The real-life Hobbiton from “The Lord of the Rings” is heading to Airbnb

The Lord of the Rings fans could get one step closer to living like their favorite characters. For the first time ever, the 2,500-acre working farm, best known for its cameo in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, is available for booking on Airbnb.

Although The Lord of the Rings is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the highly-popular movie series, directed by Peter Jackson, was actually filmed in New Zealand. This time, potential guests will have a chance to visit one of the Middle-earth regions, the Shire, which is inhabited by hobbits. 

“For more than two decades, we’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth,” said Russell Alexander, the host of this experience. “I am delighted to share the beauty of my family’s farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world.”

The booking includes a private tour of the 12-acre set, a cozy overnight accommodation curated by The Lord of the Rings creative director Brian Massey, and a feast. Guests will be treated to an evening banquet in The Green Dragon Inn, a second breakfast, and Elevenses, an eleven o’clock tea break. This once-in-a-lifetime experience has a price tag of NZD $10 (USD 6.4) per night, a nod to the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. 

Those looking to live like Bilbo Baggins will need to travel to Matamata, Waikato, New Zealand, the real-life location of Hobbiton. Airbnb offers fans a chance to request one of the three individual two-night stays (March 2-4, March 9-11, and March 16-18, 2023). Bookings for The One-and-Only Hobbiton will open on Tuesday, December 13, at 9 PM GMT. 

Resources:

“The one-and-only Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings is now on Airbnb,” (Airbnb, 2022)

“This New Zealand Farm Was a Set for ‘Lord of the Rings.’ You Can Now Book a Two-Night Stay There,” by Abby Montanez (Robb Report, 2022)

“Lord of the Rings fans rejoice as they can live like a hobbit,” by Olivia Ireland (The Canberra Times, 2022)

“YOU COULD SPEND THE NIGHT IN HOBBITON,” (Book Riot, 2022)

“Hobbiton From The Lord of the Rings Is Going on Airbnb,” by Germain Lussier (Gizmodo, 2022)