Journey to middle earth, anyone? In a bucket list experience, Lord of the Rings fans can now live and breathe the world-renowned fantasy Shire itself. But it won’t quite be like JRR Tolkien’s fictional universe with dragons, wizards, treasure and the likes of Frodo Baggins and his uncle Bilbo.
Instead, guests will be the characters themselves and leave the 20th century behind and submerge themselves into a world of movie magic.
From Wednesday 14 December, fans all over the world will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to stay at Hobbiton, a sheep farm in the heart of Waikato in New Zealand and the location for both The Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton series of films.
Hobbiton’s founder Russell Alexander is inviting guests to his property for an exclusive overnight stay thanks to Air BnB.
For just $10 NZD a night, fans will step into the enchanting village of the Hobbiton movie set to coincide with the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. And Russell says he’s thrilled to be opening up his home to fans of the cult series and has acquired an exclusive licensing arrangement with Middle-earth Enterprises to offer the adventure.
“Kia Ora, I’m lucky enough to call Middle earth my home. Back when The Lord of the Rings’ location scouts first discovered our working farm, we were only too welcoming to allow the Hobbits and their friends to set up home in our hillside oasis – and they obviously loved it so much they never left!,” says Russell.
“This special campaign brings the magic of these extraordinary films and the beauty of New Zealand to life for Airbnb’s global community and now we’re inviting you to come and join the magic for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Russell will host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests at $10 NZD per night.
With access to 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse, the Green Dragon Inn and other locations, guests will take an unexpected journey into Middle-earth for a truly magical experience.
All guests will stay in The Millhouse, which has been transformed to accommodate four guests in Hobbit-inspired rooms and features a “writing nook fit for Bilbo Baggins”, as well as “honey decor” curated by the trilogies’ Creative Director Brian Massey.
Guests will also indulge in an evening banquet at the Hobbit watering hole, The Green Dragon Inn, and feast on beef and ale stew and whole roast chickens and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the movie set.
Hobbiton was first discovered back in 1998 when Sir Peter Jackson’s team of scouts were searching for rolling hills and lush green pastures as described by JRR Tolkien. An aerial search led them to The Shire, an untouched farm with no power lines, buildings or roads in sight.
A year later the crew began a nine-month quest to bring the ideas for Hobbiton to fruition; help was provided by the New Zealand Army, and soon 39 temporary Hobbit Holes were scattered across the 12-acre plot used for the set.
Secrecy was key, and strict security measures were put in place by the production company throughout construction and filming.
Filming then commenced in December 1999, and it took about three months to get a wrap on The Shire.
After an initial attempt at demolition, 17 bare plywood facades remained. These shells would serve as the catalyst that propelled Hobbiton forward into the public eye, with guided tours commencing in 2002.
In 2009, Sir Peter Jackson returned to film The Hobbit trilogy, and he left behind the movie set visitors see today; 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes in the same fantastic detail as seen in the movies.
Hobbits and friends can request to book one of three overnight stays on Wednesday 14 December from 10am NZDT.
Stays will take place from March 2-4, March 9-11 and March 16-18, 2023.
To request to book, guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged 18+.
The maximum occupancy is four persons. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from Auckland, New Zealand, but round-trip car transportation will be provided for the two-hour journey between the airport and the property.
For more details visit Air Bnb
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