Visit the ACE Book Club today to borrow The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Hobbit is one of the most famous and enjoyable books ever written. Author J.R.R Tolkien created an entire world called Middle Earth full of amazing characters which has kept readers turning pages since it was first published in 1937.

The Hobbit and its sequel, The Lord of the Rings, are some of the best-selling novels ever written, with hundreds of millions of copies sold.

The books are popular with children and adults alike and the popularity of The Hobbit has led to many references in popular culture, the founding of many societies by fans of Tolkien's works, and the publication of many books about Tolkien and his works.

The Hobbit has inspired, and continues to inspire, artwork, music, films and television, video games, and subsequent literature. Award-winning adaptations of The Hobbit have been made for radio, theatre, and film.


In recent years the book has become more popular again after the release of the Lord of the Rings and then after them, The Hobbit trilogy of films. The Oscar-winning Director Peter Jackson is from New Zealand and where do you think the movies were filmed?  

That’s right! Both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movie trilogies were filmed entirely in New Zealand. Experience the stunning locations and lands that starred as Middle-earth.

The movies had some of the biggest budgets of any films in history and were filmed in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful places. Read on to learn about these filming locations (from north to south): Matamata, Wellington, Nelson, Canterbury, Mackenzie Country, Southern Lakes and Fiordland.

Hobbiton
The rolling hills of The Shire were once again brought to life near Matamata, where Hobbiton was re-built for The Hobbit Trilogy. Also used in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Hobbiton has remained open as an attraction for Middle-earth fans.

Nelson
New Zealand’s sunniest region, Nelson, provided the backdrop for several locations in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The exact locations were filmed on private property, but visitors can get a good feel for these locations with a horse trek. Ride across neighbouring private farmland to the dramatic cliff drop which offers spectacular coastal views over Golden Bay.

Mount Cook
Mount Cook and its surrounding alpine peaks are used in the backdrop of some of the aerial filming in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Visit Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for a range of walking tracks and scenic views.

Queenstown
One of the most magical locations in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey; Earnslaw Burn is a glacier that has created a number of cascading waterfalls that tumble down a huge rock face. Here, Bilbo and

The Company are filmed continuing on their quest after departing Rivendell. The Earnslaw Burn Track - beginning in Glenorchy - is a challenging 4-hour hike that rewards with spectacular views at the head of the valley over the glacier and beyond. Passburn was used for the approach to Misty Mountains and Passburn Track on the Mavora Walkway - one section of New Zealand’s national walkway Te Araroa - is open to the public.

Wanaka
The world-class ski area of Treble Cone was another filming location, and is famous for its off-piste terrain and unrivalled views across Lake Wanaka and the Central Otago region. The ski field is abuzz during winter months and has the longest vertical run in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Alpine Peaks in the Wanaka region was also described as 'Wild Country' for the first film and provided the backdrop for soaring eagles.

Fiordland National Park
Both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogies used the majestic Fiordland National Park for epic scenic shots. The scene where The Company flees the mountains on the backs of eagles in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was filmed here also. Experience giant fiords and spectacular waterfalls with a helicopter flight or boat cruise.

The grasslands of Te Anau Downs provided the backdrop for chase scenes, while Mararoa Saddle doubled as the wildlands which Thorin leads the dwarves through.

Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook
Stunning Lake Pukaki was chosen as the location for Laketown in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Glacial lakes feed into Lake Pukaki giving the water its vibrant blue colour. The lake is also a favourite fishing, walking and cycling spot, while the snowcapped Mt Cook overlooking the lake is busy with skiers during the winter months.

Braemar Station at Lake Pukaki was used in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey to portray epic scenic shots, the 'Warg Chase' and approach to Rivendell. The property was also used for the forest slopes of Misty Mountains.

Are you amazed by the natural beauty of New Zealand? Come and talk to an IDP Study Abroad Counsellor today to find out more about the opportunities for studying in New Zealand.

Don’t forget to visit the ACE Book Club to borrow The Hobbit!