Matamata

I had my doubts after reading reviews about Hobbiton. I need not have – it was incredible.

From the enthusiastic, knowledgeable tour guides to the infinite details of the set it was well worth $75NZD.

Mum, Dad, Kim, Dan, Sean and I took the bus from the Matamata information centre to The Shire’s Rest where the tour began. I’d read that the bus was crappy etc but for a courtesy bus I thought it was fine. Not top class by any means but just you usual bus. Carolyn, our driver was lovely and happy and even though her microphone had broken gave us info on the road out.

When you’re there you change buses to another that takes you to the tour starting point. This driver was Theresa and she was equally as enthusiastic.

My favourite guide was the guy who actually took us around the set and while I don’t know his name, he was fantastic. Obviously loves his job. He provided interesting insights, pouted out things otherwise unnoticed and was full of facts and answers. He even took about 100 photos.

We just roamed around the set looking at all the houses and gardens and props. Mum’s pretty motivated to build a little Hobbit house on out farm now! I hope she does!

We took SOO many photos each. Can’t help it when it’s so cute there and there’s so much to play with.

Peter Jackson is a clever man!!

Only thing missing was my lilttlest bro Lukey. He had to stay home and study for uni, poor guy.

I will leave you with a bunch of photos – they prob tell you more than I can.

Also – maybe wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty! Not bad but as you can imagine there was some mud on the farm from the rain.