NZ Day 6 Hobbiton

Day 5 in New Zealand was another long bus ride back up to Christchurch. We made a stop at Mt. Cook- the highest point in New Zealand. However, a stop there didn't mean we saw it! :) It was a rainy, drizzly day in New Zealand with lots of cloud cover. Still some beautiful scenery, but not what we were expecting.  Back in Christchurch, we spent the night back in the same hotel we started at and got up bright and early to take a flight from Christchurch up to Rotorua on the North Island of New Zealand.

Day 6 we arrived in Rotorua, rented a car and drove out to Matamata, also known as Hobbiton!  Literally- there was a sign that said so as you entered the town. :)  As a big Lord of the Rings fan, this was one of the things I looked forward to most about our trip to New Zealand.  The trilogy was filmed on both the North and South islands, but no sets remain- except for a partial set in this tiny town of Matamata. 

The story around the "Hobbiton" farm outside of town is that Peter Jackson specfically picked this farm for the Hobbiton setting for the large tree on the property, to serve as the "party tree" during Bilbo's 111th birthday party in Fellowship of the Ring.  After some ariel views via helicopter, New Line Cinema approached the Alexander Family about using their farm for the films.  After filming was complete, the weather prevented the movie crew from removing everything in a timely manner after filming and with other pressing matters, they requested to leave the partial set until they could come back to remove it.  In that time, people started arriving at the Alexander's door, wanting to see what was left of the set.  It is unique in that it is the only set that was allowed to remain by New Line Cinema.  All other sites were returned to their natural state, but they allowed the family to set up Hobbiton Tours to allow fans, like me, the ability to visit. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the visit and all the trivia the knowledgeable guides gave during the tours.  Fans themselves, the guides enjoyed talking about Lord of the Rings and answering questions.  Our guide even took some great perpective pictures of us by Bilbo's Hobbit hole, which was very appropriate given the setting! :)  Enjoy the pics below (and more on my website ;)- make sure to watch the beginning of Fellowship of the Ring again soon!  It's so neat to have been there and then watch the movie again! :) Click here for the next post in this journey :)