Please be aware that there is some maintenance taking place on the Movie Set over your selected dates. This work will continue from 1 June – 30 September 2025. During this time, the main tour route will be unaffected however some contractors, maintenance and construction equipment will be working on site in the gardens and rear of the Party Field during your experience. Bag End, Bagshot Row and The Green Dragon Inn will not be affected.
GUIDED TOUR AND BUFFET LUNCH EXPERIENCE
Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.
Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey on a short bus ride through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you on a shared walking tour around the movie set, showing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how movie magic was made here.
Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home.
Designed and crafted by the renowned creative teams behind the film trilogies, Bagshot Row offers an authentic glimpse into the charming dwellings of Hobbits going about daily life in the Shire. Your guide will lead you through one of two Hobbit Holes offering time to explore the detailed interiors, with each home designed to create an identical experience.
Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive beverage from our Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range before following your guide up to the Party Marquee.
The Party Marquee is adjacent to The Green Dragon™ Inn with an exquisite view across the water. The painted canvas exterior, vibrant bunting and colourful lanterns means visitors are immersed in the festive magic of the movies. Your meal is served buffet style from a specially themed table, bursting with hobbit fare, with shared table seating to dine family style with your group to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.
Please note: pre-booking your tour is essential. Our tours can sell-out well in advance so please pre-book to avoid disappointment.
Tour + Meal options are only available in conjunction with selected Shire's Rest departures.
Please be aware this experience involves a shared dining experience inside the Party Marquee. You will be seated at a banquet table with others from your tour departure and the meal is self-service from the buffet.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Lunch Combo includes:
Hobbiton Movie Set is only accessible via guided tour.
Check in at The Shire's Rest Ticketing Office
501 Buckland Road, Matamata
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your departure time and have your booking reference number on hand and our team will print your bus tickets.
Board our bus and journey to the movie set
A short 10-minute bus ride through picturesque the Alexander family farm.
Guided walking tour through the 12-acre movie set
Please remain with your tour guide for the duration of your experience.
View accessibility information here.
Explore the interior of a Hobbit's home on Bagshot Row
Follow your guide as you journey through the interiors of a humble Hobbit's home.
Visit The Green Dragon Inn
Enjoy a complimentary beverage from our famous Hobbit Southfarthing Range at The Green Dragon Inn - home to the brew for the brave and true!
Enjoy a buffet lunch inside the festive interiors of The Party Marquee
Follow the instructions of your guide as you make your way to the Party Marquee. You will be seated at a banquet table with others from your tour departure group and the meal is self service from the buffet.
See menu below.
Board our coach and return to The Shire's Rest
Journey back through the Alexander family farm to conclude your adventure.
Return to The Shire's Rest
Be sure to visit The Shire Store and The Shire's Rest Cafe before you continue on your travels.
Venture Beyond the Door
The door has opened on a new adventure and all tours now include exploring the interior of a Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row. We invite you to step inside and explore the humble home of a typical Hobbit™ family.
Marquee Festive Feast
Mains
Served Buffet Style
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Slow roasted beef rump
- DF/GF
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Marinated chicken
- DF/GF
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Minted lamb casserole
- DF/GF
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Battered fish with a tartare sauce
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Creamy Pesto Pasta
- V
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Chickpea vegetable curry
- DF/GF/VGN
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Chefs choice of seasonal vegetables
- DF/GF/VGN
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Herb roasted gourmet potatoes
- DF/GF/V
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Bulgur wheat salad
- DF
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Garden fresh green salad
- DF/GF/VGN
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Hobbit Slaw
- DF/GF/VGN
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Steamed rice
- DF/GF/VGN
Desserts
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A selection from the Green Dragon dessert kitchen including sweet slices and cakes
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Baked apple crumble
- DF/GF/VGN
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Seasonal fruit salad
- DF/GF/VGN
Special dietary requirements can be catered for, please include details at time of booking. Please note, while we offer Gluten Free menu options, we are not a gluten free kitchen. Cross-contamination could occur and we are unable to guarantee that any item can be completely free of allergens.
DF - Dairy Free / GF - Gluten Free / V - Vegetarian / VGN - Vegan
This menu is indicative only. Some menu items may vary based on the season and availability.
