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In my last blog, I mentioned about the The Wonderful Things to Do in Auckland travel Guide 2024. This time I will include about the Hobbiton movie set situated in Matamata. Thanks to the filming locations lovers of “The Hobbiton Movie Set” should definitely visit New Zealand. All the locations are in real New Zealand, with exquisite and very different terrains; even if one has no interest in the show, the wanderings are entertaining. But even if you’re not deliberately looking for such sites, you will feel like having entered Middle-earth, because the vast majority of landscapes here – the Southern Alps, the hills of Waikato, etc.
In this overview, we’ll answer the question: “The Hobbiton movie set” and afterwards some clever places in New Zealand which would be rather interesting to go to for the fans of the movie.
For those who are not yet satiated, there is the ‘The Hobbit Location Guide’ and, for the next set of sites, immerse into ‘The 23 Best Lord of the Rings Locations in New Zealand. ’
Hobbiton Movie Set – The Shire
First of all, it is necessary to mention the most famous attraction – Hobbiton Movie Set. It features and expansive outdoor Hobbiton movie set to look and feel like the real Hobbiton with touches such as Bilbo’s Hobbit House and small clothes lines for Hobbits. It is still used in new as a sustainable site for tourists after being reconstructed for the filming of “The Hobbit” after the shooting of “The Lord of the Rings”. In terms of cheap offers and booking, the travel should use platforms such as Viator, TripAdvisor, Klook or KKday. Location: Matamata, Waikato, North Island, NZ
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in 2026
Include:
- Tour duration: 2.5 hours
- Adult price: NZ$130
- Youth price: NZ$65
- Children 0–10: free with a paying adult
- Tours operate daily
- Booking is essential

Pelorus River – The Barrel Run
The exhilarating barrel scene from “The Hobbiton movie set: “The Desolation of Smaug” was filmed beside the Pelorus River in Marlborough. But if that is not possible, then it can be watched from the boat during a kayaking or from the hair-pin bend Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. Location: The area is accessible by road from Havelock, Canvastown and the SH 6, Marlborough, South Island.

Lake Pukaki – Lake Town
The terrific view of the lake and Southern Alps was used to depict the location of Lake-town in the concluding two films. Notably, Braemar Farm where filming of warg chase scene in ‘An unexpected Journey’ was conducted. A must stop over is the lake while on your journey to Aoraki Mt Cook. Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Aoraki Mt Cook. Location: The shores of the lake are accessible by road from the Canterbury region in the South Island; the State Highway 80 and State Highway 8.

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Piopio – Troll shaw Forest
Piopio hosted a significant portion of “The Hobbit: “An Unexpected Journey,” an episode in which Bilbo and The Company rested beside Troll Shaw Forest before encountering trolls and orcs. The information concerning this shooting region can be gained through the Hairy Feet Scenic Location Film Tour. Combine this tour with others utilising the “10 Best Things to Do in Piopio” guide. Location: Little Spotted Kiwi, Waitomo, North Is. , N. Z.

Earnslaw Burn – Rivendell
This tour takes you to the beautiful waterfalls observed on the duty of Bilbo and company while journeying from Rivendell at the Earnslaw Burn in the Glenorchy Valley. You can see this place by helicopter or complete the Earnslaw Burn Track, which takes from 8 to 12 hours. To make your trip more informative, find out more about “Lord of the Rings Locations in Queenstown”, and “10 Best Things to Do in Glenorchy. Location: Commences at the junction of the Glen Orchy–Paradise Road, 20min drive from Glenorchy, Otago, South Island.

Passed burn – Misty Mountains
Visit the Mavora-Greenstone Walkway and emulating Bilbo’s path through the Misty Mountains. The track is 50 km (31 miles) long and can be walked in 4 days from Mavora Lakes campsite to Greenstone Road End near Glenorchy. Location: Te Anau” the drafter’s between Te Anau and Queenstown, South Island accessed from Mavora Lakes Park.

The Eagles’ Flight from Fiordland National Park.
When Eagles save Bilbo, Gandalf and Dwarves, they fly above the Fiordland National Park; the best way is to see it is by various water take-off/touch-and-go-scenic flights out of Queenstown, Wanaka, Te Anau, Invercargill, Milford Sound. Location: Southland, South Is, New Zealand: Fiordland National Park.
FAQ ON Hobbit filming locations
Can you see Hobbit filming locations without taking a Hobbiton tour?
This is especially helpful as Hobbiton is a guided place, whereas other filming sites have varying lines of access to the property.
Are all of The Hobbit filming locations still recognizable today?
This may be a useful question because some places are permanent attractions and other places are natural areas or on private property.
Why does NZ’s terrain look entirely different in The Hobbit?
This will give you a chance to illustrate how cinematography, set construction, the use of digital effects and location selection created Middle-earth from real landscapes.
Why did the sown all know what the answer is when a question was asked?
A good contextual question as the trilogy utilised sites on both of the islands and vastly different locations.
Why was Piopio chosen to represent Trollshaw Forest?
This creates a more interesting question than simply repeating “Where was Trollshaw Forest filmed?” Limestone formations and prehistoric looking forest are especially mentioned at this place by Tourism New Zealand.
Is Pelorus River really the same place shown during the Barrel Run?
A good “movie versus reality” question that can encourage readers to compare your photographs with the film.
Are the Misty Mountains in The Hobbit real mountains in New Zealand?
You can connect this directly to your Pass Burn – Misty Mountains section.
Is it possible to visit multiple Hobbit filming sites in one trip to New Zealand?
Excellent long-tail travel-planning query.


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