The Hobbiton Movie Set, near Matamata in New Zealand’s Waikato region, has welcomed its one-millionth visitor in a celebration that coincided with the very reason for its existence.

As the movie set milestone was reached in the lush hills of the real Middle-earth New Zealand, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” – the final film in Sir Peter Jackson’s epic Trilogies adapting the timeless novels of J.R.R. Tolkien – was being released to the world on DVD/Blu-Ray.

Hobbiton Movie Set is now one of New Zealand’s most visited tourist attractions. Since filming wrapped on The Hobbit Trilogy, New Zealand has seen an unprecedented increase in the flow of fans and tourists to the country, with more visitors than ever before citing the popular films as an influencing factor when choosing New Zealand as a holiday destination.

The Hobbiton Movie Set covers approximately 12 acres and features 44 Hobbit Holes, as well as a 70- to 80-metre-tall Party Tree. The set is a two-hour drive from Auckland and within easy access of other tourist destinations including Rotorua, Waitomo, Tauranga and the city of Hamilton.