The Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, a must-see for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” film trilogies, has opened its iconic hobbit holes to the public, inviting guests to step inside Middle-earth. The Hobbit Hole tours are a chance to live out a fantasy, if only for a few hours. It’s also a chance to interact with the stories and characters that have become a part of popular culture. This all while surrounded by the natural beauty of New Zealand’s terrain. Pack your bags, don your cloaks, and prepare for a journey across the Shire.
What To Expect From The Hobbit Hole Tours
Hobbiton, an enchanting village built on the Alexander family farm, has been enthralling tourists from all over the world for more than 20 years. Until recently, the 44 hobbit holes adorning the landscape were only a view from the outside, their round doors guarding the secrets within. Now, the doors have swung open, revealing the cozy interiors that once housed the likes of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.
The two hobbit holes on Bagshot Row, meticulously crafted and rich in detail, are now accessible as part of the guided tour experience. Each group of forty people is split into two, ensuring an intimate and immersive exploration of these quaint dwellings. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. These hobbit holes, complete with a crackling fire and hobbit-sized furnishings, welcome guests of all sizes.
Clothes, books, ornaments, and handwritten pages from “The Fellowship of the Ring” fill the Proudfoot and Twofoot family homes. The attention to detail is astounding, from the pantry stocked for seven meals a day to the low ceilings that remind taller guests they’re in a hobbit’s world.
How The Legendary Hobbit Holes Were Born
The tour’s expansion to include these interiors significantly boosts local tourism. The construction of the interiors began in March, finishing in nearby Matamata warehouses before being installed on-site. The result is an authentic experience that transports visitors into the heart of the Shire. This experience comes complete with all the charm and whimsy one would expect from a hobbit home.
As you venture beyond the door, the tour continues past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge, and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. Here, guests can enjoy a complimentary beverage from the Hobbit Southfarthing range, concluding their Middle-earth adventure.