Martin Freeman
Martin Freeman is an English actor best known for his roles as Tim Canterbury in The Office, Dr. John Watson in Sherlock, and Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy.
Martin Freeman filmed 1 production in Queenstown: The Hobbit Trilogy. Martin Freeman is an English actor best known for his roles as Tim Canterbury in The Office, Dr. John Watson in Sherlock, and Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy.
About Freeman
British actor, 1 production filmed in Queenstown.
Martin Freeman is an English actor best known for his roles as Tim Canterbury in The Office, Dr. John Watson in Sherlock, and Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy.
Freeman was Peter Jackson's first and only choice for Bilbo. He moved to New Zealand for over 18 months during filming, bringing his family to Wellington and travelling to Queenstown, Glenorchy and the Central Otago locations where much of the trilogy was shot.
He has described the experience of making The Hobbit in New Zealand as physically demanding but creatively extraordinary - particularly the weeks spent filming in the remote high country around Queenstown.
Actor portrait
Films Shot in Queenstown
Every production Freeman filmed in the Queenstown-Lakes region, with characters, roles, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
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“Freeman lived in New Zealand for 18 months with his family during Hobbit production. He has said his favourite days were filming on location around Queenstown: 'You'd turn up and think - no green screen could ever compete with this.'”
Behind the Camera
Queenstown Stories
Trivia, anecdotes, and inside stories from Freeman's time filming in Queenstown.
How long did Martin Freeman live in New Zealand for The Hobbit?
Freeman moved his family to Wellington for over eighteen months during the principal photography of The Hobbit trilogy. He spent extended periods filming around Queenstown, Glenorchy and the Central Otago high country. He later said the experience was 'life-changing' and that the landscape was 'the real star of the show.'
Where did Martin Freeman film Bilbo's journey in Queenstown?
Bilbo's trek through Middle‑earth was filmed extensively around the Queenstown region. The Earnslaw Burn valley (used as the approach to the Misty Mountains), Glenorchy and Paradise Valley (used for Bilbo's early journey) and the Remarkables range all feature prominently in the Hobbit trilogy.
Make It Real
Walk in Freeman's Footsteps
Book a tour to the actual filming locations. Experience the landscapes that inspired the performances.
NZD $307Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour
Explore the exact Middle‑earth locations, Glenorchy, Paradise, and the Dart Valley.
NZD $189Glenorchy & Paradise Scenic Tour
Visit the backdrops behind the most iconic performances. Spectacular half-day trip.
NZD $1,518Milford Helicopter Flight & Cruise
The aerial perspective that filmmakers love. Helicopter to Milford Sound with glacier landing.
Common Questions
Everything fans ask about Freeman's time filming in Queenstown.
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More Actors in Queenstown
From Oscar winners to rising stars, explore every performer who has made Queenstown their cinematic home.
Don't Stop Here
Continue Exploring Queenstown
From the cast to the locations, every layer of Queenstown on screen.
ExploreAll Film Productions
Eight productions, dozens of locations, one landscape. Explore every film shot in Queenstown.
LocationsFilm Location Guide
GPS‑tagged film locations with access guides. Find every spot, from Glenorchy to Milford Sound.
Book NowQueenstown Tours
Guided tours, helicopter flights, and 4WD adventures that take you to the locations from the screen.