Hinuera farmer Ian Alexander was enjoying a typical Kiwi afternoon in September 1998 – watching a rugby match on TV – when there was a knock on the door that would change his life.

The location scouts from the film company New Line Cinema had seen the property by air after having hunted all over New Zealand with Peter Jackson for the location of Hobbiton. They realised the Alexander’s 500 hectare working sheep farm had everything they needed.

In March 1999 construction began to transform the site into the Shire for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The area was devoid of 20th century eyesores, such as buildings and powerlines, and became the perfect palette on which the set designers could work their magic.

When The Fellowship of the Ring was released, inquiries from eager fans and tourists escalated, with people keen to visit Bilbo’s home. Set demolition had begun, however the ongoing interest saw the family seek permission from New Line Cinema to run tours of the remaining set.

Since December 2002 guides have been taking visitors on to the farm where they show them the spots in which filming took place. Visitors from around the world have now walked in "the footsteps of Hobbits" and enjoyed a very special part of New Zealand.

The Shires Rest Cafe and Function Centre located at the entrance to the farm caters for the hungry traveller and offers special souvenirs of the visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. It caters for independent travellers, larger groups, conferences and other special functions (eg: 21st birthday parties). For further information on group tours or conference / function facilities please contact us.

Tours depart from The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata with a free courtesy shuttle from the Matamata Information Centre each day. There is also the option of a half day excursion from the Rotorua Information Centre. For more information phone 07 888 9113 (Matamata) or 07 348 0711 (Rotorua).