Hobbiton

We had our first encounter with Middle Earth yesterday! 

Getting ready!

On our drive over we made our way back over the mountains along the coast by Hot Water Beach, then we entered a region which was almost totally flat. It reminded me of driving across Illinois, except it was horse country instead of corn fields. Then into some rolling green hills dotted with sheep reminiscent of Ireland and we found the Shire! 

They drive you over into the actual set area on a bus, and it is as picturesque as you would imagine from the movies. Here are a few highlights of many pictures taken as Finn and I were nerding out:

The first view - coming in from where Frodo jumps on Gandalf's cart

Maggie enjoying the Shire

An example of the detail on the hobbit holes

Hobbits? 

Pheasants hanging outside one of the hobbit holes!

There is only one hobbit hole that they let you go inside to take a nice family picture

And of course one of the highlights is Bag End!

The tree above Bag End is the only artificial tree on the set - and ALL the leaves were hand painted by locals university students days before filming because the color was off!

Where's Frodo?

You end the tour at the Inn of the Greed Dragon where you get a free drink (stout for Sarah and I, ginger beer for the kids). We found a fantastic fireplace to enjoy our drinks complete with a happy cat curled up in an armchair

The namesake art over one of the bars

Very cozy

In case anyone was concerned, no need to worry - there was indeed a gift shop and Finn did find something to get. 

You shall not pass!

New collection started...

After the tour we headed for Rotorua where we'll stay the next few nights and explore redwoods and geothermal pools!