Originally taken by Quint of Ain't It Cool News

It had been rumored for some time that the new Hobbiton set in New Zealand would not be struck after filming for ‘The Hobbit’ was completed. Instead, it would be turned into a park for tourists to visit.

Well, it’s now official that the park will happen. When Peter Jackson announced that ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ will make its premiere in Wellington, he also announced the creation of the new park. The new permanent Hobbiton will be run by Shire Tours and will feature 44 hobbit holes and The Green Dragon pub.

It hasn’t yet been announced when the park will be open to the public, but this Ringer certainly feels that the incentive to visit New Zealand has never been higher. A link to the original article on stuff.co.nz can be found here.