While we have been in New Zealand for more than four months, we haven't done a very good job of getting out to see the country, having only visited Auckland and Russell so far. Partially this is because we really like Waiheke, partially it is laziness, and partially it is a wish to get really settled before heading out. Well, it is time to see more of the country, so off we go on a five day trip! Just a warning: Ilona began using her new camera so we have three cameras going on this trip (we ended up taking 882 photos during the five days: I won't post all of them!).
Our first stop is something Mike has been looking forward to: Hobbiton! Peter Jackson, for his Lord of the Rings Movies, based Hobbiton at a sheep farm outside the town of Matamata. The key aspect he needed was a lake with a large tree beside it (to be the "party tree" for Bilbo's birthday party). The site he chose is lovely, with no sign of human activity (no power lines or roads or buildings in sight).
After the movie, most of the set was taken down (a lot was made of foam, so it couldn't last long anyway). A few hobbit holes are still in place, and there are boards (and an excellent guide) to show you where things were. It was great playing "Peter Jackson" to see where things would fit. And, except for an unbelievable amount of sheep "droppings", it is a beautiful outing.
Click on the following to see many more photos!
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| Click for the Hobbiton Album |
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