Nestled within a 1,250-acre working farm, Hobbiton Movie Set is home to a patchwork of farmland, forested areas, wetlands, water features, and gardens. This mismatch of native and cultivated environments is a vital part of the Hobbiton experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves within the rolling hills of The Shire.
Following the completion of filming, significant planting projects have occurred in and around the Movie Set and Alexander farmland. Recently planted species include Manuka, Kanuka, Totara, and Kahikatea. Since 2021, our dedicated gardening team have planted over 20,000 native plant species!
Most of these revegetation efforts can be found along riparian margins, steep inclines, and in wetland areas. The purpose of these plantings is to protect and improve water quality, bank stability, and sediment control, which is monitored via regular water testing up- and down-stream from the lake located on the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Hobbiton’s diverse landscapes are home to a wide range of indigenous and introduced species. Some of our regular visitors include monarch butterflies, Tūī, Pūkeko, black swans, and the European bumblebee, as well as aquatic creatures like eels and bell frogs.
Such biodiversity is further encouraged through the careful selection of pollinator-friendly plants, the provision of seasonal bird and insect feeders, and ongoing pest control efforts.
Waste Management
Hobbiton Movie Set measures waste generated by visitors and staff, and has several waste management programs to ensure waste is being disposed of responsibly. These programs are implemented at our on-site waste sorting and composting facilities, which enable all organic waste to be processed at Hobbiton.
Annual waste audits and daily monitoring have enabled us to better understand the quantity and composition of waste being produced onsite. By measuring our waste production, we have been able to streamline our waste management processes and reduce our contributions to landfill.
Some key projects in this space include working with suppliers to minimise packaging waste, transitioning away from single-use plastics and containers, and installing custom-made bin stations that encourage correct sorting behaviours.
Hobbiton Movie Set’s commitment to reducing waste is formalised in procurement policies that encourage staff to avoid purchasing non-compostable and non-recyclable items. In 2011, this commitment led to the replacement of all non-compostable food packaging with carefully-sourced plant-based alternatives. These packaging alternatives have a carbon footprint of up to 75% less than traditional materials and are fully composted onsite.
These initiatives have so far enabled Hobbiton to divert over 70% of its waste (by weight) from landfill each month, and we are committed to finding further ways to reduce the waste we produce.
Community Engagement
At Hobbiton Movie Set, we are deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing of our community, guided by the Tiaki Promise and Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s Sustainability Pledge. Our engagement focuses on five key areas: education, the arts, charities, sporting groups, and the environment. Through sponsorship, partnerships, volunteering, and local collaboration, we strive to create meaningful, long-term impact across all levels of our community.
