Travels With Good Carma: October 2025

Hobbiton The Movie Set was my first tour in New Zealand and it is a must for all hobbit-loving humans. It is a fantastic way to introduce the next generation to Tolkien lore. I recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to ensure you get in, or book a tour well in advance. This sells out daily in summer!

I booked December 26th, weeks in advance, and was lucky to find a day with tickets available.

I selected pickup at SkyTower in downtown Auckland, since there were no pickups available at Takapuna Motor Lodge, which was north of the city. It was a quick bus ride to downtown. The public transit system in New Zealand is impressive. I have not travelled the world, but compared to my experiences in U.S. cities, Cancun, London, and County Cork Ireland, I would rate NZ buses at the top. Why? The buses are clean, frequent, go all over the place, and very affordable, with easy-to-purchase passes for budget-minded travelers.

Buses stop at many locations in Takapuna

Very clean, modern, some have built-in USB chargers

Akoranga bus station between Takapuna and Auckland

Vending of Bus Passes

I don't mean to go on about their bus system, but it really was lovely to have a way to get around that was so inexpensive! These pics are the Akoranga station, with public restrooms that were kept clean and supplied, and vending machine to purchase passes.

Public Toilets at Akoranga

I arrived downtown early and walked around the city, taking photos of Auckland city and gardens near SkyTower. I take a thousand more pictures than I could ever share, and this blog is about Hobbiton, so let's get there!

First, let me plug a chidlren's picture book I created with photos of Hobbiton, H is for Hobbits.

Now I'm gonna step out the way and let y'all enjoy the show for a minute. This is a very small taste of Hobbiton. Clicking on the image will enlarge it, toggle back.

young parents photograph their children sitting on a bench below the sign

The Hobbiton Movie Set Welcomes You

Honeybees on yellow flowers welcome you

Gandalf statue in gift shop, lifesize, wearing a Santa Hat

Gandalf welcomes you!

rolling green hills, half grass, then lush forest in the distance

New Zealand's lush landscape embraces you!

wooden artisan signage on walking path to Hobbiton

This way to Hobbiton!

If you're lucky, you get a tour guide like mine,
he was funny and did a great Gollum!

hobbit hole with yellow door, gardens in front and picket fence

One of many hobbit holes, The Shire so vast and realistic!

Real vegetable gardens? Yes!

Hobbit holes everywhere you look!
I want to live here!!

the baker's hobbit hole and display of breads out front

Adorable attention to detail. I went on about the craftsmanship and artistry in my children's book (H is for Hobbits).

lush green surrounds this hobbit hole with a red round door

I want to live here!!!

hobbit hole, green door, massive tree growing over the hill of this prestigious home

Bag End ~ Bilbo and Frodo live here!

Sign: No Admittance Except On Party Business

No, you won't see hobbits here, except those you imagine! This is New Zealand!!! Realistic. Down-to-Earth. Charming.

display of cheeses outside a hobbit hole

The Cheesemaker's Home

real veggie gardens, well maintained, ready to harvest

The veggies grown here are served in the cafe here. Amazing. Sustainable. Beauty.

Oh! We get to go inside!

interior hallway of hobbit hole, people duck due to low ceiling

What's behind the red door? All sorts of magic, trust me, you want to go to Hobbiton. Book it!

rolling green hills, lake, and The Green Dragon Inn in the distance

A taste of the authentic Shire landscape as we approach the notorious Green Dragon Inn

The Boat House on the Lake

Ever nearer to the notorious Green Dragon Inn, I tremble at the thought of what awaits inside. (jk:)

front and center view of Green Dragon Inn entrance

Enter If You Dare ~ The Green Dragon Inn

Read it and weep. It's for real.
They make a world renowned ale here that is only served at this location, The Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand. Complimentary mug at the end of the tour, or alternative beverages as you wish...hard cider, wine, and tea.
I don't recall if they have coffee.
Not a fan of ales or beers,
I opted for the hard cider.
Yum and Wow!
❤💚💖💚❤

I guess I have to include one selfie.
Good thing I remembered to take one.
(Mi no likey selfies!)

Questions? Comments? Leave below.

There are so many reasons to go to New Zealand, I don't know where to begin, so I will begin at my beginning. First, why did I pick New Zealand?

Safest place for senior ladies to travel solo!
Beautiful weather during my winter months!
I love nature!!

Let's elaborate on #1 - I wanted to travel and my husband was not available to join me. I did not want to wait. Life is short. So I decided to plan a solo trip. So many options - I looked at group tours for solo women travelers, but then I would have to do what they plan and there is pressure to make new friends. I am a happy introvert. I like the friends I have. I don't need more other peoples' drama (OPD) in my headspace. Singapore? Thailand? Malaysia? Vietnam? January is Monsoon season. I don't want to spend my vacation in my room staring at rain. I love rain, but not that much. Also, I researched safe solo travel and New Zealand came up top of the list. If it was summer in the northern hemisphere, I would go to Bergen, Norway. I wanted to spend Christmas and New Year holidays in a new and exciting non-traditional way. I would fly to Auckland and stay for ten days.

The weather in New Zealand is almost identical to California climate. The northern island is like southern California and the southern island is like northern California. It was not going to be terribly hot or muggy. It was reasonable to expect New Zealand to be lovely most of the time (and it was).

For nature lovers, NZ has more than you can possibly experience in one trip! I was so excited about all the options, I decided to look at extending my stay. I could work remotely, my normal California hours would be Tuesday through Saturday, 5 AM to 2 PM. I would have afternoons and Sunday/Monday to go hiking and exploring! So it was that I booked Airbnb at Helen & Graham's home in Waikanae for the month of January.

I flew to Auckland from Los Angeles, with a brief stop in Tahiti. Roundtrip: $1,477.81 USD

I can tolerate economy flights. This was on Air Tahiti, booked via Expedia, weeks in advance, non-refundable.

I found a room in Takapuna, a mile from the beach. It was nothing spectacular, it was purely functional and economic - it had a small kitchen, there was plenty to do in walking distance, there were health food stores nearby, and the bus system was excellent for going into the city (Auckland). I stayed at Takapuna Motor Lodge. I can only recommend this lodging for people who do not need anything fancy. For me it was perfect. The bed was comfortable. The shower was great. The kitchen was helpful for staying on my healthy diet and low budget.

On Christmas Day I walked to Takapuna Beach and got my first real taste of New Zealand culture. Views of Takapuna and Takapuna Beach...

Rangitoto Island as seen from Takapuna Beach

A typical gorgeous morning walk to the beach, Takapuna is clean, easy to navigate, and beautifully maintained.

Excellent playground for kids at Takapuna Beach

Another shot of the playground - clean, unique, great place for families!

Shells cover Takapuna Beach!

Happy Christmas Day selfie at this beautiful, peaceful beach!

A coffee shop was open on Christmas Day!
Thank you, Good Time Jo!

Lots of organic markets, great prices, and I noticed people walk to the local markets and bring their own bags. I like NZ culture!! That's right - get a little exercise and practice those eco-friendly daily habits!! I would love living amongst these people!

Happy selfie in front of my lodging, beautiful blue sky, going for my morning walk!

Takapuna Beach is a dog-friendly beach and it was great to watch so many dogs having so much fun splashing in the waves and chasing sticks and digging! All responsible dog owners. No dog waste seen. Nobody getting upset about dogs being off leash. It was so zen. I love NZ attitudes! Everyone was friendly. Everyone said "good morning" or "hello" with a smile. Amazing!