The project, known as Bagshot Row, will transform the Hobbit hole exteriors into a series of themed rooms fit for a family of Hobbits. The concept drawings show the hillside behind a series of the existing doors excavated and modelled into fully equipped Hobbit homes, complete with roaring fireplaces.  

The first visitors to Hobbiton™ Movie Set(opens in new window), which is located two hours drive from Auckland in the Waikato region, were welcomed in 2002. The experience remains co-owned by Sir Peter Jackson, the director of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Sir Peter Jackson shares he is “thrilled that we will finally be able to share with fans the experience of visiting a Hobbit’s home. Guests will see that, true to Professor Tolkien’s word, a hobbit-hole means comfort”. 

The popular Hobbiton™ Movie Set guided tour is currently a two hour experience, with visitors able to wander the paths, stopping at iconic Hobbit scenes from the films. The tour concludes with a complimentary Hobbit Southfarthing beverage at The Green Dragon Inn. Once project Bagshot Row is complete, the tour will extend to two and a half hours with additional time to explore and relax at The Green Dragon Inn.  

Bookings for the new experience will be available from December 2022. Construction is set to begin April 2023.