Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Filmmaker Farah Khan is on holiday in New Zealand and stopped at one of the country's best-known movie locations — the Hobbiton film set. She posted a series of photos on Instagram showing the sunny weather and tranquil landscape.
In her caption she described it as a "beautiful day in beautiful Hobbiton" and used the hashtags #visitnewzealand and #hobbitton. Followers responded quickly, praising the rolling green hills and the tiny hobbit dwellings familiar from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films.
The site sits on a working sheep farm in Waikato called Alexander Farm and has become a major draw for fans. The official New Zealand tourism site notes the attraction features 44 small hobbit homes, the Green Dragon Inn, and a decorative lake with a stone mill. Set details such as round doors, colorful gardens and Bag End replicate the films closely.
Guided tours operate across the 1,250-acre property and offer views of the Kaimai ranges as visitors follow paths used during filming. Tours typically finish with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Prices for adult tickets vary between $120 and $230, depending on the package chosen.
Farah Khan’s stop has also put a spotlight on other scenic destinations across New Zealand that attract international visitors. The island nation is widely recognised for its clear air, lush landscapes and welcoming communities, and it offers a range of natural highlights.
Lake Taupo, on the North Island, is a popular option and lies roughly three-and-a-half hours by road from Auckland. Formed about 2,000 years ago by a major volcanic eruption, the lake supports activities like water skiing, kayaking, sailing and fishing, as well as pleasant shoreline walks.
Nearby Huka Falls on the Waikato River is noted for its power; the falls can fill an Olympic-sized pool in around eleven seconds. Many visitors take jet boat trips to experience the falls up close, feeling the spray and hearing the roar of the water.
On the South Island, Marlborough is known for its vineyards and Sauvignon Blanc production. The Marlborough Sounds feature more than 1,500 kilometres of indented coastline with bays, historic sites and protected island refuges. Boat tours offer opportunities to see dolphins and other marine life.
Whanganui National Park, located around the Whanganui River on the North Island, contains native forest and wildlife. It is popular for hiking trails and river excursions, providing a quieter alternative to urban centres.
New Zealand’s landscapes have hosted numerous international film productions beyond The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The combination of hills, mountains, lakes and clear skies provides a natural cinematographic setting that attracts visitors hoping to step into locations they have seen on screen.
Farah Khan’s visit has served as a reminder to Indian travellers of New Zealand’s appeal. Since pandemic restrictions eased, the country has worked to draw more visitors from Asia, with the New Zealand Tourism Board promoting the idea that "fantasy meets reality" and highlighting Hobbiton as a flagship attraction.
Known for her lively screen persona and creative career in Bollywood, Farah appeared relaxed and cheerful in the shared images. Her posts have prompted many fans to express a desire to visit the site themselves.
Industry observers note that celebrity visits can boost tourism interest. Authentic social posts from recognised personalities often make destinations more appealing and trustworthy, and Hobbiton regularly experiences increased attention after high-profile visits.
From Hobbiton’s paths to Marlborough’s vineyards and the force of Huka Falls, New Zealand offers a mix of calm and adventure. For many travellers, the country’s varied settings provide memorable, storybook-like experiences.
Farah Khan’s trip underlines how film locations and tourism can intersect to create lasting impressions. Her visit to the Hobbiton set highlights New Zealand’s continuing draw for both filmmakers and holidaymakers.
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