If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings franchise and J.R.R. Tolkien’s work (and even if you’re not), one of the must-see places in New Zealand is Hobbiton, one of the movie series’ most iconic filming locations, used for both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when you step inside the grassy green lawns for the first time, with a light breeze in the air and the sun beating down on your back. Colorful flags and signs point you in the right direction, fluttering in the wind. There’s a vibrant, infectious energy in the air, palpable for all who walk through the hobbit holes. You’ll see the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and the open pasture where they celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ birthday. It’s a magical experience and one you can only get in Hamilton (in the Waikato region).
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand and hope to visit this film site, here are a few tips to know before you visit Hobbiton.
BOOK EARLY
I cannot emphasize this one enough. Hobbiton is an extremely popular tourist destination. Once confirmed that you’re visiting New Zealand, you should book your Hobbiton tour as early as possible and at least 2-3 months in advance of your trip). By the time we booked at the end of July for our trip in November, there were still available slots, but we chose one that was open and then planned the rest of our trip around it. And don’t assume you’ll get lucky if you show up on the day of: upon our arrival in the morning, the entire day was already sold out.
Know What Your Tour Includes
There are five different tour options, but all Hobbiton Movie Set Tours typically depart between 9AM and 3PM. They do vary by cost and access, but you won’t be able to visit Hobbiton without booking a tour. The most basic tour costs $120 NZD per adult, and is the Hobbiton Movie Set tour, which my cousin and I did. This includes a guided tour throughout the Shire, an opportunity to enter hobbit holes, take pictures, and enjoy a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This is definitely the best option, unless dining is an absolute must for you. It was something we thought we could forgo, especially for me as a vegan, but there are vegan options (you can find out more here). We paired our tour with a visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the afternoon.
Other tour options include the evening banquet tour, the second breakfast tour, a private tour, and seasonal tours, which are available during the summer harvest festival in February. The private tours are the most expensive, with a reported minimum spend of $4,000 NZD. If you’re traveling with a larger group, it may be worth it.
Visit in the Early Morning or Late Afternoon
To avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting Hobbiton either early in the morning on the first few tours or later in the afternoon, after most of the tours have left. We took a morning tour, and did not feel rushed or crowded at all. You’ll be able to take your time and take photos at your leisure without everyone else trying to do the same thing.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Your tour will depart from The Shire’s Rest (where the ticket office, cafe, and gift shop are), where you’ll board a bus to make the short drive over after you get your tickets. Once you arrive on set, your expert tour guide will walk you through the set and share behind-the-scenes information and an inside look at the different locations, and give you plenty of opportunities to take photos. It’s not a strenuous walk by any means but the tours are at least two hours, so I would avoid flip flops/thongs or anything that makes it easier to trip. I also recommend closed-toe shoes, in case of inclement weather.
Pack A Bag
Other than comfortable shoes, plan to wear light clothing, but bring a light jacket with you in the event of a quick rain shower. Wear sunscreen (and reapply if needed) and bring polarized sunglasses, because the sun in New Zealand is very strong and likely stronger than you’re used to, especially during the summer months. You could also bring a hat!
Don’t Forget Your Complimentary Drink
The basic Hobbiton tour wraps up at the Green Dragon Inn, where they filmed a few scenes. One complimentary drink is included with the tour, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available. There are also pastries and other nourishments available for purchase separately.
Do you have any other questions about visiting Hobbiton? Let me know below!
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