The Scout’s Report · The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Hobbiton: the set that refused to leave
A sheep farm, an aerial search and a set that was supposed to disappear.
By Tama WhiuPublished 6 min read
Found from the air
In 1998, Peter Jackson’s location scouts were flying over the Waikato region when they spotted the Alexander family farm: green hills, a lake and a huge pine tree.
It looked exactly like the Shire. The family agreed, and the New Zealand Army helped build the road.
It looked exactly like the Shire.
A set built to disappear
The first Hobbiton was built from temporary materials and was supposed to be removed after filming. Part of it was taken down, but the rest stayed, and visitors began to arrive.
When Jackson returned to film The Hobbit, the set was rebuilt with permanent materials. It has been open for tours ever since.
Visiting today
Hobbiton can only be visited on a guided tour. Book early, especially in summer, and plan for a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.