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.
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| Buses stop at many locations in Takapuna |
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| Very clean, modern, some have built-in USB chargers |
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| Akoranga bus station between Takapuna and Auckland |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| The Hobbiton Movie Set Welcomes You |
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| Honeybees on yellow flowers welcome you |
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| Gandalf welcomes you! |
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| New Zealand's lush landscape embraces you! |
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| This way to Hobbiton! |
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If you're lucky, you get a tour guide like mine,
he was funny and did a great Gollum!
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| One of many hobbit holes, The Shire so vast and realistic! |
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| Real vegetable gardens? Yes! |
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Hobbit holes everywhere you look!
I want to live here!! |
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| Adorable attention to detail. I went on about the craftsmanship and artistry in my children's book (H is for Hobbits). |
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| I want to live here!!! |
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| Bag End ~ Bilbo and Frodo live here! |
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| No, you won't see hobbits here, except those you imagine! This is New Zealand!!! Realistic. Down-to-Earth. Charming. |
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| The Cheesemaker's Home |
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| The veggies grown here are served in the cafe here. Amazing. Sustainable. Beauty. |
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| Oh! We get to go inside! |
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| What's behind the red door? All sorts of magic, trust me, you want to go to Hobbiton. Book it! |
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| A taste of the authentic Shire landscape as we approach the notorious Green Dragon Inn |
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| The Boat House on the Lake |
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| Ever nearer to the notorious Green Dragon Inn, I tremble at the thought of what awaits inside. (jk:) |
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| Enter If You Dare ~ The Green Dragon Inn |
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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!
❤💚💖💚❤ |
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I guess I have to include one selfie.
Good thing I remembered to take one.
(Mi no likey selfies!) |
Questions? Comments? Leave below.
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