The Hobbiton Movie Set is the real, permanent filming location from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. It sits on a 1,250-acre sheep farm in the Waikato region near Matamata, New Zealand. 44 hobbit holes, the Party Tree, Bag End, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn where you finish with a complimentary drink. Only accessible via guided tour.
Ticket Prices (2026)
Hobbiton Movie Set Walking Tour (Signature Tour)
- Adult (18+): NZ$130 (~US$78)
- Youth (11 to 17): NZ$65 (~US$39)
- Child (0 to 10): free (ticket still required at booking)
- Family pack (2 adults + 2 youth): NZ$332 (~US$200)
- Duration: 2.5 hours (including shuttle, guided walk, and drink at the Green Dragon)
Other tour options available at the official site:
- Tour + Lunch Combo: ~NZ$170 per adult (adds a sit-down lunch at the Party Marquee, 3.5 hours total)
- Evening Banquet Tour: themed feast experience
- Behind the Scenes Tour: deeper dive into filmmaking details
- Second Breakfast Tour: morning experience with breakfast
The Viator listing often matches or comes close to official pricing, with the advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
👉 Book your Hobbiton tour tickets
What’s Included
Your ticket covers the shuttle bus from Shire’s Rest to the set (10-minute scenic ride through the farm), a fully guided walking tour through the 12-acre set, a visit inside a furnished hobbit hole, and a complimentary Southfarthing beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) at the Green Dragon Inn. Guide, shuttle, and drink all included.
Not included: transport to Shire’s Rest (you drive yourself or book a separate day trip from Auckland or Rotorua), food (available for purchase at the café), and hotel pickup.
What You’ll See
Your guide walks you through 44 hobbit holes set into the hillside, each with its own round door, garden, and details maintained year-round. You’ll visit Bag End (Bilbo and Frodo’s home), the Party Tree, the Mill and waterwheel, Samwise Gamgee’s house (with a fully furnished interior), and the village gardens. The tour ends at the Green Dragon Inn for your complimentary drink. Plenty of photo opportunities throughout. Guides share behind-the-scenes stories about filming, set construction, and how Peter Jackson chose this exact location.
Before You Book
- Book early. Hobbiton sells out weeks and sometimes months in advance, especially December through February (NZ summer). Tours open approximately 10 months ahead. This tour is booked an average of 66 days in advance on Viator.
- Getting there. Shire’s Rest is at 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, near Matamata. About 2 hours drive from Auckland, 45 minutes from Rotorua. No public transport. Drive yourself or book a day trip with transport from Auckland or Rotorua.
- Walking required. The tour covers uneven, hilly terrain. Comfortable shoes essential. Not fully wheelchair accessible (contact Hobbiton directly at least 2 weeks ahead for a complimentary golf cart).
- Strollers. Permitted but terrain is hilly.
- Weather. Tours run rain or shine. Bring layers and an umbrella. The green hills look stunning in any weather.
- No food. You won’t enjoy a movie, you are not allowed to eat during the tour. Café available before and after at Shire’s Rest.
- Cancellation: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund via Viator.
Book Your Hobbiton Tour
4.8 stars from 3,800+ reviews. Whether you’re a Tolkien fan or just someone who appreciates extraordinary craftsmanship in a stunning setting, Hobbiton is one of New Zealand’s must-see experiences. Book early, sell-outs are common.
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Prices displayed in NZD. USD conversions are approximate. Confirm final price at checkout.
