Farah Khan's Hobbiton visit highlights New Zealand's cinematic tourism

Post by : Saif Nasser

Bollywood director Farah Khan is on holiday in New Zealand and recently toured the celebrated Hobbiton film set, posting photographs from the location to her Instagram account that show her taking in the tranquil landscape and clear skies.

In her post she described the outing as a lovely day in Hobbiton and used hashtags including #visitnewzealand and #hobbitton. Followers responded quickly, praising the verdant hills and intricate hobbit dwellings familiar from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films.

The set stands on Alexander Farm in Waikato, a working sheep property that has become a major visitor draw. The preserved site features 44 small hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and a scenic lake with a stone mill, recreating movie elements such as round doors, planted gardens and Bag End, the residence of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.

Guided tours operate across the farm's 1,250 acres, offering views of the Kaimai ranges and routes used during filming. Visitors follow marked paths through the set and tours conclude with a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn. Adult ticket prices vary by package, generally ranging from about $120 to $230.

Khan's stop at Hobbiton has drawn attention beyond the film location to New Zealand's broader tourism appeal, including its clean air, lush scenery and reputation for hospitality that attract international visitors.

Lake Taupo on the North Island is a frequently recommended destination, roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Auckland. Formed after a major volcanic event around two millennia ago, the lake offers activities such as water-skiing, kayaking, sailing and fishing, alongside calm shoreline walks.

Nearby Huka Falls on the Waikato River are a dramatic natural feature; the falls move enough water to fill an Olympic-sized pool in about eleven seconds. Many tourists take jet boat trips that bring them close to the base, where spray and the roar of the falls are most immediate.

On the South Island, Marlborough is noted for its vineyards and Sauvignon Blanc production. The region's Marlborough Sounds comprise some 1,500 kilometres of irregular coastline, featuring sheltered bays, historical sites and protected islands, where boat excursions often reveal playful dolphins and other marine life.

Whanganui National Park on the North Island is valued by nature enthusiasts. Encompassing the Whanganui River and extensive native forest, the park offers hiking trails and river journeys that provide a peaceful counterpoint to urban life.

New Zealand's landscapes have long attracted filmmakers; beyond The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, numerous productions have used its varied terrain. The country's combination of rolling pastures, alpine peaks, clear lakes and open skies often serves as a ready-made cinematic backdrop.

Farah Khan's visit has also renewed interest among Indian travellers, as New Zealand works to welcome back international tourists following border reopenings. The New Zealand Tourism Board often frames the country as a place where fantasy and reality intersect, with Hobbiton cited as a signature example.

Images of Khan looking relaxed and upbeat suggest the trip was a personal respite from her professional commitments. Her posts received many affectionate comments from fans expressing a wish to visit the location themselves.

Industry observers note that celebrity visits can positively influence travel choices by raising awareness and lending authenticity to destinations. Hobbiton, already popular with visitors, typically experiences additional interest after being shared on social platforms.

New Zealand continues to market itself as a destination that blends calm and adventure. Whether exploring Hobbiton's pathways, sampling Marlborough wines or feeling the force of Huka Falls, travellers often describe visits as immersive and memorable.

Khan's trip underscores how film and tourism intersect to create compelling travel narratives, reinforcing New Zealand's standing as both a cinematic backdrop and a broader travel destination.