In 1999, Peter Jackson knocked on the door of the Alexander’s home, proposed an idea, and decided that this was where the Hobbiton Movie Set would be created. Now, many years later, it is a phenomenon where hundreds of thousands of tourists and LOTR/The Hobbit fans come visit each year. The set is located near the town of Matamata in the Waikato region of the North Island.
The tour starts as you board a bus, then taken through the farm, heading out to the set. Walking into the Hobbiton Movie Set is like stepping into another world. The Hobbit houses are so life-like you feel like they might open their door and greet you as you walk by. There is so much detail put into each house – some even had washing hanging on the line!
The tour lasts about 2 hours long and as part of it you make a stop at The Green Dragon Inn, which is featured in the LOTR trilogy’s and you receive a complimentary drink exclusively made for Hobbiton.
I recommend either going early morning or late afternoon as it gets very crowed over lunch time. You can book your tickets online through their website here.
Where Kate Resides 