Hobbiton, Thursday morning

Up early this morning for our optional tour to Hobbiton! It's about an hour out of Rotorua so a lovely drive just getting there. Before you dtive onto the property, there is a well stocked gift shop and cafe. I think I've only seen one of the movies, or maybe two so can't claim to be a rral fan. Some people were buying up like there was no tomorrow. Anyway... In September 1988, Sir Peter Jackson 'discovered' the Alexander farm during an aerial search for suitable film sites. The story goes that during the afternoon of the Rugby finals Mr Alexander gets a knock at the door asking if it is okay to have a look over the property as it is being considered for a film site. He tells them to go ahead, but not to come back and interrupt him watching the game! Site construction started in March 1999. 39 Hobbit Holes were created. The oak tree that overlooks Bag End was cut down and transported in from near Matamata. Artificial leaves were brought in from Taiwan and individually wired onto the tree. As they weren't the exact colour the Peter Jackson wanted, cranes were brought in for people to use to spray paint every leaf on the tree to the colour he wanted, all 25,000 leaves...

It really was a fabulous walking tour around every Hobbit Hole and every one had their very own story of when it was used in each movie. Has made me determined to actually watch them all now! Our tour ended with a free drink of beer, cider or ginger beer and a huge buffet lunch in a marquee. Back on the coach and back to our hotel for a couple of hours rest until we head out again tonight for a Maori Hangi feast. The excess baggage I'll be carrying when I come home will be on my hips?