"Middle-earth" really exists: New Zealand's Hobbiton village opens its doors: Welcome to visit

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Following the "Hobbit airplane" and "Gollum Airport," the film *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey* is set in Middle-earth 60 years before the events of the *Lord of the Rings* trilogy. The mysterious and incredible real-life settings of the hobbits in the film have been discovered to actually exist. Moreover, those who wish to step into Middle-earth can now have the hobbits open their doors wide, welcoming "future Earthlings" from another world into their peaceful village.


▲%The seasonal village retains the magical atmosphere of the film, offering visitors an experience similar to that of the movie set, which is not commonly found elsewhere. (Photo provided by Friends of Hobbiton Movie Set Facebook)

Located in Matamata, about a two-hour drive north of Auckland, New Zealand, lies the village where the hobbits reside in the film. As soon as you enter the village, it feels as if you've stepped into the real Middle-earth. The area is covered in lush greenery, and beneath the rolling hills lie the hobbits' charming homes. This pure and idyllic rural-style village makes you feel as though you've truly crossed the boundary between reality and the world of *The Lord of the Rings*, arriving in a mysterious and kind-hearted Middle-earth.

Matamata Hobbiton, featuring a mill, an arched bridge, hobbit holes, and other scenes, has a total of 44 hobbit dwellings. Originally specially designed and built for the film, these *Lord of the Rings* sets were supposed to be restored to their original state after shooting. However, because the land is privately owned, they have been preserved. Travelers can easily reach the hobbit village by taking a sightseeing bus from Auckland, New Zealand's largest northern city, and embark on a journey to Middle-earth.


▲%The vibrant village showcases a unique architectural style, offering visitors a profound sense of the blend between reality and fantasy. (Photo provided by Friends of Hobbiton Movie Set Facebook)