Every LOTR-fan's dream. The original Hobbiton movie set from both the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films is now a permanent attraction which looks as lusciously worldly as on the big screen; and what's more, you can go there! The Shire was given it's home in Matamata, a small agricultural town in the rich fertile countryside of the Waikato region. During the tour of Hobbiton you'll be transported to Bag End, the beginning of Frodo and Bilbo's adventures, the mill and the Party Tree... not to mention the Hobbit holes there are to get lost in. To top it all off you can drop off for a pint at the Green Dragon Inn, our personal favourite part of the set - an exact reproduction of the pub in both The Hobbit and LOTR movies. We'd quite contentedly dine like a Hobbit (or a greedy Dwarf) with their menu of pies, stews, and classic ales - that's what we're Tolkien about! The dainty details make Hobbiton all-the-more precious: soft smoke coming from the chimneys of Hobbit holes, cute little gardens full of vibrant vegetables and even washing on the lines! Bilbo's Hobbit hole is, of course, protected with the classic sign No Admittance Except on Party Business, though his door is slightly ajar so you can have a peep in. If you want to make a proper Hobbit holiday of the place (if that's even questionable), full farm stays are also available; and let's be fair, who'd want to go back to reality after this? Have any readers visited these Elvish retreats, "precious" landscapes or the ultimate Hobbit paradise itself? If so, do let us know what it was like in the comments below... we'll try not to ferment with envy.
