Jim & Barbara Burton Travel: Hobbiton

Hobbiton

In September 1998 Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema discovered the 1250 acre Alexander farm during an aerial search for suitable film sites. The fantastic views and the rolling countryside of this farm closely resembled that of Middle-earth, as described by J.R.R. Tolkien. The large established pine tree next to the lake was perfectly situated and became known as The Party Tree. The surrounding rolling farmland was untouched by 20^th Century clutter such as roads, buildings or power lines.

Site construction began March 1999. This involved heavy earth moving machinery provided by the New Zealand Army and took a total of nine months to complete. Throughout construction and filming the site was kept under strict security.

Filming started December 1999 and continued for three months. At its peak 400 people were on site including Peter Jackson, Sir Ian McKellan, Elijah Wood, Ian Holm and Sean Austin.

Barberry hedges and trees were brought in and gardens were nurtured through the winter months. Thirty-seven Hobbit holes were created, a mill and double arch bridge. Thatch, on pub and mill roofs, was cut from rushes around the farm.

The Oak Tree overlooking Bag End was cut down and disassembled from near the small town of Matamata and reassembled on top of Bag End, a total of 26 tonne. The leaves are artificial and imported from Taiwan, individually hand-painted and wired on the dead tree.

This working farm has 14,000 Romney sheep – meat contracted to Mac Donalds, yes NZ has MacLamb burgers and 400 Black Angus Cattle. They also have Farm Stays and The Green Dragon Pub is due to open this week.

Pickles the cat turned up from whence, we know not where. We are not sure if she is in the film or not but as you can see quite used to making herself at home.

Seen here disappearing through an open window when she heard voices from within.

Matamata is the closest small town to the set and the workplace of accountant, farmer and Hobbit Movie Set proprietor Russell I. Alexander. Matamata is fully involved in keeping the legend alive as you can see from the accompanying photos.

We visited Hobbiton on the day of the Movie Premiere in Wellington, NZ. The following day Hobbiton was closed for a big after Premiere party for those involved. Note the large Marquee. We didn’t get an invite. Obviously didn’t know we were in town???? We did however go to Matamata that day, which was having its own Carnival ahead of the Santa Parade the next day. We wonder which bash Russell went to!!!!!!!