Farah Khan explores New Zealand’s Hobbiton, a dream location for movie fans

Filmmaker Farah Khan is spending her vacation in New Zealand, where she visited one of the most famous movie locations in the world — the set of The Hobbit. The Indian director shared beautiful photos from the site on her Instagram page, showing her enjoying the peaceful scenery and sunny weather.

Farah called it a “beautiful day in beautiful Hobbiton” in her post, using the hashtags #visitnewzealand and #hobbitton. Fans quickly reacted to her pictures, expressing admiration for the breathtaking green hills and tiny hobbit houses that were featured in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings film series.

The shooting site she visited is located on a working sheep farm in Waikato, known as the Alexander Farm. It is now a top tourist attraction for fans of fantasy films. According to the official New Zealand tourism website, the place includes 44 small hobbit homes, the famous Green Dragon Inn, and a lovely lake with a small stone mill beside it. The site looks exactly like it does in the movies, with round doors, colorful gardens, and the famous Bag End — home to Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.

Tour organizers run regular guided tours of the area, taking visitors across the 1,250-acre farm with stunning views of the Kaimai mountain ranges. The tours allow people to walk through the same paths where famous scenes from The Hobbit were filmed. The trip ends with a free drink at the Green Dragon Inn, making it a full experience for movie lovers. Tickets for the tour range from $120 to $230 per adult, depending on the type of package.

Farah Khan’s visit has drawn attention not only to the film location but also to the many other beautiful spots in New Zealand that attract tourists from all over the world. The island nation, known for its clean air, green landscapes, and friendly people, has many natural wonders that make it a top travel destination.

One of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand is Lake Taupo, located on the North Island. It is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Auckland. The large lake was formed around two thousand years ago after a powerful volcanic eruption. Today, it offers many activities such as water skiing, kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Tourists can also relax by walking along its beaches and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Another major attraction is Huka Falls, formed by the Waikato River near Lake Taupo. The falls are so powerful that they can fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in only eleven seconds. Tourists often take a thrilling jet boat ride to reach the base of the falls, where they can feel the strong mist and hear the roaring sound of the water.

In the South Island, the Marlborough region is famous for its vineyards and wine production. The area is known for producing the world-famous Sauvignon Blanc wine. Marlborough also has a unique coastal area called Marlborough Sounds, which has over 1,500 kilometers of winding shoreline. It is home to small bays, historic landmarks, and protected island sanctuaries. Visitors can explore the area by boat and enjoy watching dolphins and other sea animals in their natural habitat.

For those who love nature and adventure, the Whanganui National Park on the North Island is another special destination. The park surrounds the Whanganui River and is covered with lush forests that are home to native plants and wildlife. Tourists can explore it by hiking through forest trails or taking a jet boat ride along the river. The area offers a quiet and refreshing escape from busy city life.

New Zealand has long been known for its connection to Hollywood movies. Apart from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, several other films have been shot in its breathtaking locations. The country’s mix of green hills, snowy mountains, blue lakes, and clear skies provides a natural backdrop that needs little special effects. Many travelers visit the country not just for its nature, but to feel like they are walking inside a movie set.

Farah Khan’s visit to Hobbiton has also helped remind Indian tourists of New Zealand’s charm. After the pandemic, the country has reopened its borders to international visitors and is trying to attract more travelers from Asia. The New Zealand Tourism Board has often promoted the country as a destination where “fantasy meets reality,” and the Hobbiton movie set is one of its strongest symbols.

Farah, who is known for her energetic personality and creative work in Bollywood, looked cheerful and relaxed in her photos. Her trip seems to be a break from her busy film schedule, and her posts have inspired many fans to dream of visiting New Zealand someday. Her followers flooded the comment section with hearts and messages, calling the place “magical” and saying they wished to visit it too.

Tourism experts say that celebrity visits like Farah Khan’s help promote international travel. When a well-known personality shares real travel moments, it makes the destination more appealing and trustworthy. Hobbiton, already one of New Zealand’s most visited attractions, often sees increased tourist interest whenever it appears on social media.

New Zealand, with its balance of peace and adventure, continues to stand out as one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. Whether it is walking through the lush paths of Hobbiton, tasting wine in Marlborough, or feeling the force of Huka Falls, every part of the country offers something unique. For many travelers, it is not just a holiday — it is an experience that feels like stepping into a storybook world.

As Farah Khan’s journey shows, sometimes movies and travel can come together to create unforgettable memories. Her visit to The Hobbit’s magical land has reminded people everywhere that New Zealand is not only a filmmaker’s dream but also a traveler’s paradise.