KEY POINTS
- The Lord of the Rings movie franchise continues to attract global visitors to New Zealand.
- Hobbiton in Waikato remains the country’s most recognised location among U.S. travellers.
- Tour operators report increased interest and LOTR-related itineraries linked to the 25-year milestone.
New Zealand tourism continues to benefit from the enduring popularity of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, now 25 years after the first movie’s release. The association between the films and the country’s landscapes remains a powerful draw for international travellers.
Tourism officials say the Hobbiton Movie Set in the Waikato region is one of the most recognised attractions among visitors, especially from the United States. The iconic Shire set has become a pilgrimage site for fans and a cornerstone of Lord of the Rings-themed travel.
Visitors to Hobbiton can explore the detailed set, including multiple hobbit holes, the Party Tree and Bag End, which has helped sustain strong interest in Middle-earth tourism. In recent years the attraction has welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests annually, underscoring its lasting appeal.
Travel operators are responding to the steady demand by offering dedicated LOTR tours and itineraries that highlight filming locations across both islands of New Zealand. Some reports suggest the 25th anniversary has spurred particular interest, with growth in trip bookings focused on Middle-earth sites.
Among the many real-world backdrops used in the films, visitors frequently include places like Mount Sunday — the former setting for Edoras — and scenic regions near Queenstown and Tongariro National Park. These locations offer striking landscapes that extend the LOTR experience beyond Hobbiton itself.
Tour packages often combine Lord of the Rings-themed visits with broader New Zealand highlights such as adventure activities, cultural experiences and natural attractions, appealing to both fans and general travellers.
Industry observers say the films’ cultural impact has made Middle-earth tourism one of the most recognisable examples of film-induced travel globally. The movies helped raise international awareness of New Zealand’s landscapes and have continued to inspire travel decisions long after their original release.
Hobbiton’s lasting popularity among visitors reflects this trend, with many seeing it as a must-see attraction when planning their trip to New Zealand. For many Lord of the Rings fans, walking through the Shire’s rolling hills and iconic sets connects them directly to the films in a way that transcends conventional sightseeing.
As the 25-year anniversary milestone prompts renewed global interest, tour operators and local communities alike are leveraging the franchise’s legacy to attract travellers seeking both nostalgia and adventure.
