New Zealand - 2016 - Hobbiton!!
Hobbiton Movie Set - Bagends
Finally! One of the most awaited days has finally arrived! From such a young age, Lord of the Rings were always a TOP, and
upon learning 'The Shire' movie set was actually real and still set-up, this was added to the bucket list.
Only accessible by tour, we had mixed feelings which hour to book it for. Limiting it down between the first or last tour, indecisive of which to pick, we heard:
- The first (morning) tour provides great pictures due to the sun reflecting on the hills, but is
allegedly rushed due to the following groups. - The last (dusk) tour, which unfortunately does not offer picturesque photos due to the sun
behind the houses, was more relaxed, and less touristy, especially for those 'people-less' pictures.
We did opt for the last tour. Booking through the website for $79 per person (www.hobbiton.co.nz), we headed out to the Shire Rest Cafe, where we obtained our tickets (with an amazing and cool brochure!), and hopped onto the Hobbiton Bus. Along with Mark, our well-knowledgeable LoTR tour guide, and Big John, our driver, we were driven around the Alexander Farm (a private property), where both trilogies of films were shot, with a very detailed and informative ride.
Everyone was so friendly, professional, and dedicated, our amazing tour guide was a true fan, and played the LoTR song just upon entering Hobbiton. The place was very well-kept, tidy and organised, and so fun to experience for a true LoTR fan! Not being too overcrowded (we were just a group of 20), everyone had such an amazing time! Not to mention the patience the tour guide had to take a few pictures for each person.
We walked over the Gandalf Crossing, past the Fireworks scene, viewed 'the Dell' with 9 hobbit holes, and along to Bag Ends, Samwise hobbit hole, and the festival area. The place showcases a total of 44 hobbit houses. Everything was very well recognizable.
Pure perfection for true LoTR fans! (not to mention used Kirsten as an example of a Hobbit to show film perspective).
Sun setting, we walked in the Green Dragon Pub, got served free Old English Stout and Original Pale Ale which is only brewed in Hobbiton, walked around the pub, and sat next to the fireplace, viewing the rest of The Shire from the small windows.
Twenty minutes later, our time was up, and started walking slowly towards the Shuttle Bus, seeing the displays of the lanterns slowly lighting up, watching the town coming to life during dusk.
Beyond words could express, a true memorable moment in our lives! To be fair, we walked in with limited expectations, but walked out amazed! Complete worth the money!
Is this on anyone's Bucket List? Have you already been?
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