Tags
Hobbiton, J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, New Zealand, NZ, Peter Jackson, Photography, The Hobbit, travel
I went to Hobbiton. Although I have not read any of the books nor seen the movies, when I had the opportunity to visit, I was excited. And, I was not the slightest bit disappointed. It was 3 hours of awesomeness.
We drove from Rotorua through lush countryside to Hobbiton in Matamata which took about an hour.
We arrived with enough time before our booked tour to enjoy a simple but delightful lunch at the Shire’s Rest cafe. After lunch we lined up to wait for our bus which swept us off to the Shire. On the way to the site, we watched a feature presentation on the television in the bus.
We drove through beautiful sheep grazing countryside of the Alexander farms to the location of the set. It is virtually impossible to see the set from the road as it takes several minutes drive in to Hobbiton after passing through security gates.
We were overwhelmed by the beauty of the place.
The sets are beautiful, and the amount of detail that was put in to them is mind boggling. If you’re a photographer, there are an infinite number of great shots waiting for you here. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She had a great sense of awareness of when to share her information and when to set the group free to explore an area on their own. She was happy to take photos for us. She told us the details of building the set, how Peter Jackson came to find it and stories about the filming.
Hobbiton itself is magical and it makes you appreciate what a genius Peter Jackson is. The attention to detail is incredible and it doesn’t feel like a film set in any way. It really felt like we had fallen into middle earth. It was a fantastic trip through the world of J.R.R. Tolkien and you don’t need to be an extreme fan to enjoy this.
During this guided captivating 2 hours tour, we felt transported to the Middle Ages amongst Frodo, Sam, Gandolff and Bilbo Baggins in Bags End Shire and the Green Dragon.
The mill and the Lake look so picturesque and the views are stunning
Hobbiton is simply stunning – beautiful gardens, gorgeous flowers, huge trees (one of them is fake) and the fascinating hobbit holes which feel so real and authentic that you could easily believe people are still living there and that it is a real community.
An absolute must do, the set is amazing. The whole place makes you feel like you are part of the movie. Meandering up & down seeing all the hobbit holes all the way to the Green Dragon Inn where we were treated to a choice of either a cup of ale, cider or non alcoholic ginger beer or in my case a dark alcoholic ale.
We loved every second of the tour. It truly was magical; like stepping into a different world. We strolled around the shire like happy little Hobbits for an afternoon. And, if you are not already a fan, you just might become one.
Great article Lyn – you are the second person to tell me about Hobbiton. It looks delightful. Great photos.
As I said, I have never been a fan, but it was truly fabulous. So so beautiful and so much fun. Thanks Janet.
It looks exquisite! I like the turf on the rooves!
The more you see the more you see. I could easily spend a day there.
Just incredible loved the pics
Thanks Donna. I was in another world for an afternoon. LOVED it.
Have been across the ditch many times but haven’t been to Hobitt Town. Thanks for showing us, will put it on the list for next time.
It was a suggestion from my friends and boy am I glad. It was one of the highlights of my trip to NZ. I cannot tell you just how much I really loved it. Thanks Lyn
This is on my bucket list 😁
I can so recommend it. Anyone would love it. Thanks Lloyd.
I am a very big fan of the books and the films. This set would be a must on any New Zealand visit.
It is not far from Auckland. I hope you get to live the dream. Thanks. Lyn
Now that would have been an adventure Lyn…wasn’t any wizards anywhere was there? :D
I think there were some. It is such a magical place that feels real, so who knows. Thanks Mark.
I really enjoyed reading this post Lyn and agree it looks a truly gorgeous place to visit. Loving your photos.
Thanks Sue. I think it could bring our the child in any of us. Truly fabulous.
It really looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing your wonderful afternoon. :)
Thanks Lynette, what a pleasure to share such a magical place.
I have watched Lord of The Ring series and The Hobbit. Absolutely love the movies and the places featured in the films. Thanks for taking us for a tour through your posts and lovely photos!
My pleasure, it is too good not to share. So pleased that you enjoyed it. Thanks Lyn
It is always exciting to see a movie set but for it to be so beautiful is an added bonus. Strikes me NZ runs a close second to Ireland for being so green. Breathtaking scenery.
Yes Gail, everywhere is very green. They certainly get more rain than we do and it shows. Beautiful country. The Shire is spectacular. Much nicer than any other movie set that I have seen. Thanks Lyn
What delightful sets and scenery! One day, I’d love to see this as I am a Lord of the Rings fan.
I would love for you to see it Linda. It is so thrilling, words cannot describe how good it was.
Very cool!
Yes, definitely, very cool. Thanks Lyn
Reblogged this on Vietnam Travel & Trade Portal .
Got the feeling you really loved this place Lyn – it looks the perfect visit! Thanks 🧙♂️
yes I did Georgie. It is such a beautiful serene place. All of it is so well done. Lyn
Oh this is definitely on the bucket list. I love The Lord of the Rings stories and when we finally get to NZ, this place will be the first we check out. Great shots Lyn, it looks so magical. :)
I am sure that you won’t be disappointed. It is a little on the expensive side but for me it was worth every cent. It is just so well done and located in a very beautiful part of the world.
As a big Lord of the Rings fan, it’s my dream to go to Hobbiton in New Zealand. Looks fun!
I hope your dream comes true. It is magical, and I am sure that you will love it.
Great story of an exciting place.
Thanks Denise
So now you must read the books. I’ll confess I still have The Hobbit on my list. But I’ve read the trilogy. Great stuff. And you will have all the sense of presence as you read. That’s fabulous! God bless!
Yes Nancy, I think I must. I am certainly a lot more interested as I can become part of the reading and picture their lovely little village.
Thank you for a lovely blog your photos are always exceptional. 💜💜
Thanks Leah. Happy that you like 💕💕
How absolutely magical Lyn! 😊
Thanks Ellie, it sure is.
I will definitely plan on going there!
I have no doubt that you will enjoy it Karina. It is probably best to book ahead as it really is popular. Great atmosphere and great day out. The food at the Shires Rest is fairly simple and well priced. You could spend an hour just in the gift shop. Thanks Lyn
I loved Hobbiton! Your pictures and description take me back to the wonderful day we spent there.
I took so many photos which made it very difficult to decide which ones to put in my blog. Every where you look it is magical and beautiful. Thanks Lisa. Lyn
You’re right it is a great place to tour whether you are a Lord of the Rings fan or not. We went there on a cruise ship shore excursion and enjoyed it quite a lot though we have neither read the books nor seen the movies.
It is so well done it would be difficult not to enjoy it. Beautiful countryside and really magic. Thanks Lyn
Thanks so much for reminding me, Lyn. I absolutely adored my trip to Hobbiton, and my nephews, who are experts on the books and films are on there way there now. Such fun.
Me too Coral, I will probably keep talking about it for a very long time. Simply Fabulous. Thanks. Lyn
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your photos and experiences. This looks like a Bucket List destination.
Even if you are not a fan, you will love it. I am sure. Thanks Lyn
Fabulous! I haven’t seen the movies – dislike fantasy movies – but read all the books many years ago and loved them. The houses are perfect! Great photos too.
Thanks Orna, I have seen and read none but still loved it. I think anyone would really enjoy it. It is also very beautiful countryside. Lyn
How exciting! Truly a journey of love.
It sure was a great day