"THE ROAD GOES EVER ON AND ON"

Our journey began with our first stop in Matamata, also known as the home of the hobbit holes. Upon arrival, you know you've reached the right place because of the most distinguishing tourism centre I've seen. It is completely designed in true Hobbiton style with the big round doors, but of course scaled up or else no one would fit inside. Matamata has truly embraced what they're now becoming internationally known for: the Hobbiton movie set. Even local store owners are trying to take advantage of the the franchise with creative new names like 'Hobbit Sushi', a favourite dish among our hairy footed friends. 

The real adventure started as we drove about 15 minutes out of Matamata to the movie set. The rolling green hills set the scene and instantly we could see why it was the chosen film location. Interestingly enough there were originally 8 different set locations across the country, that they were going to cut and edit, so it looked like it was all filmed in one place. They later decided the Matamata set had everything they needed, from the lake to the big tree in the centre of the town.The set itself was incredible; you could see the amount of work that had gone into making it. Tiny attention to detail in all the little windows and homes for all sorts of occupations any town would need such as a fish mongers and cheese shop. There are also gardeners there everyday maintaining it just for visitors like us to see it in all it's glory.  The best part was definitely the Green Dragon Inn. A new addition to the set and not used in any of the filming, but it felt authentic anyway. The fireplace was lit so you could sit around it and drink your glass of beer, cider of non-alcoholic ginger beer. All these drinks are brewed in Hamilton specifically for the Hobbiton Movie Set. 

I have never been on a movie set, and it was really a great experience to be able to see the set of a film that we are so proud is so special to us New Zealanders. If you're a fan of the Lord of The Rings and/or Hobbit Trilogy I would definitely recommend a visit.