Our Sailboat Search Took Us To Hobbiton

Our sailboat search took us to New Zealand, where we not only sought out the perfect boat, which we did not find but also thoroughly explored the North Island. One place we visited was The Hobbiton Movie Set, and even though it would be considered a truly touristy gambit designed for the visiting Yankees, it was a highlight of my New Zealand trip.

I can already hear the haters and naysayers, giving me grief about the tourist trap into which I fell–and to you, I say: “Really, when did you go, and what did you not love about it?” Is that silence, I hear?

It was a rainy, drizzly Friday morning. We boarded the bus, and the perky tour guide introduced herself, giving us an itinerary for the next few hours. The bus began to move. A video came on, Peter Jackson welcomed us, and the iconic music began. I knew I was in trouble as tears rolled down my face.

After rolling through paddocks of sheep and cows, we arrived at our destination: the entrance to Hobbiton. One cannot help but be transported to another time and dimension; looking up, you expect to see Gandalf’s carriage coming over the hills and hear the raucous laughter of Hobbit children.

The tour is approximately two hours long and filled with stories, memories, places, and magical spaces; favorite movie scenes are pointed out as we reach the Shire and Bag End. The tour ends at The Green Dragon–(Shire Pub), where we were served complimentary beverages, brewed especially for the visit, and invited to sit in front of the fire, to dry our clothes and our bodies; as our hearts and souls had already been warmed by our trek through the Shire.

Whether you read the books, watched the movies, had done both, or had done none–(as my Sweet Kiwi was a LOTR Virgin), this tour provides something for everyone, even if it is merely planting the idea that it’s time to ‘go on an adventure.’ So, as I once again dry my eyes, here are a few of my favorite things we saw (and learned) on the tour.

The History of the Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set is in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, near Matamata. It was initially built in 1999 for filming The Lord of the Rings trilogy and later expanded and rebuilt for The Hobbit trilogy. The setting of Hobbiton is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s descriptions in his books, and the attention to detail in its construction is truly remarkable.

The movie set was designed and built by a team of skilled craftsmen who meticulously recreated the hobbit holes, the mill, and other iconic structures from the books. Every detail, from the hand-painted signs to the vibrant gardens, was carefully considered to bring the world of Middle-earth to life. Today, the Hobbiton Movie Set stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the filmmakers and has become a popular tourist attraction in its own right.

LOTR and The Hobbit earned every award it received. If you remember, an eagle was flying high overhead. This was because the sound of the small native  New Zealand birds is loud; the small Tui’s song echoes and reverberates in a way that would make world-class musicians jealous, and the Wood Pigeon carries a bellow. Peter Jackson brought a predator bird from the United States, the Eagle, to soar overhead. When the native wildlife broke out in song, he would instruct, ‘Release the Eagle.’ After a couple of quick laps in the sky, silence reigned in the Shire from this bird of prey.

Did you know that the New Zealand army played the Orcs during the battle scenes? The problem was that the Orcs were meant to lose, and the Kiwis were aggressive. Peter Jackson would call it ‘Cut,’ go onto the battlefield, and explain the idea they had to lose–a trip he had made many times.

We all know that Hobbits are meant to be about 3’ tall. Gandalf and the dwarves are not, so they built several of the same Hobbit doors to give the illusion of height or lack thereof.

To force the idea of perception, Elijah Wood was in a seat 3 meters–(9’8”) behind Sir Ian McClellan when Frodo was riding in Gandalf’s carriage.

There were 58 filming locations across the entirety of New Zealand.

The Baker’s Hobbit Hole has a thatched roof, one of only four such roofs in the country—three of which are on LOTR sets.

They made trees. The plum trees in New Zealand are bigger than English Plum trees, so they used apple trees instead. They stripped the trees, removing all the fruit and leaves, leaving bare branches. After this, they made plums and leaves of the appropriate size and restrung them on the apple tree.

They wanted to recreate the Grand Oak Tree of LOTR in The Hobbit, but the tree needed to be 60 years younger, so they made that, too. They built it in Wellington with fiberglass, transported it to Matamata, and reassembled it at the Shire.

One of my favorite places was Samwise Gamgee’s house. Many people, myself included, believe he is the story’s real hero. He was romantic and sentimental, loyal and trustworthy. There is a toy horse named Bill The Pony–(a larger presence in the books than in the movie), carefully placed at his door, which is covered in Roses…for his love of the bargirl Rose.

Many of the actor’s children had cameo roles in the films, including Peter Jackson’s as Hobbit children and the closing scene in which Sam returns. The child who runs up and hugs him is Sean Astin’s real daughter and his wife with babe in arms–again, a biological child.

Highlights of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Here are a few more of my favorite highlights.

1. Hobbit holes: The Hobbit holes are undoubtedly the stars of the movie set. These charming little houses, with their round doors and colorful gardens, are a delight to explore. Take your time to admire the intricate details and imagine yourself living a hobbit’s life.
2. The mill is another iconic structure on the movie set. With its working waterwheel and rustic charm, it’s a picturesque spot that perfectly captures the essence of Hobbiton. Don’t forget to snap a photo or two as you soak in the atmosphere.
3. The Green Dragon Inn: End your tour with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink in the cozy atmosphere of a hobbit tavern. The inn’s interior is beautifully decorated, and you can relax by the fireplace or sit outside and enjoy the stunning views.

Planning Your Visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set

Before heading to your Hobbiton adventure, planning your visit to make the most of your time at the movie set is important. Here are some tips to help you plan:

1. Booking your tour: Book your tour in advance, especially during peak seasons. The Hobbiton Movie Set is popular, and tours can sell out quickly. Check the official website or authorized tour operators for availability and secure your spot.
2. Choosing the right tour: Different tours are available, so choose one that suits your preferences. The standard tour takes you through the movie set, but there are also evening and private tours for a more exclusive experience. Consider the duration, inclusions, and any special events during your visit.
3. Getting there: The Hobbiton Movie Set is located in Matamata, approximately two hours from Auckland or Rotorua. If you don’t have a car, you can join a tour that includes transportation or take a bus or shuttle service from nearby cities. Plan your transportation accordingly and allow enough time to reach the movie set.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

To make the best of your experience at the Hobbiton Movie Set, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Arrive early: Arriving early for your tour allows you to beat the crowds and have more time to explore at your own pace. It also allows you to take photos without too many people in the frame.
2. Wear comfortable shoes: The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some stairs, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet for a few hours, so choose footwear that provides good support.
3. Bring a camera: The Hobbiton Movie Set is incredibly photogenic, so bring a camera or smartphone to capture the magic. Be prepared to take lots of pictures.

If you happened to dig this post, you can check out our day in Auckland here.