So today was the big one, what could be said to be the highlight of my trip, and maybe the main reason why I decided to come to New Zealand: I got to see Hobbiton. Yes, the Auckland museum was wonderful and seeing the natural sights of this beautiful country is certainly beyond par, but I am at heart a massive Lord of the Rings geek, and this was simply an opportunity too good to miss. In the next few days when I am down in the south island I’ll hopefully get to see more of these sets, but this was the big one, mainly because it definitely cost a fair amount to see.

The set is on an active sheep farm nearby the town of Matamata, about three hours away from Auckland. Which of course meant that I had to be up at a far too sensible time in the morning, but like a small child on Christmas day I woke up far too early, and had to force myself to sleep a few more hours until it was time to get up. From then on it was a simply coach trip out of Auckland and into New Zealand proper. It wasn’t until that point that the significance of one third of the population living in Auckland hit me. This country is almost empty outside of the towns and cities, which makes it a no-brainer for anyone wanting to film a fantasy epic without relying on expensive CGI to cover up things like power lines and fences.

After arriving at Matamata (population 7,500, of which 7 adults and a 100 schoolchildren were used as extras in the first Trilogy) we were taken on one of the oldest coaches I have ever seen to the farm itself, and there the tour proper began. It was really good fun, not only because the guide was a local and obviously a massive fan of both the original books and the film adaptations, but there was also members of a circus in the group who did a little performance when asked politely. It was one of those surreal additions that you just cannot make up. Apart from that there was a varied mixture of Swiss, Austrians, Koreans, Japanese and all sorts of nationalities. I felt a little sorry for a sweet old Australian couple who not only were subjected to light Kiwi teasing but were reminded about the Ashes ordeal. Like I said, only a little sorry.

in my previous entry I was wondering whether or not the tour would be worth the rather steep price they were asking for it, and the answer plain and simple is yes. Not only was the tour extremely well structured and informative (from the crazy attention to detail Peter Jackson gave to 2 seconds of shooting to a rather bizarre story of a 2.2 metre tall German hobbit wannabe) but the filmsets themselves were everything I wanted them to be. Its a small set, but remember its for small people! The crowning glory was of course Bag End, which unlike the other hobbit holes actually had a little bit of interior designed rather than a small empty room. It was simply glorious to see.

what was a little sad to learn about was the party tree, where Bilbo’s 111st birthday was held in the Fellowship of the Ring (if you don’t know what I am talking about, stop reading and go watch the films, because they are awesome). The tree has unfortunately come out worse from several storms that had passed through the area, and was now actually dead. They might have to remove the tree in a couple of years, which is poignant considering it was the entire reason that Jackson chose this part of New Zealand to film Hobbiton in. Before seeing this sight by helicopter he was going to film Hobbiton in 12 different locations across the country!

The tour ended with a drink and a small bite to eat in the Green Dragon pub, which was not a massive feature in the films but big in the books, and made my little nerdy heart swell with pride and joy. For a few minutes, next to a roaring fire and the rustic feel, I was actually in the shire, albeit a rather Hobbit-less one. It was a lovely way to end the day, and any Tolkien fan worth their salt must come do the same if they ever find themselves in New Zealand.

Now that that is out of the way, I’m starting to run out of ideas in Auckland for the next couple of days until I go to South Island. I was going to do a visit to a Maori village but I left it too late too book, so it looks like I’m off to an island to go wander around on. Not as exciting as visiting the film set of one of my favourite movies, but it’ll still be pleasant. Until then!