Last Updated on 25 June 2025 by Vanessa
Have you ever dreamt of visiting Hobbiton, the movie set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit? Tucked away in the rolling green hills of New Zealand, this is where you can walk through real Hobbit holes, see the Party Tree, and experience the real-life magic of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary tales.
But the best part? There’s a cat living in The Shire. His name is Pickles, and visitors from all over the world are falling in love with him.
With the official Hobbiton Movie Set tour, you’ll not only see the real-life filming locations from Middle-earth, but you’ll also get the chance to meet Pickles himself.
Here’s everything you need to know to start planning your trip to one of New Zealand’s most magical places and cats.
Meet Pickles, the cat that calls Hobbiton home
A short history of Hobbiton: from movie set to tourist attraction
How it all began
When director Peter Jackson set out to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to the big screen, he wanted a real-life Shire. The crew discovered Alexander Farm in New Zealand’s North Island. With its rolling hills and peaceful, green views, it looked like it came straight out of Tolkien’s imagination. They knew they’d found their movie set.
Building the movie set
In the late 1990s, the farm turned into a full-blown film set. Set designers and builders got to work creating the hobbit holes, the mill, the Green Dragon Inn, and everything else needed to bring the Shire to life.
Filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
Hobbiton became the heart of Middle-earth. It featured heavily in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003) and again in The Hobbit trilogy (2012–2014). The charming hobbit holes and lush landscapes made the perfect backdrop for the adventures of Bilbo, Frodo, and friends.
Transformation into a tourist attraction
After The Lord of the Rings wrapped, much of the set was taken down. However, due to the overwhelming popularity of the movies and the increasing interest from fans, the decision was made to rebuild and preserve the Hobbiton movie set as a permanent tourist attraction.
The Shire’s rebirth
In 2009, the transformation of Hobbiton into a fully-fledged tourist destination began. They restored the original hobbit holes and added even more to make the experience bigger and better.
Ownership and management
Hobbiton is owned and operated by a local family business called The Shire’s Rest. They also run the official Hobbiton Movie Set tours, which include everything from guided walks to themed feasts.
Hobbiton today
Today, Hobbiton is one of New Zealand’s top tourist spots. Fans from around the world travel here to relive their favorite scenes, take in the scenery, and soak up the magic. It’s more than just a movie set—it’s a place where Tolkien’s stories live on.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Your trip to Middle Earth begins with a scenic drive through a working sheep farm with gorgeous views of the Kaimai Ranges. It’s obvious why this spot was chosen to bring The Shire to life.
Hobbiton itself feels like stepping into one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books. The hills are dotted with cozy hobbit holes, each one carefully designed with tiny details that make it feel lived-in and real. From the round doors to the rustic mailboxes, it’s easy to imagine a hobbit popping out to greet you.
Along the way, your guide will take you through iconic scenes and places from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
Green Dragon Inn
No trip to Hobbiton is complete without a visit to the Green Dragon Inn. This is your chance to grab a drink just like the characters in the films.
The Green Dragon Inn serves real ale, cider, and non-alcoholic options brewed exclusively for the set.
The inn is warm, inviting, and full of little touches that make it feel like the heart of the Shire. Sit by the fire, sip your drink, and soak up the atmosphere.
The Mill
This charming spot sits peacefully by the water, surrounded by green fields. It’s here that Samwise Gamgee finds Galadriel’s gift—the elven rope—in The Lord of the Rings.
The Party Tree
If you’ve seen The Fellowship of the Ring, you’ll remember the Party Tree. This towering oak is where Bilbo throws his unforgettable birthday bash. Under this tree, he announces his sudden departure from The Shire and secretly passes the One Ring to Frodo. It’s a key moment in the story, and standing there brings it all to life.
The full tour experience
The official Hobbiton Movie Set Tour takes about two and a half hours and is the only tour endorsed by Peter Jackson.
You’ll visit the key locations mentioned above, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and get plenty of photo ops.
Pay attention to the little things: the flower-filled gardens, tiny laundry lines, chimneys puffing smoke, and those perfectly round hobbit doors. Every corner is crafted to make you feel like you’re really in Middle-earth.
Meet Hobbiton’s only resident: Pickles the cat
Pickles is a calico cat who has made herself right at home among the hobbit holes. If you see her lounging in the sun or wandering the paths, feel free to say hi—she’s used to the attention.
How Pickles came to Hobbiton
Pickles has an origin story that’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Years ago, someone spotted a bag being thrown from a truck near the movie set. Inside was a litter of kittens. Sadly, only one survived. It was Pickles.
Staff at Hobbiton took her in, gave her a name, and made her part of the family. She’s been roaming the Shire ever since. She’s now a quiet but meaningful part of the experience.
Pickles’ daily visit to the Green Dragon Inn
Like clockwork, Pickles makes her way down to the Green Dragon Inn at least once a day. It’s part of her routine. She shows up, the kitchen usually has something for her, and then she heads off again. No fuss. Just a very content cat living her best life.
Visiting Hobbiton (and Pickles): practical information
If meeting Pickles is on your Middle-earth bucket list, this section has everything you need to know for finally making that dream trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set. From how to get there, where to eat, and when to visit, to practical tips that make your experience smoother, here’s everything you need to know before going.
Address
Hobbiton Movie Set, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, New Zealand.
Opening hours
Hobbiton is open every day of the year, except on Christmas Day.
It’s open between 09:00 am and 05:30 pm, with guided tours departing every 30 minutes. Tours last approximately two and a half hours.
Where to eat?
Visiting Hobbiton isn’t just about snapping pics of round doors and pretending you’re Frodo. You can actually eat like a hobbit too.
- The Green Dragon Inn: There’s no better place than the Green Dragon Inn. Think cozy fireplaces, rustic wooden beams, and low ceilings. On the menu? Hobbit-style comfort food: meat pies, stew, warm bread, and a pint of ale. It’s not just a themed snack stop—it’s a real pub, Middle-Earth style.
- The Shire’s Rest Café: Right near the tour entrance, The Shire’s Rest Café is perfect for a casual bite before or after your visit. They serve up light meals, coffee, pastries, and other snacks. You can sit back, enjoy the views, and fuel up without fuss.
- Hobbiton Dining Marquee: This one’s for special occasions, so check in advance. The Dining Marquee is a full-on hobbit feast, served under a big tent with views of the hobbit holes. It’s all about celebration—long tables, plenty of food, and a setting that makes you feel like you’re invited to Bilbo’s birthday party. Think roast meats, seasonal sides, dessert, wine, and ale. Worth planning for if it’s available during your visit.
Journey to Middle-Earth: how to get to Hobbiton?
Hobbiton is located in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island, about a 15-minute drive from the town of Matamata. You can get there by car, train + bus, or guided tour.
By car
Driving is the easiest way to reach Hobbiton, especially if you’re coming from cities such as Hamilton (one hour away) or Auckland (two hours away).
If you’re using GPS or Google Maps, just searching for “Hobbiton Movie Set” will take you directly to the entrance and visitor center, known as The Shire’s Rest—where tours begin.
By train + bus
There’s no direct train to Matamata, but you can still use public transport. In that case, take a train from Auckland’s Britomart Station to Hamilton. From there, either rent a car for the one-hour drive to Hobbiton or book a bus or guided tour that takes you straight to the movie set.
Combo tours
These include both transport and entry to Hobbiton and often come with guided commentary and sometimes meals. Apart from the official Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, you can also find small group tours as well as combo tours that combine Hobbiton with nearby attractions like Waitomo Caves or Rotorua. These tours maximize your time with transport included and a diverse itinerary.
Where to sleep
If you want to soak up more of Hobbiton’s magic, there are great places to stay:
- The Shire’s Rest: Just a short walk from the movie set, The Shire’s Rest offers cozy rooms with a touch of New Zealand’s country charm—perfect for relaxing after your visit.
- The Green Dragon Inn: Yes, you can actually stay here! This famous inn from the movies lets you sleep right in the heart of Hobbiton for a truly unique experience.
- Hobbit Motorlodge: With rooms inspired by hobbit homes, this friendly motor lodge is a comfy spot to recharge after a day of exploring Middle-earth.
Final thoughts
If you love The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, visiting Hobbiton will feel like stepping right into the story. It blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality. So, why wait? Pack your bags and head to Middle Earth.
Did this article inspire you to visit Hobbiton? If so, why not share it with your friends or on social media? Maybe they will want to join you on this magical trip.
And if you go, don’t forget to say “hi” to Hobbiton’s famous cat, Pickles.
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