For the first time ever, fans can stay overnight at the original Hobbiton set from Sir Peter Jackson‘s iconic “The Lord of the Rings” films.
Russell Alexander, who owns the 1,250 acre working farm in the Waikato region of Aotereoa (also known as New Zealand) where the set is located, is inviting guests to his family’s property to live like a Baggins or Took, and retreat to The Shire for an overnight stay at Hobbiton, as featured in the famed “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” film trilogies.
Alexander will host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests, for NZD $10 per night as an homage to the 10th anniversary of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” courtesy of Airbnb.
With sweeping views of The Shire, guests will enjoy cosy overnight accommodation curated by the trilogies’ creative director Brian Massey, private access to a personal Hobbit Hole, an evening banquet in The Green Dragon Inn with a feast featuring beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, freshly baked breads and plenty of ale, plus Second Breakfast and Elevenses served daily, and of course a behind-the-scenes private tour of Hobbiton.
Like most Airbnb rentals, there are house rules. But these have to be our favorites:
House Rules
- No Unexpected Parties, please – unless with Gandalf and company.
- Bare feet are allowed, but wipe them first.
- Magical rings permitted, but keep them secret, keep them safe.
- Pony parking is provided only at The Green Dragon Inn.
- Straying far at night is discouraged, thanks to multiple troll sightings of late.
- No pets are allowed, except Pickles the resident Hobbiton cat.
- Never laugh at live dragons…
If you want to jump at this once-in-a-lifetime chance, you can request to book one of three overnight stays on Wednesday, December 14th from 10:00AM NZDT. Stays will take place in 2023; March 2nd-4th, March 9th-11th, and March 16th-18th.
