Hobbit fans will have a chance to visit the newly constructed Hobbiton film set near Matamata.
Sir Peter Jackson's Wingnut Films Productions and Rings Scenic Tours have signed a joint venture called Shire Tours to allow movie fans to visit the site.
The set, originally designed by the art department of The
Lord of the Rings films, has recently been rebuilt at the original location on the Alexander Farm on Buckland Rd, Matamata.
It will be used again for the filming of the two The Hobbit films later this year, during which time the location will be closed to the public.
Since the first tour in 2002, about 200,000 visitors have visited the site.
The site also has The Shires Rest Cafe and Function Centre, opened in December 2004 by former prime minister Helen Clark.
Sir Peter said he was excited "to be able to offer fans of the films the chance to walk around and explore this beautifully crafted set, which is a centrepiece of both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit".
