Peter Jackson scoured the vast lands of New Zealand on a chopper and found the Russell farm in Auckland. It was exactly what he needed, a lake in the middle of lust pastures. This magical location can be found in the heart of the Waikato region.
I fell in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as I journeyed through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. The 12 acre set features hobbit holes of various sizes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn where I was served a non-alcoholic ginger ale. Alcoholic drinks are served too :-)
The scene that captured the attention of Sir Peter Jackson.
In one particular part of the farm, a magnificent pine tree towered over a nearby lake, adjacent to a rising hill. Bag End now sits atop that hill, overlooking the Party Tree, as that pine would later be known. The surrounding areas were untouched; no power lines, no buildings and no roads in sight. This meant that Sir Peter Jackson could leave the 20th century behind, and fully submerge himself in the fantasy world of Middle-earthâ„¢. (Source:http://www.hobbitontours.com/our-story/)
The Movie Set was left as it was, preserved carefully for us. You may remember some of these props from the trilogy.
Hobbit Holes of various sizes and decorations
The most famous Hobbit Hole
Credits:
All photos belong to Alvena Sam