Part of the reason I wanted to go to New Zealand was so I could see the real Middle Earth. Going to Hobbiton and Weta were major priorities.
Hobbiton
Luckily my family lived a (approx) 45 minute drive away from Hobbiton so we didn't have to wait too long before we were on the tour! Our tour guide (from Scotland) joined us on the short coach ride through the Alexander sheep farm that stretches 1,250 acres. Off the bus and through the hedges, Hobbiton opens out to the marvelous view which matches the opening shots of Hobbiton in the films. It was like stepping into the film. Each Hobbit hole had its own personality, even hinting at who lived inside. The props for the original LOTR films was not made out of material built to last, but after fans of the film came looking, the idea to build a lasting set came about with the filming of the Hobbit films.
Along the tour, our guide asked trivia questions and if you got it right, you got an extra drink in The Green Dragon pub at the end.
The tour goes up and around the valley, going past Bag End and sloping towards the bridge to get to the mill and pubs across the river. There are great views of all the hobbit holes from across the river too.
A magical place indeed. Life long dream achieved that day.
