My trip to Hobbiton
One of my very favorite parts about my trip to New Zealand last summer was visiting the movie set of Hobbiton, from Lord of the Rings. I've been re-reading my journal from the trip, which makes me laugh, and also brings back so many memories. I will write here exactly what I wrote in my journal the day I went to Hobbiton! (warning, it's a little nerdy!)
Sunday, June 3rd.
Forest Lodge, Owhango--a little after 9 o' clock.
We are in the cutest little cottage/hostel/lodge thing-run by Julianne and Willie! We had a really good day. We left Rotorua with no incidents and were on our way to Matamata-and Hobbiton! A deep fog settled in on our way, and it didn't lift until almost noon. I was nervous we wouldn't get to really see the Hobbiton set, but thankfully it lifted while we were out there. Our tour guied was named Teresa and she drove Sam the van (there was also a Gandalf bus, along with Frodo, Bilbo, and Merry vans). The set is entirely within a sheep farm owned by the Alexander brothers. The oldest and youngest run the farm, while the middle-Russell-owns/runs the tour company. He gave us a ride back to town, because we stayed for a sheep show. He was SO great! And he's met all the famous people-PJ, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin.
I could go on and on about how great Hobbiton was, but I'll let my 100s of pictures speak for themselves. It was so surreal though. I can't believe I was standing in all these spots I feel I know so well. I can't wait to watch the movies again and see the places I've been to! I've stood in Bag End! In Sam's front yard! Where Gandalf set off fireworks from his wago! Where Bilbo gave his speech! The party tree actually exists and it's so gorgeous!
Hobbiton has always been my favorite place in the movies. I feel I'd be a good hobbit and I love their lifestyle! And all the bright colors! And it's so GREEN! This sounds so cheesy but it's really true-I felt like I was coming home! It was the best feeling. We all felt so good and happy about life. I loved it!
We had a late lunch at Ronnie's cafe (nothing special-actually, I've concluded that in general, there's nothing special about NZ food) and then started making our way here. We stopped at Huka Falls which were pretty, and went through Taupo. Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in NZ. It's gorgeous! We drove along the coast for sometime. Then it got dark (so early!) and we finally made it here. I don't like driving in the dark. Owhango seems like a tiny town in the mountains. Very cute.
So that's my journal entry from that wonderful, magical day in my life. Seriously, me, Emma, and Al were so happy about life for DAYS after visiting Hobbiton. What's up with that? I wonder why places can have that effect on us.
Sunday, June 3rd.
Forest Lodge, Owhango--a little after 9 o' clock.
We are in the cutest little cottage/hostel/lodge thing-run by Julianne and Willie! We had a really good day. We left Rotorua with no incidents and were on our way to Matamata-and Hobbiton! A deep fog settled in on our way, and it didn't lift until almost noon. I was nervous we wouldn't get to really see the Hobbiton set, but thankfully it lifted while we were out there. Our tour guied was named Teresa and she drove Sam the van (there was also a Gandalf bus, along with Frodo, Bilbo, and Merry vans). The set is entirely within a sheep farm owned by the Alexander brothers. The oldest and youngest run the farm, while the middle-Russell-owns/runs the tour company. He gave us a ride back to town, because we stayed for a sheep show. He was SO great! And he's met all the famous people-PJ, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin.
I could go on and on about how great Hobbiton was, but I'll let my 100s of pictures speak for themselves. It was so surreal though. I can't believe I was standing in all these spots I feel I know so well. I can't wait to watch the movies again and see the places I've been to! I've stood in Bag End! In Sam's front yard! Where Gandalf set off fireworks from his wago! Where Bilbo gave his speech! The party tree actually exists and it's so gorgeous!
Hobbiton has always been my favorite place in the movies. I feel I'd be a good hobbit and I love their lifestyle! And all the bright colors! And it's so GREEN! This sounds so cheesy but it's really true-I felt like I was coming home! It was the best feeling. We all felt so good and happy about life. I loved it!
We had a late lunch at Ronnie's cafe (nothing special-actually, I've concluded that in general, there's nothing special about NZ food) and then started making our way here. We stopped at Huka Falls which were pretty, and went through Taupo. Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in NZ. It's gorgeous! We drove along the coast for sometime. Then it got dark (so early!) and we finally made it here. I don't like driving in the dark. Owhango seems like a tiny town in the mountains. Very cute.
So that's my journal entry from that wonderful, magical day in my life. Seriously, me, Emma, and Al were so happy about life for DAYS after visiting Hobbiton. What's up with that? I wonder why places can have that effect on us.