Hobbiton

As a kid, I read all of the Lord of the Ring books by JRR Tolkien.  As an adult, I saw the movies that were filmed all over New Zealand.  On our way to Lake Taupo, we stopped at the movie set for the Hobbit.

Hobbiton is set in the middle of a bucolic farm near Matamata.  The 12 acre set was part of a 1200 acre sheep farm that was scouted by Peter Jackson's crew as the ideal place to film part of the movie.  Cars filled the parking lot indicating how popular this tourist destination is even though it is really in the middle of the country.

We had a private tour of the set led by a local young man that loves his job.  I really wasn't prepared for how cute this place would be.  Hobbit houses dotted the hillside with perfectly groomed yards and a beautiful lake.  You could see the attention to detail as we walked the path.  I really loved it.










After our stop, we continued on to our home for the next three nights, Huka Lodge.  This five star resort includes a five course dinner (not counting my new favorite course, pre-dessert) and breakfast.  Numerous activities are available to guests including something you don't see often, a Petanque Court.  The rooms are housed in small buildings lining a perfectly clear, fast moving river.  Black swans and ducks float effortlessly in front of our room.  This place is perfect.

Tomorrow: Helicopter Tour

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