Hobbiton Movie Set is in the Waikato region of New Zealand. It is the only set that remains intact from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. You can visit the famous set on one of several guided Hobbiton tours, including the Guided Hobbiton Experience with Bus Transfers from Matamata.
On this tour, you board the bus at the Matamata i-SITE Visitor Information Centre in the town centre. The Hobbiton-themed Gatehouse is the meeting point for the tour. From there, the bus travels through Matamata and into the surrounding farmland before arriving at Hobbiton Movie Set.
Hobbiton Movie Set can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Your English-speaking guide leads you around the 12-acre set and along the paths of the Shire. You see the Hobbit Holes in the rolling hillsides and walk past the Mill. Along the way, your guide shares fascinating stories, points out famous locations, shows you where scenes were filmed, and explains how the movie magic was created.
Before you leave, you visit the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where one drink is included. The bus then takes you back to Matamata. The whole experience takes 3 hours.
Travellers generally enjoy the experience and often praise the entertaining guides, beautiful Hobbiton set, and interesting information provided during the bus ride. Some say it is a must-do activity even if you have not seen the films. Others mention the friendly drivers and guides and say they would happily do the tour again.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the tour includes walking and there is uneven terrain on the set. Tours operate in all weather conditions, and umbrellas are provided if it rains. Around 50% of the set is wheelchair accessible. Alternative options are available, but they must be booked in advance. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour and receive a full refund.