5 de February de 2025

Hobbiton exists in real life: The Shire is New Zealand

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's universe , visiting Hobbiton is like stepping through a portal to Middle-earth . What began as a film set for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit sagas has become an unmissable tourist destination .

Located in the small town of Matamata , about 160 km from Auckland , New Zealand , this enchanting corner keeps Tolkien 's epic fantasy alive. Hobbiton is a fictional town that appears in the novels as one of the oldest settlements in the Shire . Its name comes from the combination of " hobbit " and " ton " (a contraction of " town ").

In Tolkien's terminology, Matamata would be Hobbiton , New Zealand would be the Shire , and Oceania would be Middle-earth . Fantasy turned into reality.

Its scenery was meticulously constructed to reflect the idyllic home of the small and brave hobbits , with houses dug into hills, flowery pathways, and cozy taverns .

As Condé Nast Traveler reports, when Peter Jackson , director of the trilogies based on Tolkien 's works, was looking for the perfect location to bring Hobbiton to life, he first considered the United Kingdom . However, modern infrastructure led him to discard the idea.

On his way back to his native New Zealand , he flew over the North Island in a small plane until he found the Alexander family farm , a terrain of gentle hills and lush greenery that perfectly matched Tolkien's vision .

How Matamata became a tourist attraction

Matamata once relied on agriculture and horse breeding , but its economy has been transformed by tourism . Interestingly, the Alexander family's farm is still operating, and the sheep continue to graze peacefully among the hills . In fact, New Zealand wool is among the most highly valued in the Southern Hemisphere .

After filming wrapped on The Lord of the Rings , the contract with the production company required the dismantling of all the sets from the saga . However, heavy rains delayed the demolition , and in the meantime, The Fellowship of the Ring was released in theaters . The surprise of New Zealanders upon recognizing the Alexander farm led to an influx of curious tourists .

Seeing an opportunity , the family negotiated with New Line Cinema to preserve and develop Hobbiton for tourism, including its culinary offerings , with restaurants featuring menus inspired by Middle-earth cuisine . Furthermore, Matamata is famous for its rolling hills , ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding .

Today, visiting Hobbiton is an immersive experience . Tours depart from a small wooden house in Matamata , where tourists purchase tickets and souvenirs . A bus then takes them to the farm , where the idyllic landscape unfolds before their eyes. It makes you feel like you're in the Shire .

What to see in Hobbiton

The site features 37 hobbit holes, stables , and the iconic Green Dragon Inn . The crown jewel is Bag End , home to Bilbo and Frodo . Facing it stands the tree under which Bilbo delivers his heartfelt birthday speech .

Every detail is designed to immerse the visitor in Tolkien's world , from the flowerpots to the farming implements leaning against the walls of the sheds .

The famous Green Dragon tavern allows visitors to enjoy an authentic hobbit experience , where they can taste exclusive local craft beers , such as Southfarthing , accompanied by homemade bread and traditional dishes .

Visitors can explore the narrow paths connecting each hobbit home , discover meticulously tended gardens , and even see laundry hanging on small lines , simulating the daily life of the hobbits . The tour is complemented by anecdotes from the filming and details about the set's construction .

Tips for visiting Hobbiton

If you're planning a visit to Hobbiton , here are some key tips to make the most of your experience :

Book in advance : Tours are guided and have limited capacity , so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance .
Wear comfortable clothing : The tour includes walks through hills and dirt paths , so it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear .
Choose the right time for your tour : Sunsets in Hobbiton offer spectacular lighting for unforgettable photos .
Bring a camera : Every corner of Hobbiton is photogenic , from hobbit houses to the Green Dragon Inn .
Enjoy the experience : Beyond the photography , take the time to absorb every detail and immerse yourself in Tolkien's world .

Hobbiton is a testament to how cinema can transform a remote corner of the world into a dream destination . Walking its paths and taking in the scenery is like reliving the adventures of Frodo and Sam , hoping that at any moment Gandalf will appear in his chariot laden with fireworks . In Matamata , Middle-earth is not just fiction : it's a reality waiting to be discovered .