Hobbit fans have been partying in Matamata this morning to mark International Hobbit Day.

They have been at the Hobbiton set, also known as The Shire, for an inaugural sunrise tour and breakfast birthday banquet.

General Manager at the Hobbiton Russell Alexander said it's celebrating the birthdays of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.

And for those who had too many drinks at the Green Dragon Inn and couldn't be an early riser like the hobbits, there's also a dinner banquet planned for tonight.

Mr Alexander told Mike Hosking people have come from as far as Texas to celebrate.

"I got here a bit before 5 o'clock thinking they were meant to be arriving at 5.30, but people were already here, they'd come from Taupo, Rotorua, wherever from different parts of the world that stayed."

LISTEN ABOVE: Hobbiton General Manager Russell Alexander speaks with Mike Hosking