Watched Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie and got fascinated by the beautiful and scenic location that Peter Jackson chose as the sheep farm? Or the Hobbiton Shire or the Bag End party tree? Wish to make a visit over there once to explore the astonishing site! Then the following article is for you!
To start with, you will need to visit Tauranga port from where it takes 6 hours to reach the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie set. From Tauranga you will have to make tour to Matamata just over the hills. Then from here an hour's scenic drive will bring you to the sheep farm selected by Peter Jackson for his movie masterpieces. Once you reach the fascinating location then from here the journey takes you through the undulating green hills that will remind you that your approach to the Hobbiton Shire is not far.
Now after a scenic and full of greenery tour once you arrive at the Shire's Rest, you will embark on the much awaited the Hobbiton movie set tour. This movie set is a magical dreamland exploring which is a must. It is the largest green movie set in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response to a movie set in a natural setting.
What all make this movie set such a popular and fascinating place? Apart from the greenery and beautiful ambience you will find 44 hobbit holes reflecting the profession of the fictional resident, the Mill, the double arch bridge and the party tree. The front gardens and the colorful doors create a charming view. Also you will notice that the doors to each hobbit hole is different and of various sizes. The different hobbit holes were used depending upon the scenes for an instance if the shot included a wizard then a smaller door hobbit hole was used. Similarly, while filming hobbits, larger doors were used to make the actors appear smaller.
The Bag End oak tree above Bilbo's house was not natural as Jackson wanted to hand paint more than 300,000 leaves to create a perfect shot. At this stunning location take photos at the door of Bilbo's house, Bag End, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Remember the birthday party of Bilbo where extras sipped on custom nonalcoholic ale! You can sample the ale as well along with some alcohol at the Shire's Green Dragon Inn. The tour ends here with a drink at the inn!
After the tour you can have a snack or lunch at Shire's Rest Cafe before heading back towards Tauranga. During the return you can sample honey products at Mossops honey as well as enjoy the yummy Kiwi Ice cream. Along with that you can have a look at the picturesque McClarens Falls Park and check out the stunning views from the Minden lookout.
To make the tour to magical world of the Hobbiton Movie Set from Tauranga an enjoyable and hassle free one hiring genuine tour guides is always advisable.
Martin Wynn
