Hobbiton Movie Set: Walking Tour & Green Dragon Drink

Summary

Walk Hobbiton’s hills, peek inside Bagshot Row, sip at the Green Dragon

You’ll walk through Hobbiton’s winding paths in Waikato with a local guide, spot colorful Hobbit Holes and Bagshot Row, then relax with a Southfarthing drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Expect earthy scents, movie stories, and laughter—plus shuttle service so you can just enjoy being part of Middle-earth for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not really a hobbit until you’ve tried the ale,” our guide grinned as we stepped off the shuttle into the soft, sheepy air of Waikato. The grass was still damp from last night’s rain—smelled a bit like earth and wildflowers—and I caught myself scanning for tiny footprints on the path. Our group was small, mostly folks who’d flown halfway across the world just to see this patch of green. I kept thinking how surreal it felt to stand where all those stories started.

The Hobbiton Movie Set is bigger than I expected—twelve acres of rolling hills and these round doors tucked everywhere, some yellow or blue or just plain wood. Our guide (I think her name was Jess?) pointed out little details: laundry lines with shirts pegged up, smoke curling from a chimney that wasn’t really burning anything. She told us how Peter Jackson convinced the Alexander family to let him build here, which made me laugh—imagine waking up one day to find your sheep farm turned into Middle-earth. I tried saying “Bagshot Row” in my best Bilbo voice but just got a snort from my partner.

We peeked inside one of the hobbit homes—not much more than a cozy nook but somehow it smelled faintly of cinnamon bread (could’ve been my imagination). The Kaimai Ranges were just visible through a break in the clouds; for a minute nobody said anything. Then someone’s phone went off with that classic Shire tune and we all cracked up. It’s funny how even on a tour like this you get these quiet moments that stick.

The last stop was the Green Dragon Inn—a real pint waiting for us inside, fire going in the hearth even though it was only noon. I tried the Southfarthing cider (sweet, almost floral) and watched as people clinked glasses under low wooden beams. There was something about sitting there that made me wish we didn’t have to catch the shuttle back so soon. Even now, I keep picturing those mossy rooftops and thinking maybe hobbits have it right after all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided Hobbiton Movie Set tour

• Arrive at Hobbiton Movie Set
• Walk past Hobbit Holes and the Mill
• Explore Bagshot Row interiors
• Visit the Green Dragon Inn
• Enjoy complimentary Hobbit Southfarthing beverage

Top questions

How long is the Hobbiton Movie Set walking tour?

The guided walking tour covers 12 acres and typically lasts around two hours.

Is transportation included within Hobbiton grounds?

Yes, shuttle services are included within the grounds as part of your visit.

Can you go inside any of the Hobbit Holes?

You can peek inside select Hobbit Holes like Bagshot Row during the tour.

What drink is served at the Green Dragon Inn?

You’ll receive a complimentary exclusive Southfarthing beverage—ale or cider—at tour’s end.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Is wheelchair access available on this tour?

Wheelchair access is limited due to terrain; check details or contact Hobbiton staff before booking.

Are guides local experts on Hobbiton and film history?

Your professional guide will share behind-the-scenes stories about filming and set design throughout your walk.

What’s included

Your day includes shuttle transport around Hobbiton grounds, a professional local guide sharing film stories and set secrets, entry to explore iconic locations like Bagshot Row and the Mill, plus a complimentary Southfarthing beverage at the Green Dragon Inn before heading back by shuttle.