Mini Travel Log: Hobbiton (Matamata), New Zealand

Hobbiton (located in Matamata) is a movie set place used in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbits. In the movies, this place is called the Shire lived by the halfling race of Hobbits. Situated in the middle of nowhere, 99% chance you'll give in to pay NZD$75 for the entrance to the movie set; after 1.5 hour drive from Auckland and with nothing else to see here. Unless you're a big fan of the movie, some may think the steep entrance fee is not justified. The movie set is located off the main road, restricted access and hidden. So be assured there is no free sightings. After paying for the entrance at the ticket counter by the main road, the private buses will bring you into the movie set complete with tour guide. The tour lasts about 2 hours with a beer pit stop at the Green Dragon. You cannot visit the inside of Frodo's house, which may prove another disappointment. There is nothing inside except a hole in the ground. I'm sure the house interior that we see from the movies are filmed from Hollywood studios instead, as the actual hole is too small.

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