YOU SHALL PASS

Immerse yourself in Middle-earth

WORDS BY EMILY HUMPHREY

You don’t have to be a fan of the enormously successful Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies to appreciate the largest ‘green set’ in the world.

In the heart of the Waikato region on New Zealand’s North Island, the Hobbiton™ movie set consists of 12 acres of green splendour in Matamata’s countryside, nestled in the rolling hills of a 1,250-acre working sheep farm.

There isn’t a theme park vibe here – rather, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Middle-earth, with remarkable attention to detail in these magical surrounds. This lush, enormous outdoor movie set has been frozen in time to remain The Shire. With verdant green grass and bright flowers blooming, there are 44 Hobbit holes (most are façades, but some can be explored), the Mill, the doublearched bridge and yes, the Party Tree. Don’t miss the chance to have a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, ‘Bag End.’

It’s about a two-hour drive from Auckland, one hour from Rotorua. Although it’s open all year round, being an outdoor set, you are exposed to the elements. Once you arrive at the set, there is no self-guided option – the only way to explore is with a fully guided walking tour, beginning at the Shire’s Rest.

Tourism New Zealand

MAIN IMAGE: Hobbiton, Tourism New Zealand