For many Lord of the Rings fans, New Zealand, with its rolling hills and valleys, epitomises the landscape of the fictional Middle-earth. The movie was filmed in over 150 locations across the country.
While the Hobbit holes have long been a major attraction for tourists, the interiors were mostly off-limits. Now, the Hobbiton movie set is open to the public for the first time, and fans can finally venture beyond the iconic round doors of the Hobbit holes and explore to their heart’s content.
A magical adventure inside the Hobbit holes
Only two of the Hobbit holes, furnished by the decorators and illustrators who worked on the movies, have opened to the public, becoming a highlight of the Hobbiton tour hosted at 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand. Visitors can choose to explore either of the Hobbit holes, with groups of 40 being divided into two groups of 20 each to ensure ample space for movement and exploration. While both Hobbit homes boast distinct interiors and decorations, they offer visitors similar immersive experiences.
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Each meticulously decorated Hobbit home replicates nearly everything seen in the movies. From the entry hall and parlour to the pantry and kitchen, from the bedroom to the dining room, and from the winding hallways to the bathroom, all areas are open for exploration. A crackling fire creates a cosy atmosphere, and a pantry stocked with Hobbit food and various knick-knacks ensures an authentic experience.
The tour of the Hobbiton movie set is priced at NZD 120 (HKD 577) for adults and NZD 60 (HKD 288) for children below 17 years of age.
Disclaimer: Currency conversions were done at the time of writing
(Feature image credit: hobbitontours.com)
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