Hobbiton in New Zealand

Most fans of The Lord of the Rings probably dream of seeing the stunning landscapes of Middle-earth with their own eyes. Fans know that the successful film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's book series was filmed in New Zealand, and it's no wonder that thousands of them flock to Middle-earth every year, especially to Hobbiton.

Of course, you don't travel to New Zealand just for a trip to the Shire, but if you find yourself in this 11,000-mile-away land, you should definitely visit this picturesque film set.

If you're now thinking 'Wow, this is just like in the movie!', I can confirm that, as the lovingly designed film set was left standing after filming the Hobbit trilogy and is now maintained by several gardeners and other staff. You'll find all the locations from the scenes set in the Shire, allowing you to immerse yourself in a part of Middle-earth.

44 hobbit holes, a handful of sheep grazing on the green pastures, and sprawling trees shape the scenery; you constantly feel that at any moment one of the small round doors could swing open and a pipe-smoking hobbit might stroll out. The Shire wouldn't be the Shire if you didn't also find a cozy pub with delicious dishes here, as hobbits are, after all, known for their culinary tastes and festive celebrations.

Step into the 'Green Dragon Inn,' drink a genuine hobbit brew, and sing one of the drinking songs of the merry little inhabitants of Middle-earth in an authentic setting. Various beers and hearty meals complete the short holiday in Hobbiton.

A special tip from many visitors is the Evening Dinner Tour, which takes you through the nighttime Shire after a hearty meal. At this time, Hobbiton is magically illuminated and feels even cozier than during the day. Another advantage is that the crowds you'd expect during the day have dissipated, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in a smaller group.

Even more exclusive than the Evening Dinner Tour is a wedding in Hobbiton. That's right, The Lord of the Rings fans can even tie the knot in the Shire. For just €3,000, a banquet hall can be booked in Hobbiton, not including the buffet costs (€60 per person) and the wedding shoot (€600).

Oh... I would love to pack my bags and return to Hobbiton in New Zealand to visit the lovingly crafted Shire again. New Zealand is a wonderful and diverse country that certainly has something to offer not just to the fans of The Lord of the Rings among you.

For those who can't spontaneously make their way to New Zealand but still want to experience the ambiance of the Shire, I recommend a visit to the German holiday village of the Shire. Especially for families, this is sure to be a great and budget-friendly alternative. You can read about what to expect there in my report on the holiday village of the Shire in Thuringia. But whether in New Zealand or Thuringia, don't forget to send me a postcard and tell me about your adventures! Because as Bilbo Baggins once said when he left the Shire: 'I'm going on an adventure!'.