Day 1
Hamilton Gardens covers an area of 58 hectares. The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is “the story of gardens” which is made up of many different very beautiful, international gardens. Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson-directed film, “The Lord of The Rings”. Your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill, and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into “The Shire from Middle-earth”. At the end of the tour, you have time for pictures and dress up in clothes from Middle-earth, along with a taste of home-brewed ginger beer (non-alcohol) at the Green Dragon.