The Hobbit Shire

On picturesque private farmland near Matamata on the North Island of New Zealand, I visited the remnants of the original Hobbiton movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

In September 1998 Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema discovered the Alexander family farm during an aerial search for suitable film sites for "The Lord of the Rings". The fantastic views and rolling country side of the Alexander Farm closely resembled that of Middle-earth as described by author, J.R.R Tolkien.

The large established pine tree, later re-named the party tree, was already perfectly placed in front of the lake. The surrounding rolling farmland was untouched by 20th century clutter such as roads, buildings or power lines. The farm was perfect.

Site construction started in March 1999. Initially this involved heavy earthmoving machinery provided by the New Zealand Army. Total site construction took nine months. Throughout construction and filming all activity on the site was kept under strict security due to commercial restraints by the movie company.

Filming commenced in December 1999 and continued for three months. At its peak 400 people were working on site, including director Peter Jackson, and actors Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sir Ian Holm (Bilbo), Sean Astin (Sam), Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry).

After filming on the site was completed heavy rain stopped the dismantling of the set, leaving about half the hobbit homes in place. New Line Cinema canceled plans for removing the remaining set and granted permission to the Alexander family to allow public access which has resulted in thousands of visitors each year since 2004.

The set has been rebuilt for the fillming of "The Hobbit", which began late in 2010.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Lord of the Rings
• New Zealand
• Matamata
• Hobbiton

[shadowkiro]

What is this videos music called?

[joebenevides]

@shadowkiro "Bard Dance" by Enya. There's a link to buy it under the total number of views.

[whisperingdeath308]

I like it, but where are the large wooden doors?

[joebenevides]

@whisperingdeath308 Please see the story under the video for details.

[Jaboie]

@gojiggi Quick somebody, we have an independent thinker here. He realizes that if we built homes in harmony with mother nature that would significantly improve the quality of life for people and lower their bills. Quick silence him. This might lead to the collapse of our great empire of greed and tyranny. Silence free thinker. Take your prozak and stop exposing our oppression of free thinking and common sense. ; )

[TalynFilms]

isnt this the Telebubbys house?

[OURpage0o]

looks peaceful

[NorthernAaronPB]

The hobbit's are sorted for 2012

[RomanKnight88]

really great place :D 5*

[swell139]

Telebubbies.

[Eszra]

I'd love to live in one of those!

[Faithfull14ever]

Id love a place like that my self, maby a bit larger tho.... the land is beautiful.

[jeryl1968]

@TalynFilms thats what i was wondering to lol was this where they shot the telebubbys show lol looks like a film set for it doesnt it ? lol are there really little people amoung us ? maby this is where the alians stay when they come to earth ? could this be the real bazaro world ? lol munchkins mansions ? or maby there really are smurfs ? lol just a thought lol

[blazterreck]

alway being facinated by growenland, i feel like digging my house under the ground

[Masowai]

I really love this song. What is it called?

[maxdecphoenix]

@whooleeoh16 if i recall from the "behind the scenes" featurettes from the dvds, hobbiton was pretty much just set dressings and facades. all interior dwelling shots were done on soundstage sets. i don't think they actually made any "real" dwellings out on the farm property, just some movie magic.