Visiting Hobbiton from Matamata

Matamata is the closest town to the Hobbiton Movie Set, which makes it the natural base for visiting the Shire. If you're planning a trip to see where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed, here's how locals would tell you to do it.

Where is Hobbiton, exactly?

The movie set sits on a working farm in the rolling green hills just outside Matamata — about a 15–20 minute drive from the centre of town. You can't simply turn up and wander in: access is by guided tour only, and tours depart on a shuttle from a dedicated meeting point. That's part of what keeps the set so well preserved.

Booking your tour

Tours sell out, especially over summer and on weekends, so book ahead online rather than hoping for a same-day spot. You can also book and catch the shuttle from the Matamata i-SITE right in town, which is handy if you'd rather not drive out to the farm yourself.

• Allow roughly two hours for the tour itself.
• Wear comfortable shoes — there's a fair bit of walking on uneven ground.
• The set is open in all weather, so pack a layer and don't fear a bit of Waikato drizzle.

The smart way to time it

The first tours of the day are usually the quietest and the light is gorgeous for photos. If you want that early slot, it pays to stay in Matamata the night before rather than driving up from Auckland, Hamilton or Rotorua on the morning. A 9am tour is a lot more relaxed when you're already ten minutes away.

That's exactly why so many Hobbiton visitors stay with us at the Horse & Jockey Inn — budget-friendly rooms in the centre of town, an easy run to the set, and a proper meal and a pint waiting for you when you get back.

What to do with the rest of your day

Most people are surprised how much else there is once they've seen the Shire. The Wairere Falls walk is a local favourite, the Firth Tower Museum is a few minutes from town, and there's the hot springs nearby for a soak. We've rounded these up in our guide to things to do in Matamata.

Where to eat before or after

You'll have worked up an appetite. Our kitchen does generous pub classics — from craft burgers to fresh fish and chips — and we're an easy walk from most of the town's accommodation. For the full rundown, see our honest guide to where to eat in Matamata.

Quick tips for first-timers

• Bring a camera — phone cameras do fine, but the detail in the set rewards a proper lens.
• Cash isn't needed for the tour, but handy for tips and small purchases.
• Allow buffer time to find the meeting point and check in before departure.

Planning your Shire adventure? Check our room rates or call 07 888 9972 and we'll sort you a bed for the night.