Hobbiton from Lord of the Rings listed on Airbnb for the first time

For the first time ever, Lord of the Rings fans will have the chance to experience life in Middle-earth, with an overnight stay on the iconic Hobbiton film set.

The set, nestled in the Waikato Hills on a 2,500-acre working farm, bears a striking resemblance to The Shire in JR R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Property owner Russell Alexander is hosting three individual two-night stays for up to four people for just $10 per night to mark the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The bedroom inside the Hobbiton house.

Guests enjoy private access to a personal hobbit hole, an evening banquet at the Green Dragon Inn, and second and eleven breakfasts served daily. Guests will also receive a private behind-the-scenes tour of Hobbiton.

“For more than two decades, we’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to the Hobbiton film set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth,” Alexander said.

The living room inside the house.

“I am thrilled to share the beauty of my family’s farm and thrilled to host this iconic place on Airbnb for fans around the world.”

Those interested can ask to reserve one of the three nights starting Wednesday, December 14 at 10 a.m. here.

Inside the Hobbiton house.

The stays will take place from March 2 to 4, from March 9 to 11 and from March 16 to 18, 2023.

Tourism expenditure data

It comes as new information from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) from July to September 2022 shows that international tourists spent $1.03 billion during that three-month period.

Australians contributed $626 million.

“I was convinced that once New Zealand’s borders reopened, international tourists would return and spend in our areas and boost our economy. This survey shows that the world is still drawn to our fantastic country and that international tourists are happy to pay for what New Zealand has to offer,” said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.

He added that airline capacity continued to increase and would average 70% of 2019 levels over the summer.

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