An Inside Look at New Zealand’s Famed Hobbiton Movie Set

Let’s face it. I’ve never been into science fiction or fantasy. I haven’t read a single Harry Potter novel and couldn’t even begin to fake knowing the plotline for Lord of the Rings (other than it involves a ring… And a gremlin-like creature who constantly says, “my precious”). And yes, I’ve seen all the movies. Don’t judge! I have a hard enough time remembering all The Avengers.

Enjoying our time at Hobbiton.

So I guess my husband Kevin wasn’t too surprised when I told him that when I lived in New Zealand (shockingly 16 years ago), that I never saw the famed Hobbiton movie set. At the time, I lived only 20 minutes away while studying at the University of Waikato in Hamilton (a place that I loved as student, but like to joke is sort of like a New Zealander telling an American he came all the way to the US to study in Scranton). Let’s just say, Hamilton isn’t usually on the tourist circuit.

Showing Kevin around the University of Waikato in Hamilton before we visited Hobbiton. Great memories.

As a student (ugh, 16 years ago, I feel old), the Lord of the Rings trilogy wrapped up. I’ve seen all the movies, but definitely not a fan boy. Back then, the set pretty much was just holes in the ground as most of the set was built to be temporary. But fast forward to 2009, when The Hobbit began filming. It took a total of 2 years to construct the current sturdy set, which transports this New Zealand hillside into the magical world.

Kevin is a big sci-fi fan so he was down. But would a fantasy hater like myself actually enjoy a 2-hour tour through the set? You better believe it! Neither of us could believe that it turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the vacation.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: Starting at The Shire’s Rest

Joining the bus at the Shire’s Rest, where our journey begins for Hobbiton.

Depending on the time of year, tours leave every 20-30 minutes from the Shire’s Rest (i.e. a gift shop). We arrived 30 minutes ahead of our tour, but were happy to have that time to check out the massive store with all things for those Lord of the Rings junkies. I mean, it had everything including Middle Earth wine to even a adult-sized cloak. It sounds like a party.

I weirdly sort of wanted that gray cloak. I’d force Kevin to walk around with me the rest of the trip.

Today, Hobbiton is incredibly popular. It remains in the top 3 places that tourists visit in the entire country. I was slightly concerned that I wouldn’t enjoy the tour given the massive size. But it actually felt very intimate and we got to chat up our guide Scarlett for pretty much most of the tour. Plus, it’s a 12 acre set so you can certainly fit a lot of people in.

This is a massive set — overlooking all 12 acres of it.

From the Shire’s Rest, we boarded the tour bus, which drove us a short distance to where we’d check out the magical Hobbit homes by foot. We were both relieved that it wasn’t all on the tour bus (since it basically is a recipe to put Kevin fast asleep). The ride is beautiful though. Along the way, you’ll drive along the rolling hills of the Alexander family sheep farm and watch a video of the famed director, Sir Peter Jackson. Insider tip: try to get a seat at the FRONT of the bus. There is only one monitor.

Arrival at Hobbiton: But Why Are Some Doors Larger Than Others?

I love feeling this tall.

Of course, soon as we got to the Hobbiton holes, everyone was off running (including us). This place was basically Instagram heaven with its tiny doors and miniature decorations. But clearly keeping Hobbiton Hollywood ready is a big job. We were told that the site has 6 full-time gardeners who work around the clock.

Outside another Hobbit’s home.

Forced perspective was a major tool in making Hobbiton look authentic on camera. So depending on the character, whether it was towering Gandolf or a tiny hobbit, the size of the background would change (big sets for Hobbits, and little sets for Gandolf).

Tiny Hobbit clothes hung up on the line, which get bigger as you go up the hill to provide forced perspective.

Kevin is clearly in his element here.

Build up to the Big Moment: Bilbo Baggins Home

Outside Bilbo Baggins home.

There are clearly a lot of Hobbiton homes to visit here — a total of 44 holes for 300 hobbits to be exact. But I could tell our group of super fans were very excited for the home at the very top of the Hobbiton village that belonged to Bilbo Baggins, the main character of the film. One of the more interesting facts we learned is that the tree on top of this home was completely artificial. It was made for the 2009 Hobbiton movies to appear smaller than the original films. This was because the Hobbiton movies were set 60 years prior. And clearly, no detail was overlooked in this production.

Wrapping Things Up: Final Stop at the Green Dragon Inn

Walking to our final stop at the Green Dragon Inn.

We learned so many interesting facts as we rounded our way down to the final stop — like in order to be an extra you had to be under 5’4″ (we’d missed it!) and that none of the interior sets were shot here. Basically, these are just empty holes in the ground but with a pretty cool exterior. But perhaps my favorite fact was the scene where the Wizard hits his head on the chandelier, which was actually an accident, but was kept in the film. As we reached the Green Dragon, we were told that we’d have about 20-30 minutes to enjoy a drink included with the tour. Kevin got the hard cider and I had a beer. It was a nice way to wrap up the tour and a really fun setting.

Kevin enjoys his book inside the comfy Green Dragon on our last stop. And no, he isn’t reading The Hobbit.

And that’s a wrap. I couldn’t believe that 2 hours passed. It felt more like 20 minutes. Who knows? Maybe I will become a big sci-fi fantasy geek? Okay, probably not. We already have enough sci-fi books in our place from Kevin!

THE LOW DOWN:

• Advanced reservations are highly recommended as these tours regularly sell out far in advance.
• The Shire’s Rest Tours are $84 New Zealand dollars for adults and $42 for youth (9-16 years old).
• Tours depart daily from 9 am until 3:30pm.
  • Additional tours may operate at 4 pm & 4.30 pm between  September 1 to April 1.
  • During the peak season (December 27 – February 28), tours may also run at  5 pm and 5.30pm
• Tour only: 2 hours approximately including transport to and from The Shire’s Rest.
• Be sure to check out the website with more information on tours, including special events.