After attending the vibrant and insightful MEETINGS 2025 conference in New Zealand, I decided to extend my stay a little longer—and what a rewarding decision that turned out to be. Keen to make the most of my time on the North Island, I booked one of the excellent tours organised by Auckland & Beyond Tours: a small group trip to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. With its rolling green hills, whimsical architecture, and movie magic, Hobbiton proved to be an enchanting escape into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Early Start, Enchanted Destination
 |
| Auckland & Beyond Tours |
My tour began bright and early on Saturday, 14 June 2025, with a 6:30am pickup from the Vincent Street entrance of the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland. I joined a small group of international visitors for our journey southward, and we quickly settled into the comfortable mini van for the scenic two-hour ride through the lush landscapes of Waikato. The changing weather made the scenery even more beautiful as we travelled. Morning fog gently blanketed the hills, giving everything a dreamy, cinematic glow. Patches of golden sunshine pierced through as we drove, casting warm light across the farmland, followed by soft rainfall that brought out the vibrant greens of the countryside. Along the way, we saw a variety of farm animals grazing peacefully in the fields—sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats, horses, and even deer. We took in the breathtaking New Zealand landscape—already a worthy part of the experience.
The Shire Awaits
 |
| Gandalf the Grey |
Upon arrival, we had some time to explore the well-stocked gift shop, filled with an array of souvenirs ranging from handcrafted Hobbit-themed trinkets to official merchandise from the films. Just next door, The Shire’s Rest Café offered a cosy spot to enjoy a warm drink and take in the scenic surroundings of the rolling Waikato countryside. With its rustic charm and views of the farmland that inspired Tolkien's world, it was the perfect place to begin the journey.
 |
| Hobbiton Bus |
The excitement among the visitors was palpable as we gathered to board the Hobbiton Bus that would take us deep into the heart of the Shire. This wasn’t just any movie location—it was the actual filming site used by Sir Peter Jackson for both
The Lord of the Rings and
The Hobbit film trilogies. The very hills we were about to explore had served as the backdrop for some of the most beloved scenes in cinematic history.
From the moment the bus rolled past the familiar green hills and stone walls, the sense of entering Middle-earth became real. With each turn of the road, anticipation grew. We weren’t just visiting a set—we were stepping into a living, breathing version of Tolkien’s imagination, brought to life in stunning detail.
Step by Step Through Middle-earth
 |
| A Hobbit’s home |
The tour itself was every bit as magical as you might imagine. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but passionate, weaving stories of the film’s production with fun behind-the-scenes details and filming secrets. As we followed winding paths across the emerald hills, we passed an astonishing array of details that made the Shire feel utterly alive.
 |
| A Hobbit’s home |
There were baker’s holes, beekeeper’s holes, and even one with miniature fish strung out to dry. The attention to detail was staggering—every window box blooming with flowers, every gate slightly ajar as if a Hobbit had just stepped inside.
We paused often for photos—each corner of the set presented a perfect frame. The real magic came with the natural blending of the film set and the landscape itself. The undulating fields, native trees, and lush gardens felt genuinely part of another world, untouched by time or tourism.
Inside a Hobbit Hole—A Dream Fulfilled
 |
| Inside a Hobbit’s home |
One of the most delightful additions to the tour, newly opened in late 2023, was the opportunity to walk inside a Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row—something fans have dreamed of for years. Until recently, visitors could only admire the charming facades from the outside. Now, for the first time, we were invited to step through one of the iconic round green doors and experience life as a Hobbit from the inside.
Wooden beams lined the low ceilings, adding warmth and character to the space, and every nook, cranny, and shelf was filled with curious objects that told a story: hand-drawn maps of the Shire curling at the edges, pots of dried herbs and fragrant spices hanging in the kitchen, candles flickering softly on the mantle, and books piled high in a cozy reading corner beside a worn armchair that looked well-used by its Hobbit owner.
 |
| Inside a Hobbit’s home |
There were patchwork quilts, clay mugs left out for tea, and even a pair of weathered boots near the door—tiny details that made it feel like someone had just stepped outside and would return any moment.
It didn’t feel like a set. It felt like a home. A Hobbit’s home—warm, earthy, and full of life. As I walked slowly through the snug hallway and peeked into each thoughtfully decorated room, I felt the magic of Middle-earth come alive in a completely new way. It was as if the line between fiction and reality had quietly blurred, and for a brief moment, I was no longer a visitor—I was a part of the Shire.
 |
| The Double Arched Bridge |
The Double Arched Bridge led us across the water to the working water wheel and The Mill, both constructed to the same level of craftsmanship and authenticity seen on screen. The sound of the gently turning wheel and the tranquil stream flowing beneath the bridge added to the immersive, storybook feel of the surroundings.
These structures aren’t just set pieces—they’re fully functional and carefully maintained, built with the same attention to detail that made the films so visually rich.
Dine and Celebrate Like a Hobbit
 |
| The Mill |
What many visitors might not realise is that this picturesque area, including The Mill and the adjacent Green Dragon Inn, can also be booked for private functions and special events. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate dinner, birthday celebration, or themed gathering, Hobbiton offers a unique and unforgettable setting for hosting memorable occasions. Guests can enjoy specially prepared meals inspired by Middle-earth, served inside the warmly lit tavern or outside in the lush gardens under the stars. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can dine like a Hobbit—surrounded by the actual scenery where the magic happened.
A Pint at The Green Dragon
 |
| Green Dragon |
The tour ended on a high note with a complimentary drink inside the famed Green Dragon Inn—an experience that felt like stepping straight into one of the films. Nestled beside the water and glowing warmly in the late morning light, the inn was every bit as inviting as it appeared on screen. Inside, the crackling hearth, wooden beams, and rustic furnishings created an atmosphere of cosy, old-world charm.
As part of the tour, each visitor was offered a complimentary drink, with a choice of three traditional beverages brewed exclusively for Hobbiton: a refreshing apple cider, a smooth amber ale, or a non-alcoholic ginger beer.I opted for the ginger beer, and it didn’t disappoint—it was crisp, lightly spiced, and incredibly satisfying after the walk through the Shire.
 |
| Green Dragon |
Sipping my drink by the fire while soaking in the ambience of the Green Dragon was the perfect conclusion to our Middle-earth experience. Whether chatting with fellow travellers, admiring the handcrafted details of the tavern, or simply reflecting on the day, it was a moment of calm and contentment that truly brought the magic of the films to life.
Back to Reality (Sort Of)
 |
| Lake Karapiro |
On our way back to Auckland, we made a welcome stop at Lake Karapiro—a tranquil, glassy lake framed by low hills and native bush. We saw rowers gliding smoothly across the water, their boats cutting clean lines through the calm surface. It was a peaceful and picturesque spot, perfect for a brief rest, some photos, and a quick loo break. As we continued our journey through the pastoral beauty of Waikato, I reflected on just how immersive and magical the day had been. The Hobbiton Movie Set tour wasn’t just a sightseeing trip—it was a journey into a beloved fantasy realm, made all the more special by the warmth and storytelling of our hosts.
For anyone visiting New Zealand, especially after a busy event like MEETINGS 2025, I can’t recommend this tour enough. It’s a perfect blend of cinematic wonder, natural beauty, and rich storytelling—an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the Shire.
Book Your Own Middle-earth Adventure
Tour organised by Auckland & Beyond Tours:
https://aucklandandbeyond.co.nz/
No comments:
Post a Comment