If you’ve ever been to New Zealand before, you’ll know that you can visit Hobbiton, the quaint film set from The Lord of the Rings.
Staying overnight though? That wasn’t possible – unless you had the bravery of Bilbo Baggins and a magical ring that made you invisible – until now.
For the first time ever, LoTR super fans will be given the chance to stay in The Shire thanks to a partnership between Airbnb and Hobbiton’s founder Russell Alexander.
Three individual two-night stays for up to four guests are up for grabs, and it will only cost NZD$10 per night in tribute to the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. An unexpected journey indeed.
For the Tolkien lover in your life, this special stay couldn’t be better. There’s private access to a personal Hobbit Hole, cosily set up for relaxing downtime. An evening banquet in The Green Dragon Inn will be provided, containing food fit for a King, never mind a Hobbit: beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, freshly baked breads and, yes, lots of ale. A behind-the-scenes private tour of the Hobbiton film set will also be included.
“For more than two decades, we’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth,” Russell Alexander said. “I am delighted to share the beauty of my family’s farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world.”
“We are delighted to partner with Hobbiton Movie Set to give fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit an opportunity to experience Middle-earth like never before,” Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb country manager for Australia and New Zealand, said “This special campaign brings the magic of these extraordinary films and the beauty of New Zealand to life for Airbnb’s global community.”
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If you’re interested, you can request to book one of the three stays on Wednesday, December 14th at 10am NZDT/8am AEDT here.
To request to book, you’ll have to have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be over the age of 18. And you’ll have to be available to stay between March 2nd-4th, March 9th-11th and March 16th-18th.
For more on this topic, follow the Travel Observer.
Check out footage of Hobbiton in The Lord of the Rings:
