Hobbiton

The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, which were hugely successful and introduced millions to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, are probably one of the most successful unintentional tourism PR campaigns ever made.  As legend goes, the film's director, a Kiwi named Peter Jackson, scouted the country looking for perfect locations for many famous scenes, the shire being one of them.  The Shire is where the hobbits live. They have small houses built into the earth and it is verdant and lovely.  Hobbiton is "the Shire".  The location was on a huge family farm and was chosen for its rolling hills, scattering of big trees and unspoiled views (no buildings, power lines or other modern day giveaways in sight).  The film company leased the land from the family for the first film and after the roaring success of the film, when they were approached to use the land again for the next film it was suggested that the set be built more permanently to allow for tours.  And so, "Hobbiton", an incredible money making endeavor was born.

Ultimately Hobbiton is a movie set. But as movie magic would have it, it is just the facade.  All the little doors of the Hobbits' homes don't open as there is nothing behind them - the inside scenes were all filmed in a studio in Wellington. Movie magic aside, it did feel a bit like a money grab.  At $80 per adult and 40 people per tour and a tour starting every FIVE minutes from about 8am to 5pm, you do the math...  The tour was basically a quick bus ride into "the shire" a walk, led by a guide, around the shire to view the location of famous scenes from the Shire, a beer in the Shire's pub, and photo opportunities.  A little underwhelming for what you pay, but still somehow worth it.  Would we go again? No.  But would I still say to go if in the area,  probably yes.  There is something, even with the clumps of people every few meters or so snapping their own photos, that is magical about seeing the Shire.  And it is without question set in a beautiful part of New Zealand.

So, here are the requisite Hobbiton pictures.  

The "Party Tree"

Can you see another tour group beyond the garden?  That is about $3200 of entrance fees right there...

Reminded me of home

We learned about movie magic and the tricks of perspective and scale. 
Luna would look Gandolf sized if filmed in front of this door.

The tour stops at "The Green Dragon" pub, for a beer or cider.

So we don't forget ... a flat on the way to Hobbiton.  In a stroke of good luck  or maybe good planning, we left with plenty of time to get to the one expensive and scheduled activity we had planned on the North Island.  It was stressful, but much less than if we were short on time.  The kids now use this as an example of why we should leave earlier than we think we need to.  Leo was a champ tire changer and the cows kept us company.