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On This Day in 2012: The Hobbit Premieres in New Zealand

The Hobbit Premieres in New Zealand

On this day in 2012, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey had its world premiere in New Zealand, bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth to life once again. Fans of the Shire can experience the magic firsthand at Hobbiton, located on a 12-acre sheep farm near Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island. Originally built for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the set was rebuilt permanently for The Hobbit films. Visitors can explore 44 Hobbit holes, a Middle-earth pub, and more. Now a top tourist destination, Hobbiton attracts over 350,000 fans annually—a must-see for Tolkien enthusiasts worldwide.