AusLeisure

The latest addition at Matamata attraction the Hobbiton Movie Set -  the opening of the interiors of two Hobbit holes - have proved to be a major drawcard through New Zealand’s peak holiday season.

With Hobbiton Movie Set’s hobbit holes having only existed as an external facade since its opening two decades ago, the December opening has allowed visitors to step inside the prominent scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.

Rapidly becoming one the of the top experiences ever the hobbit holes the opening followed excavations on the site - which commenced in - March 2023 to include rooms behind the entryways (a hallway, bedrooms, and a kitchen and dining area, complete with a pantry capable of catering for seven daily meals, as well as a parlour with a fireplace).

Prior to the opening of the hobbit holes, Hobbiton Movie Set Chief Executive, Russell Alexander advised “for two decades, we've welcomed millions of passionate visitors to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone ventured beyond the door of a hobbit hole like this.

"This extraordinary addition will fulfil a long-held dream for Hobbiton Movie Set and visitors alike, promising to immerse fans into the humble home of a hobbit for the first time."

Alexander note that while the idea to open the holes had been “thrown around” since 2002 when tours at the set first began, illustrator and concept designer John Howe, best-known for his artwork of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, was approached to do the first concept drawing in 2014.

Director, writer and producer Sir Peter Jackson, and screenwriter and producer Fran Walsh, who are co-owners in the Hobbiton Movie Set business, had input to their development.

The hobbit holes are the biggest development at the Hobbiton Movie Set since The Green Dragon Inn opened in 2012.

One of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions, the interior of the Inn was fully reconstructed to appear as it did in the films.

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