The search for the iconic location began in 1998​. The iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures provided a striking resemblance to The Shire described by J.R.R Tolkien. 

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The original 1999 set took 9 months to complete and even the New Zealand Army mucked in!

The original Shire was constructed of polystyrene and plywood as it was not intended to be a permanent set.

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The current set which stands in Matamata New Zealand contains 44 individually constructed Hobbit Holes . 

The new set was constructed in 2009 using materials such as concrete, wood and bricks.

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The set is so intricately designed with an impeccable eye for detail. Even the fences are embellished with fake moss to create and aged effect. 

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The oak tree that stands above Bag End, looks real doesn't it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well in fact it's fake! The trunk is made of fiberglass and the leaves are made from silk. When the leaves began to fade someone was paid to individually repaint each one by hand! 

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The Green Dragon Inn is an exceptional piece of set design in its own right. It is meticulously themed to the inspiration J.R.R Tolkien provided in his books.

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The set is an artistic triumph bursting with skill, scope, and burgeoning imagination. The success of the set is down to the designers who enable the audience to feel as if they are in the heart of Middle Earth.

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Hobbiton is undoubtedly ....

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