Hi Lovelies,
We left a wet and pretty miserable Omokoroa to head for
Matamata for our adventure to the world of the hobbits. Hobbiton was one of the most anticipated
places on our holiday, and it did not disappoint. 
When we arrived, it was still a little windy but the rain
had cleared and it turned out to be an amazing day for our adventure.
Hobbiton is located on a working sheep and cattle farm. It is lambing season and we were excited if
not a little grimacy at seeing a couple of very icky new borns. They are so very cute though, with there long
tails and looking like they are wearing woolly socks.
Onto the bus for our tour.
It is a short drive from Shire’s Rest to Hobbiton. Then you take a leisurely walk around the
town, checking out the hobbit holes, the gardens and hearing lots of stories
about how the set was put together.
After wandering around and seeing all 44 hobbit holes it was
off to the Green Dragon for a pint, apple cider for me and ginger beer for
Rob.
We were then taken into the marquee
where we partook in a magnificent feast. We were encouraged to eat like hobbits
- Breakfast, Second Breakfast etc.
Then it is a trip to the gift shop, back on the bus and back
to Shire’s Rest. I have to say the tour
guide, the bus drivers and all the staff do an amazing job keeping everyone
entertained while still keeping us on task.
We are here during the slow time and tours only run every 10 minutes,
During Summer they must have an enormous number of people through.
Sadly after lunch we left the halflings and headed for
Rotorua. Found our van park, then set
off for a walk through the local free thermal park and down to the waterfront.
The thermal trail is incredible, and a little on the
nose. Most of the areas are fenced off
and you can only view them from the path, but there is one area where you are
encouraged to remove your shoes and have a paddle. I braved this one, and the water is HOT. I did not stay in too long, and still ended
up with very red feet. But today my feet had friends.
Walking through the park is quite eerie in places and there
is an amazing diversity in the colours of the pools. It was raining most of the time we were there
so the colours do not come out so well.
From there it was down to the waterfront where we found a
small settlement Te Papaiouru Marae and St Faiths church. The area was not open but visitors were free
to walk around and see the area.
By then the afternoon was nearly over and it was turning
dark as well as cold, so we made a quick trip lakes edge to watch some ducks
and swans and then headed home.
We are again a little weary tonight, and I am sure we will
sleep well.
Things we learned today,
Little new born lambs are icky.
Thermal areas are a bit smelly but really cool and
interesting.
Caravan parks in NZ have hairdryers and heaters in the showers,
as well as music and hand towels.
Have a great night.
Rob and Lizzy
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