Soon after filming for the Lord of the Rings trilogy ended, word got out that this was the location of Hobbiton, and so local neighbors started coming, and then tourists flooded in. The Alexander family ended up turning it into a business.
Located in the Waikato region of the North Island, a district of rolling grassy hills known as Matamata is where you’ll be able to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set.
If you’re like me, you’ll be amped up with energy when you get here. The operation itself is extremely smooth and well-run. They have to be especially when they kick off new tours every 30 minutes in the summer.
Once you get your tickets from the main office, you’ll have a chance to take photos in front of the Hobbiton sign, sit around outdoors on the picnic tables, grab a bite at Shire’s Rest Cafe, or peruse around the gift shop.
Take a moment to breathe, and while you’re taking all of the photos you want, pay attention to the small details.
You’ll have roughly 20 minutes here, so not exactly the most amount of time, but follow your guide in to get your pick of beverage to drink as you explore the area.
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