Post by : Saif Rahman

Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan is on holiday in New Zealand, where she stopped at one of the nation’s most visited movie locations — the Hobbiton film set. Khan posted a series of images on Instagram showing her enjoying the tranquil setting and clear skies that frame the iconic set.

In her caption she described it as a “beautiful day in beautiful Hobbiton,” tagging #visitnewzealand and #hobbitton. Followers responded quickly, praising the rolling green pastures and the quaint hobbit dwellings familiar from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies.

The film site sits on Alexander Farm, a working sheep property in Waikato that has become a permanent attraction. According to New Zealand tourism sources, the attraction comprises 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and a small lake beside a stone mill, all designed to mirror the on-screen village, with round doors, vibrant gardens and the famous Bag End residence of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.

Guided tours operate regularly across the 1,250-acre estate, offering visitors views of the Kaimai ranges and the chance to walk the paths used during filming. Most itineraries finish with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and ticket prices typically fall between $120 and $230 per adult depending on the package chosen.

Khan’s social media updates have drawn fresh attention not only to Hobbiton but also to wider New Zealand attractions, reinforcing the island nation’s reputation for clean air, broad green landscapes and welcoming communities.

Lake Taupo, on the North Island, is a frequent recommendation for visitors. About a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Auckland, the lake was created by a massive volcanic eruption around two millennia ago and now offers activities such as water-skiing, kayaking, sailing and fishing, as well as peaceful shoreline walks.

Nearby Huka Falls, fed by the Waikato River, is famed for its force; guides note that the falls can fill an Olympic-sized pool in roughly eleven seconds. Many travellers opt for a jet boat trip to experience the mist and the thunderous sound close to the waterfall’s base.

On the South Island, Marlborough is celebrated for its vineyards, in particular its Sauvignon Blanc. The region also includes the Marlborough Sounds, an intricate coastal network with more than 1,500 kilometres of shoreline, sheltered bays, historic sites and protected island reserves where visitors may spot dolphins and other marine life.

Whanganui National Park, on the North Island, offers another type of escape: dense native forest surrounding the Whanganui River. The park is visited by hikers who enjoy forest trails and by tourists taking river journeys, including jet-boat excursions, to absorb the area’s natural calm.

New Zealand’s strong association with major film productions continues to be a draw for travellers. Beyond The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the country’s diverse scenery — from emerald hills to snow-capped peaks and crystal lakes — has featured in numerous international films and often serves as a virtually ready-made backdrop.

Khan’s visit may motivate more Indian travellers to consider New Zealand. Since reopening its borders after the pandemic, the country has stepped up promotion of its attractions for Asian markets, with the New Zealand Tourism Board frequently using the phrase “fantasy meets reality” to describe destinations such as Hobbiton.

Known for her lively on-screen persona and creative work in Bollywood, Farah Khan appeared relaxed and cheerful in the photos she shared. Her followers filled comment threads with heart emojis and messages calling the site “magical” and expressing a desire to visit.

Tourism specialists point out that celebrity visits can help raise awareness of destinations. When public figures share authentic travel experiences, the destinations they visit often feel more accessible and appealing to prospective tourists.

From tranquil Hobbiton paths to Marlborough’s vineyards and the roar of Huka Falls, New Zealand continues to offer a mixture of serenity and adventure that attracts travellers seeking both natural beauty and cinematic nostalgia.

Khan’s stop at Hobbiton underscores how film locations can revive interest in a country’s wider attractions, reminding global audiences that New Zealand remains a compelling choice for travellers who want to explore landscapes that look as if they were designed for the screen.