Hobbiton, a village that has become a symbol of New Zealand, is one of the country’s main attractions. Located near Matamata, this place annually attracts thousands of Tolkien fans. Thanks to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this ordinary New Zealand farm has become an iconic destination.

Once upon a time, locals couldn’t have imagined that they would soon be welcoming crowds of tourists and sharing their history with them.

It all began when director Peter Jackson, scouting for a filming location on the North Island, spotted the Alexander Farm from a helicopter. The Alexander brothers, owners of the farm since 1978, raised 1,250 sheep and 300 Angus bulls. They had no plans to change their lifestyle, but a meeting with Jackson changed everything. Inspired by the idea of ​​Hobbiton, they agreed to build a unique village. Construction began in 1999 and lasted almost a year, employing over 400 people.

Jackson insisted on building real sets, not cardboard models. Even the New Zealand Army participated in the construction, laying a 1.5-kilometer road to Hobbiton. Hobbit houses were constructed of wood and plastic, surrounded by gardens and barberry hedges.

Forty-four hobbit houses, a mill, an arched bridge, the Green Dragon pub, and winding streets were built on the site of the former farm. After filming concluded, Hobbiton was abandoned to preserve it for tourists. The farm owner, inspired by Tolkien, decided to preserve this fairytale village on the condition that guides answer visitors’ questions.

Daily tours of Hobbiton take you to all the local attractions. While the hobbit houses are not accessible, you can grab a bite to eat and a beer at the Green Dragon pub. Hobbiton is a great place for photos, so don’t forget your camera. Tourists are given food for tame sheep, and are allowed to feed milk to the little lambs.