Hobbiton Movie Set Audio Guide

Hobbiton Movie Set: what does the audio guide cover?

1. 01

   Welcome to the Shire

   Welcome to the Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled within the rolling green hills of the Alexander family farm in Matamata. You are currently standing in a place that transitioned from a simple sheep and beef farm into one of the most iconic cinematic locations in history. It was in 1998 that director Sir Peter Jackson discovered this 1,250 acre property during an aerial search for the perfect Shire. As you look around at the lush pastures and Gandalf’s Cutting, it is easy to see why he felt this landscape looked as though Hobbits had already begun their excavations. Today, this is not just a collection of movie props, but a living, breathing village that invites you to leave the twenty-first century behind and fully immerse yourself in the world created by J. R. R. Tolkien.

2. 02

   From Foam to Stone: The Great Rebuild

   When the original set for The Lord of the Rings was built in 1999, it was never intended to last. The first 37 Hobbit Holes were made from temporary materials like untreated timber, plywood, and polystyrene. In fact, much of the set was actually dismantled after the original trilogy finished filming. However, when production returned in 2009 to film The Hobbit trilogy, the decision was made to rebuild the entire village using permanent materials like brick, concrete, and timber. This massive undertaking involved the New Zealand Army, who moved heavy equipment to build a 1.5 kilometer access road into the site to facilitate construction. This permanence is the reason you can now walk through a real, weathered village that looks as though it has stood for generations.

3. 03

   The Art of Cinematic Illusion

   As you wander past the 44 distinct Hobbit Holes, pay close attention to their varying sizes. This was a clever trick of forced perspective; larger holes were built at 90 percent scale to make the actors playing Hobbits look small, while smaller holes were built at 60 percent scale to make Gandalf appear like a towering wizard. But the ultimate symbol of director Peter Jackson's perfectionism sits right above Bag End. The massive oak tree you see there is entirely artificial. Because the original tree used in the first trilogy had died, a new 26 tonne replica was constructed from fiberglass and steel. It features over 200,000 silk leaves imported from Taiwan, each one individually wired to the branches and hand-painted because the director felt the original shade of green was not quite right.

4. 04

   Refreshment at the Green Dragon Inn

   Your journey through the Shire naturally leads toward the Green Dragon Inn, which officially opened to the public in 2012. Unlike the exterior façades found elsewhere on the set, the interior of this pub was masterfully recreated to be a fully functional venue with roaring fires and hand-carved wood details. As a practical tip for your visit, remember that this is a two and a half hour walking tour over roughly 2 kilometers of undulating terrain, so sensible walking shoes are essential. Once you arrive at the Inn, you can enjoy a complimentary refreshment from the exclusive Southfarthing range, including Girdley Amber Ale or Frogmorton Ginger Beer, which are brewed locally in Hamilton specifically for this location. It is an experience designed to be the cozy finale to your adventure in Middle-earth.

5. 05

   A Living Legacy

   As you continue to explore, notice the incredible level of detail in the gardens and the laundry hanging on the lines. A dedicated team of eight gardeners works year-round to ensure the village feels lived-in, planting seasonal vegetables and tending to the flowers that make this arguably the most famous garden in New Zealand. Even the soundscape is intentional; during the original filming, the local frogs were so loud that they had to be temporarily relocated so the actors could hear each other speak. While the cameras have long since stopped rolling, the Shire remains a vibrant part of the landscape. Keep an eye out for how the natural environment of the Waikato region and the fictional world of Tolkien have grown together, and wonder what other secrets might be hidden just behind those iconic round doors.