Hobbiton Movie Set Chairman, Colin Harvey said: “This is a significant moment for us at Hobbiton Movie Set, having extended our relationship with Middle-earth Enterprises thus allowing the Waikato tourism business to utilize two new conference and event venues on the premises. We expect to add new features to the Hobbiton experience, which was initially generated though Hobbiton being created as a film set for The Lord of the Rings, and subsequently, The Hobbit film trilogies.”
Russell Alexander, CEO of Hobbiton Movie Set, said “In the immediate term, we are very excited to launch The Millhouse and The Hub to the business events market. These venues are fully operational and ready for use, complementing the existing tourism offering here on site. We look forward to officially opening The Millhouse at our International Hobbit Day Event on Tuesday 22 September.”
The Milhouse, a fully themed structure located on the 12-acre Movie Set, features a private dining and meeting space for up to 32 guests and a full commercial kitchen as a self-contained venue. The intimate interiors of The Millhouse make it ideal for private high-end dining experiences, small wedding receptions and corporate meetings in conjunction with a guided tour. New tour experiences will be developed in the coming months to showcase and utilize this stunning venue.
The Hub, Hobbiton’s architecturally designed head office building situated at the top of the visitor carpark at The Shires Rest™, was officially opened in March 2020. The 1600m2 venue was constructed to house the business core operational teams under one roof with staff training facilities and full catering kitchen suitable to cater lunch for all employees.
The Hub’s two conjoining rooms, aptly named the Romney and Angus rooms, after the variety of livestock breeds that are farmed on the surrounding Alexander farm, can be used separately or be combined for a flexible meeting space. The Hub can host up to 130 guests in various configurations, with breakout spaces for welcome drinks, meals or meetings available, all with stunning views overlooking the surrounding farmland and rolling green hills.
The Millhouse and The Hub join The Green Dragon™ Inn, Party Marquee & the Marketplace as facilities available for hire for private events including weddings, business meetings, evening functions and conferences.
Fredrica Drotos, Chief Brand and Licensing Officer, speaking for Middle Earth Enterprises, said that, “We are pleased to continue to be a part of the Hobbiton experience and have the opportunity to deliver pleasure to the many worldwide fans of the Tolkien works.”
Hobbiton Movie Set was closed as a result of the COVID-19 health response lockdown and closure of New Zealand’s borders in March 2020. It re-opened 7 days a week to visitors in May 2020, focused for the immediate future on New Zealand domestic tourists, business groups and events.
