adorned with a crackling fireplace.
Immersed in warm earthy hues and adorned with rich wooden textures, the interiors authentically mirror the snug and homely Hobbit Holes immortalised in the beloved Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Remember as you go through the maze of rooms and hallways, to watch your heads, as every corner has been thoughtfully constructed to accommodate a Hobbit’s stature.
Every visit to the Hobbiton Movie set, includes the Hobbit Hole as part of your visit. This new experience extends tour durations, allowing visitors lots of time to delve deeper into the charm and intricacies of the Hobbit Hole and explore the Hobbiton Movie Set!
Where is the Hobbition?
You can find the Hobbiton™ Movie Set at The Shire’s Rest on a farm at 501 Buckland Road in Matamata, a town in Waikato in the North Island of New Zealand. The Movie set is only accessible on a guided walking tour. Daily tours are available, but as these book out we recommend you book online for the day you want to go. Hobbiton is about a 2.5 hour drive from Auckland and only an hours drive to Rotorua.
When is Hobbiton open?
Hobbiton is open every day, except for Christmas Day, the 25th December.
Do you have to visit Hobbiton on a tour?
Yes, you can only go on a walking tour. You purchase tickets at the visitor entrance in The Shires Rest and then will be guided through the entrance gate. You board a bus for a short ride to the movie set where you join a walking tour with a guide. The walking tour ends at the Green Dragon Inn. Then you will take the bus back to the Shire’s Rest where you started.
We recommend booking advance, especially in the school holidays as they are often sold out on the day.
What is the cost to visit Hobbiton?
The cost varies depending on what Hobbiton Movie Set Experience you choose.
The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour leaving the Shire’s Rest is the most popular tour and is 2.5 hours long and costs $120 for Adults, $60 for youth aged 11 to 17 years, FREE for children 0 to 10 years accompanied by a full paying adult or $306 for a Family Pass including 2 adults and 2 youth.
The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Meal Combo includes a daily shared tour from The Shire’s Rest followed by a buffet lunch served inside the festive Party Marquee next to The Green Dragon Inn. This tour combo takes 4.5 hours and costs $158 for Adults, $98 for youth aged 11 to 17 years, and FREE for children aged 0 to 10 years accompanied by a full paying adult. Bookings are essential for this tour which is available on selected weekend and weekdays.
The Second Breakfast Tour includes a shared tour of the Movie Set followed by a heart breakfast spread served inside The Millhouse. The breatkfast tour is available on selected weekends and takes 3.5 hours. Tickets are $180 for adults, $114 for youth (11 to 17 years), $64 for children (5 to 10 years) and FREE for infants under 5 years accompanied by a fully paying adult.
The Evening Banquet Tour which lets you see the Shire at dusk on a shared tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set followed by a two hour banquet feast fit for a Hobbit served inside The Green Dragon Inn and a lantern-lit walk through the movie set under moonlight. This tour costs $230 for Adults, $177 for Youth (11 to 17 years), $119 for Children (5 to 10 years) and FREE for infants 0 to 4 years accompanied by a full paying adult.
Note prices are correct as at December 2023.
Tips for Enjoying a Hobbiton Tour With the Family
The tour from the Shire’s Rest takes approximately two hours and has about 1 hour of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
You can take photos throughout the tour, so remember to get a family photo together in Hobbiton!
You can bring a stroller, but as there are some dirt tracks, cobblestone paths and some stairs you may find a baby carrier easier if you have littlies. Umbrellas are available to borrow if it is raining or you want some shade from the sun.
There is not toilet during the tour, but there is one at the Green Dragon Inn at the end of the tour.
There is lots of FREE parking at The Shire’s Rest for customers, including space for large vehicles and camper vans.
