In 1998, Sir Peter Jackson’s location scouts searched the rolling hills of Waikato far and wide to find the perfect home for the Hobbits of The Shire.
Amidst a 2,500-acre sheep farm, they found something special. Closely resembling what J.R.R Tolkien described as The Shire, the location was spot-on. Uninterrupted by powerlines, buildings, or roads, this small section of the Alexander family farm allowed Jackson to create a fully immersive world for his production of The Lord Of The Rings.
Sir Peter then approached the New Zealand government, hoping to obtain further funding for his project (knowing what these films could do for New Zealand’s tourism industry). While the governments’ budgets were all tied up for the year, they did believe Jackson was onto something. They offered him the New Zealand Army to help create roads that would allow access for the film crew.
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Soon after, 39 temporary Hobbit Holes were built and spread across the sprawling green hills of the Alexander farm. The Shire had come to life.
The production of The Lord Of The Rings wrapped and the demolition of the set commenced, however, 17 of the Hobbit Hole Facades remained as features of guided tours that would begin in 2002.
Years later, in 2009, Jackson returned to Hobbiton to commence production of The Hobbit trilogy. This time, however, the director wanted to do it right – permanently building Hobbiton into the land so it could serve as a tourist hot spot for years to come.
Now, ten years on from the release of the final episode of The Hobbit trilogy, Hobbiton is the top destination for any tourists travelling to New Zealand. Amassing 600,000 average visits a year (pre-COVID), the attraction operates with 160 helpful staff, all of which are extremely knowledgeable about the LOTR universe. Occupying approximately 1% of the land on the property, Hobbiton has brought to life a fantasy that many of us hold close to our hearts.
To celebrate this anniversary, the Hobbiton Movie Set is collaborating with Airbnb to offer the fans something new. An opportunity to stay in Hobbiton at The Millhouse. Set on the edge of a lake opposite The Green Dragon, punters now have the chance to book an overnight stay in Middle-earth.
We recently checked out what Russel Alexander, the man behind Hobbiton, has been busy constructing and to say we were taken back would be an understatement. Unlike the Hobbit Holes scattered throughout the hills of Hobbiton, The Millhouse is built big enough for a regular human with all of the charm of a Hobbit’s home.
“For more than two decades, we’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth. I am delighted to share the beauty of my family’s farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world.” – Russel Alexander.
Featuring two bedrooms, a fireplace to cozy up and read some Tolkein, and a writing nook fit for Bilbo Baggins himself, The Millhouse is your ultimate fantasy vacation spot. With help from Airbnb, Russell is looking to host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests at $10 (NZD) per night, paying homage to the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Rally together your fellowship, your Samwise and co., and get ready to drink flagons upon flagons at The Green Dragon, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous movie set, take in the breathtaking views of Middle-earth and enjoy one of the most memorable stays of your life.
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How to Book The Hobbiton Airbnb
Request to book one of three overnight stays on Wednesday, December 14, from 10 AM NZDT / 8 AM AEDT at airbnb.com/hobbiton. Stays will take place March 2 – 4, March 9 – 11, and March 16 – 18, 2023. You Shall Not Pass! (without requesting to book, of course).
To request to book, guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged 18+. Maximum occupancy is four persons. Two bedrooms are configured, featuring one queen bed and the other two king singles.
Guests are responsible for their transportation to and from Auckland, New Zealand. Round-trip car transportation will be provided for the two-hour journey between the airport and the property.
